Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech football held its media day as head coach Brent Pry and his three coordinators spoke at the podium with local media on Tuesday. For sound bites from each press conference, read below.
Head coach Brent Pry
On the improvement and depth of the running back position group:
"Obviously, I think a healthy Malachi Thomas. I really saw some things out of him this camp, that I haven't seen out of him since I've been here. Some cuts and some acceleration. Then with the addition of Bhayshul Tuten and what he brings, the balance, vision, explosiveness. Good ball skills both those guys. And Chance Black has continued to build on the spring he had. It's a good group. Got a couple of good young guys, Jeremiah Coney and Tralon Mitchell. I've been excited about what I've seen out of Tralon in this camp. He's a big, good-looking athlete."
Offensive Coordinator Tyler Bowen
On the offensive line helping to improve the run game:
"At every position, it starts with 100 level, just the basics, technique, footwork, fundamentals, our mentality. But two, just what we're asking them to do schematically. I think we've done a much better job of really researching this year and not installing an offense. But really installing an offense that suits the offensive line from a run game standpoint. There's a lot of good plays right, but we have to make sure our guys are able to go execute those plays. I've seen us grow in that area and we've really doubled down on that as far as the reps that we're putting forth in the run game at practice."
Defensive Coordinator Chris Marve
On calling plays as the defensive coordinator this season:
"First and foremost, I have to acknowledge and recognize that it's not my defense, it's ours. It takes a collective effort between myself, coach Price, coach Cheetah, coach Prioleau, coach Quinn and all of our QCs and Gas and all of our student workers. To get our guys going in the direction we need them to go so that on Saturdays we get the product that we want."
Special Teams Coordinator Stu Holt
On blocking more field goals and being more aggressive this season:
"It's been a big emphasis this summer. We're able to work with the guys in the summer more than we have in the past. That has been a big emphasis for us. What's going to help us more than anything is that our team speed is better."
Tech hosts Old Dominion on Saturday, Sept. 2 at 8 p.m. ET to start their 2023 campaign. Fans can now purchase single-game tickets and choose their preferred seat locations for the season opener.
Gallery: (8-8-2023) FB: 2023 Media Day