BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech football concluded a successful Phase Two with its annual Spring Game, presented by PMSI. Head coach Brent Pry, along with coordinators Tyler Bowen and Chris Marve, spoke with the local media following the final whistle. Student-athletes also participated in breakout sessions, with graduate transfer Aeneas Peebles stepping to the main podium.
Read below to see what they had to say.
Head coach Brent Pry
On the team's evaluation for Phase Two:
"Every time I get excited, there's been caution, kind of creeping in. You realize we've got all summer and a ton of things we have to get done. We've had all camp, a lot of the things that we need to get done. I love that we know more about our team, more about more guys, what we're gonna get. That proved true this spring. The guys that finished strong, they had good springs. It's just getting this next group to be ready to play. We're making strides there."
On defensive lineman Keyshawn Burgos' impressive performance:
"He played like he was mad today. I have to get him mad at me all the time, I guess. He's one of the more improved guys on the team. We only gave out two awards, one offense and one defense in that department today. But he was in that conversation. He's got a great motor, and I think he's been more focused this spring. He's complained less, he just works, he just puts his nose down. He's coachable more so than he's ever been, it's paying off."
Offensive Coordinator Tyler Bowen
On the offensive installment with fans in the stands:
"It was great, it was the same as it has been. That's been a pretty turnkey approach. Stu, Carter and those guys in the equipment room have done a really nice job. We've been able to go two and one with the defense every day and then today the quarterbacks had all three. I think it's a valuable tool. I think it certainly helps the offense more than the defense and we'll continue going with it. Each quarterback's a little different with the information that he wants out there. So that's a give and take. That's a communication process with each of those guys. But I think it's been pretty turnkey as far as going in and using it. Tyler, we can train them today on Monday."
Defensive Coordinator Chris Marve
On the growth of freshman safety Quentin Reddish:
"I think he'll be a contributor, man, he doesn't panic. Long, can run, has good length, is not afraid of contact. He's not afraid of being challenged by an older receiver, tight end or running back and he's not afraid to throw it around. He's got a lot of development to do, between the ears, but also with his body. But he's got some gifts. He is hungry, and we are excited he's a Hokie."
Defensive Lineman Aeneas Peebles
On winning defensive MVP for the spring:
"I feel like I always feel I can do more and I feel there's still a ceiling I need to reach, you know, I don't feel in any way that I'm tapped out as a player, I still feel that there is more development I could do. So, it's really an honor to receive that from my teammates and my coaches staff."
