BLACKSBURG – Partaking in his first media day at Virginia Tech as head coach, Brent Pry and his three coordinators took the podium to field questions from the media on Wednesday. For snippets of what was said, read below.
Head coach Brent Pry
Opening statement:
"Appreciate everybody being here. It's hard to believe we are already at our first media day. Obviously, we are preparing for practice each and every day, with walk-throughs in the morning, practices in the afternoon and meetings at night. So, we're pretty locked and loaded. But it's good to have everybody here and I appreciate the coverage of Virginia Tech football and our preseason camp. We've had a good camp. The guys have really worked. They've competed while we've pressed them. We've had a lot of tough conversations and learning opportunities, but the guys have responded well. We've got a lot of work to do, but we're excited about the progress to this point."
On if any particular players have relished a second chance of utilizing a clean slate with a new staff:
"I think there are a bunch of guys who have done that. There has been kind of a renewed outlook for the majority of the team that this was a chance to reboot. I said as much to them, we did not as a staff go back to the previous staff and get opinions. We didn't want that. It was a clean slate. No matter where it's been or what's happened or mistakes that were made or weaknesses that were there, we're going to identify things as we move forward. What's important to this staff may not be important to the previous staff and vice versa. We wanted an atmosphere that the majority of the team would feel that way."
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Offensive coordinator/tight ends coach Tyler Bowen
On how he identifies who leaders are going to be and how he coaches and refines leadership:
"As far as identifying them, we've been doing that going through winter workouts and summer workouts. The neat thing with the NCAA rules is that we're allowed some more time with them. I think you're seeing some of that on our unit. As far as developing, I think that's conversations that you have. I think leadership is something you have to coach. I think a lot of young players want to be a leader, they just don't know the right way to go about it. So, we have those conversations, as positions coaches, regularly."
On Braelin Moore switching from defensive line to offensive line and his progression:
"We are very excited about Braelin. No. 1, he's a very good athlete and plays the game with tenacity. He's very smart. It's been impressive to me, being on the defensive side of the ball in the spring and him moving over to offense recently and how quickly he's picked up concepts. He's still got a long way to go, but we are very excited about his future."
Defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Chris Marve
On the cornerback competition:
"I think that starts with Coach [Derek] Jones and he takes a tremendous amount of pride in coaching the corners. That's not just in their technique or how they align, but their mentality, too. From our arrival here, we've seen a tremendous amount of growth in all of the young men that you just named. When it comes to specifically to playing on the football field, you've seen them mature in different areas, whether that's levels of aggression or consistency in their execution or how they finish plays. So, it's been really fun to watch. It starts with Coach Jones."
On the defense getting back to its glory days:
"Well, when I walk in the building every day, Bud Foster is upstairs and Brent Pry is down the hall. So, you got a lot to live up to, right? Then when I look across the hall way, Xavier Adibi is in an adjacent office. You have a tremendous amount of experience and pride that comes along not only with the program, specifically with the defensive part and segment of the team. So, we talk about that a good amount, because to know where you're going, you have to know where you've been. There is tremendous value in knowing the people that have paved the way before you, so you can operate in a way of honor."
Special teams coordinator/running backs coach Stu Holt
On punter Peter Moore and his development:
"Pete has really had a good camp. Much improved from the spring, with a new system and terminology. I think it took him a little bit to get used to that. It took Nick Veltsistas a bit too, so that position has been competitive. Nick has come out here and hit the ball really well, but Pete is ahead right now."
On the battle for the leader in the pack in the running back room:
"It's kind of 1A and 1B. I love the leadership value of both of those guys. They both have different styles of leadership. I think Jalen [Holston], being an older guy, leans towards being vocal and backing it up with his play. I think Malachi [Thomas], being a younger guy, is someone who doesn't say as much, but backs it up with his play. So, I think both of those players are very well-rounded. They can play on any down, any situation and do what they are asked to do. So, very pleased with both of those guys."