Soundbites: Coach Franklin and coordinators meet with the media during Fall Camp

BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech football Head Coach James Franklin took to the lectern Sunday afternoon to meet with the media as his football program heads into the heart of Fall Camp. The Hokies hit the practice field for the first time this past Wednesday to begin preparations for the upcoming 2026 campaign that begins with a September 5 meeting with VMI in Lane Stadium in primetime. 

Head Coach James Franklin
Opening statement:
"I thought we did have a really good offseason that positioned us, but we've got to make sure all of those things translate to Saturdays at Lane Stadium or it doesn't matter. I like where we are headed, I like how the guys are working and the staff has been excellent, very confident with that, and so we are excited. Stacking days and getting better every single day and again I am pleased with how the staff and the players are working to build our standard, our culture, how we operate and see things."

On evaluating the offensive line:
“How do we get the best five on the field and what is that? I think we've done a pretty good job of teching, I think Matt Moore (and his staff) have done a really good job of teaching position flexibility to allow us to get the best five on the field ... That's going to be the challenge (finding the best five) and getting them enough reps together so they can build the chemistry and cohesion that we need."

Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers Coach Brent Pry
On what he is most looking forward to for the 2026 football season:
"Calling the defense. I am really enjoying it, I am looking forward to watching thes kids play. As hard as they are working, as hard as they are training, I am looking forward to seeing them take the field and play their butts off, play the scheme, play the package, I am excited about it."

Offensive Coordinator / Tight Ends Coach Ty Howle
On the getting all of the running backs onto the practice field together for the first time:
"It's been good to get those guys out there, we have a ton of film on (Marcellous Hawkins) from here last season so getting to see him do it live. Then, obviously the guys who came in and joined the program they had film as well but what does it look like against Virginia Tech right? It's been great for us to get to see them, it's been great to get to develop them and I think those guys can help us.

Special Teams Coordinator Doug Shearer
On Fall Camp run by Head Coach James Franklin:
"I think that we are really efficient at practice. We get probably more reps than anywhere I've been, not just on special teams but offense and defense. We're really big into two-spotting things and that allows guys to get physical reps. You can learn by watching, that's one thing but sometimes it's hard especially when you are a younger player you have to go out and do it. Whether you do it right or wrong you learn pretty quickly so we are able to get thes guys on the field and in position and do it the right way and I think that helps our players get better faster."