Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – With Virginia Tech football alums and local businesses around this weekend for Tech's annual spring game, presented by PMSi, the Hokies hosted a professional development night in their recently renovated Sanghani Player Lounge on Thursday.
Companies like Pepsi, LEARFIELD and more were at tables connecting with Tech's current roster, as players made introductions at high-top tables and discussed their future with potential employers.
"I know the VT alumni always show out for their Hokies," wide receiver Kaleb Smith said. "I don't know 100 percent of what I'm going to do job-wise in the future, but this was definitely an opportunity I wanted to take advantage of."
Smith and his teammates got to shake hands and connect with representatives from over 20 companies. Of those businesses, some prominent Tech football alums were present, including Aaron Rouse and Kevin Jones.
Gallery: (4-14-2022) FB: Professional Development Night
Rouse, who was an All-ACC player at the rover safety position and later went on to be a third-round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, was very complementary of the renovated facility and the welcoming arms he and his wife, Jennifer, received from the football staff.
"First of all, I want to say a huge thank you to Mehul Sanghani for his contributions to this new player lounge, which is totally awesome," Rouse said. "It also feels great to be back and I can really feel that positive, Hokie energy that I was accustomed to in the Frank Beamer era. Coach [Brent] Pry has definitely restored that here, and I'm excited to be able to connect and give insight to the current student-athletes on the world outside of football."
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When asked about what he told the players throughout the night, Rouse touched on being flexible and keeping an open mind when looking for jobs. He mentioned he didn't really see himself in politics after school – he currently is running for the Virginia State Senate in District 22 – but has enjoyed that aspect of his life and was an open book to the players asking questions.
This marked the first of many events lined up for the Hokies for their spring game weekend, with the game taking place on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET at Lane Stadium. To purchase tickets ($5) to the contest, click here.