Winter workouts continue as Tech preps for start of spring practiceWinter workouts continue as Tech preps for start of spring practice
Football

Winter workouts continue as Tech preps for start of spring practice

Virginia Tech Football Season Tickets

BLACKSBURG – The Hokies are in the midst of the fifth week of the team's winter strength and conditioning program under the direction of Ben Hilgart in preparation for the start of spring practice, which is slated to begin on Saturday, March 21. In addition to work in the weight room, Hilgart and his staff put the squad through weekly "Speed School" workouts to enhance players' quickness and overall speed. Progress is tracked using GPS technology and is also employed during weekly post-lift "Colorado" workouts. 
 
In addition to prepping for the start of spring practice, players are also competing for one of the highly-coveted hard hats presented following the conclusion of the spring semester. Hard hats are awarded based on a number of criteria established by Hilgart and his staff. In addition to meeting or exceeding physical performance and testing goals, attitude, enthusiasm and leadership are also factored into the equation. 
 
Two other important dates to keep in mind for spring: Pro Day is currently slated for Friday, March 20 and the 2020 Spring Game is slated for 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18. Stay tune for more details once finalized. 
 
Spring Football by the Numbers 
We're a little over a month away from the start of spring football practice, so here are a few key numbers to get you prepped …
 
2 – Coaches in New Roles
Justin Hamilton adds defensive coordinator duties to his duties as safeties coach, while Adam Lechtenberg enters his first season as running backs coach after serving in several different capacities over the past three seasons. HokieVision caught up with both of them recently to discuss their new roles, their relationship with head coach Justin Fuente and more. 
 
4 – New Assistant Coaches 
ICYMI, we recently caught up with Tracy Claeys (Linebackers coach), Ryan Smith (Cornerbacks coach), Bill Teerlinck (Defensive Line coach) and Darryl Tapp (Co-Defensive Line coach). We'll hear more from this talented quartet coming soon. 
 


 
19 – Returning Starters  
A total of 19 players on offense and defense who started at least six games in 2019 are back for Tech in 2020. One of those players is QB Hendon Hooker, who won his first six starts for the Hokies last season. The first installment of our "Hard Hat Series" is currently in production, as Hooker is joined by teammate QB Quincy Patterson. The duo discusses what they enjoy most about Tech, their coaches and teammates, their unique relationship, as well as their musical tastes. You won't want to miss it! 
 
Cam Phillips Off to Hot XFL Start
WR Cam Phillips caught eight passes for 63 yards with three TDs as the XFL's Houston Roughnecks moved to 2-0 on the season with a 28-24 victory over the St. Louis Battlehawks. Phillips hauled in four passes for 67 yards with a 50-yard scored last week as Houston posted a 37-17 win over the Los Angeles Wildcats. Tech alum Colton Taylor serves as the long snapper for the Roughnecks. 
 
Phillips on Three-TD Game for Houston 
bit.ly/Cam-XFL
 


 
TE Dalton Keene preps for NFL Scouting Combine 
Dalton Keene will be among the 337 players invited to the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine that runs Feb. 23 until March 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The bench press for tight ends is scheduled for Feb. 26 with on-field workouts taking place on Feb. 27. We'll have a correspondent in Indianapolis and will share all the best video, results and interviews. Keene recently told Mike Barber of the Richmond Times-Dispatch that he is currently in Dallas working out at Exos, a training center where he runs, lifts and works through specialized drills to prepare for the combine.  
 
Dalton Keene – NFL Draft Profile 
bit.ly/KeeneIndy
 
Could Tyrod Taylor be the 2020 starter for the Chargers? 
With the 16-season tenure of QB Philip Rivers with the Chargers coming to an end last week with Rivers prepared to become a free agency, there is some speculation that Tech alum QB Tyrod Taylor could have the inside track to earning the starting job for Los Angeles in 2020. Taylor and Chargers' head coach Anthony Lynn previously worked together in Buffalo, and don't forget, Taylor did lead the Bills to the NFL Playoffs in 2017, snapping Buffalo's 17-year postseason drought. 
 
CBS Sports on Tyrod Taylor 
http://bit.ly/TTBolts

Gallery: (2/17/2020) 2020 FOOTBALL WINTER WORKOUTS