CHARLOTTE – Head coach Justin Fuente and select Virginia Tech football student-athletes took to the podium during the 2021 ACC Kickoff Wednesday morning, July 21. Read what Fuente and the rest of the Hokies had to say:
HEAD COACH JUSTIN FUENTE
(On the state of Tech's running game) You're right, it will be difficult to replace Khalil (Herbert). He was the source of so many big plays. I'm not sure in my coaching career if I've ever had a season with that many big, long runs. But in regards to Braxton (Burmeister), Braxton is -- he'll probably get mad at me for saying this, but he's probably one of the top three or four athletes on the entire team. He'd say one or two, but I'm going to say three or four. He has played, played as a young player, played some last year. He's got a chance to be really, really explosive. We need to continue to find a way to share that load, though, out of the tailback room. Braxton is an accomplished thrower of the ball as well. I feel better about that part of it than I have in some time. But we're going to need to find a way. I don't know that Braxton is going to be the answer to the production that we lost from the tailback position. We're going to have to have Jalen Holston, we're going to have to have Raheem Blackshear, we're going to have to have some young guys that I think have some real, real talent step in there and be able to contribute as well.
(On his expectations for defensive coordinator Justin Hamilton and the Hokies' defense this fall) I think if we've learned anything, it's that practice is actually important. We, like everybody else, were deprived of spring ball. Our fall camp, once the students hit town, deteriorated into survival mode really quickly. We had no foundation. I think that's what we've gone back to throughout the 15 practices in the spring. I like the changes we've made and the additions we've brought in to our staff, both from a recruiting standpoint and from a schematic standpoint and knowledge standpoint. I think having Jon Tenuta in there to be the elder statesman has been a beneficial thing throughout the spring. I'm awfully happy that he's with us. But the thing that ultimately hurt us in a succinct way is we could not create an identity because we had no foundation. I think we're well on our way to establishing that foundation and creating our identity.
(On what it will feel like with fans in attendance at Tech's home opener) Home games in Lane Stadium are special and unique. Our fans are the best fans in all of America. Our fans show up to the game not to be entertained but to participate, to help our football team win the ballgame. They've been deprived of that opportunity. But it's more than a game. It's a social event. People show up several days early and begin tailgating, preparing. There's friends and family members they haven't seen that they're all going to be back together for the very first time. I anticipate it will be a special night, an emotional night, something that we'll remember for a long time.
QUARTERBACK BRAXTON BURMEISTER
(On his progress as a leader and taking over Tech's offense) This off-season has really helped with that whole process. Having spring ball this year, being around my guys every single day, I think that I've really evolved as a leader, learned how to communicate better, kind of take ownership of the whole offense. I think the guys around me see that and are giving me that opportunity to do so.
(On the importance of building chemistry with the Hokies' receivers) Yeah, chemistry is a huge deal, especially this off-season being able to get with the guys, that's something that we've communicated often. We get out there. We have a skills and drills, play and run practice two times a week. Some of our guys try to get together another two times a week. We're really throwing four times a week. I think it's really going to benefit us and show throughout the season.
(On his biggest point of emphasis he worked on during spring practice) Definitely getting more comfortable with our receivers and building that chemistry, building timing. We throw a lot of timing routes, a lot of quick outs, a lot of 10-yard outs. And feeling comfortable to really rip those outs and throw them hard and just being on time with the guys.
TIGHT END JAMES MITCHELL
(On what he did in the offseason to improve) Yeah, first off, I added a lot of weight to my frame. Since the last season, I've gained eight to ten pounds. I'm running well. I'm as strong as I've ever been. That was a huge part of me coming back, was continuing to get stronger. I play down there in the trenches. Continue to be able to block those guys on the line. Also working on my routes. I try to do a lot of things for the offense. Being able to go out there and run routes against DBs and safeties, that's also something I've tried to focus on.
(On Tech's offense with Burmeister at quarterback) I would say one thing about him. He's definitely a confident player. When he steps in the huddle, he's calm, cool and collected. He knows how to get guys behind him and play for him. Since we had a full spring and a full summer, he's really stepped up with his communicating, just trying to lead guys and stuff like that. He came in last year against Clemson late, started the season and came in against Clemson and UVA. I thought we played really well at the end there with him at the quarterback.
SAFETY CHAMARRI CONNER
(On the current state of Tech's secondary) I'm very excited for our secondary actually. We got a lot of guys back. We got a lot of guys that got a lot of experience over the last year. We got a lot of guys moving around. We got a lot of depth, much more depth in our safety room, our cornerback room. I'm just excited to get started.
(On wearing the No. 25 jersey) It means a lot. We take a lot of pride in special teams, Beamer ball. It means a lot to be acknowledged and for the coaches to choose to put me in the 25.
(On facing North Carolina in the season opener) They are a very talented team. I haven't really gotten into it all the way yet. I've been focusing on the summer. We'll get there when we get there.