Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin spoke to the media Monday afternoon following the Hokies’ 34-24 win over Georgia Tech on Saturday. Virginia Tech’s next game is at Clemson in Death Valley, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Head Coach James Franklin
Opening statement:
“Last week was a good week for Virginia Tech. A lot of cool things going on. We get the win, Homecoming, a lot of people back in town, which is always great. Named a new president. Coach Beamer’s birthday, gave him his birthday wish, which was a win. Just a ton of good things. Great fans, great environment. Big recruiting week for us as well. We’re pleased with getting a win, but still have progress that needs to be made in a lot of different areas. But I am excited, really, about all the progress we’ve made since we’ve been here in a short period of time. A ton of people that we can thank for that help. What you’re seeing on the field, things off the field, the support we’re getting, recruiting, all of it. Our attention shifts to Clemson. A program, a coach, a university we’ve got a ton of respect for. Been doing it at a high level for a long time. [They] run a first-class operation. Football has been successful and important and invested in the right way for a long time. This will be a challenge. I think there’s no doubt in my mind, and probably anybody that studies college football closely, it’s one of the more talented rosters. They always are. We’re looking forward to going there. Should be a great environment.”
On what makes Aycen Stevens so effective as an edge rusher:
“I think it’s a combination of a couple things. He’s a smart guy. He’s a coachable guy. He’s big and athletic. And he has thrived since we have arrived here. He’s bigger, he’s stronger, he’s faster. He put up really good numbers this spring. He’s also a very consistent guy, which sometimes in college, that is the challenge. To get these guys to do their job on a consistent basis. They’re [the defensive line] not hunting to make plays, they’re doing their job within the framework of the defense and letting the plays come to [them] when they do. I also think (Run Game Coordinator and Defensive Line Coach Sean Spencer) is as good as anybody in the country in terms of development. If you look at Coach Spencer and (Defensive Coordinator & Linebackers Coach) Pry’s time together, they’ve done a really good job in that area. Sacks and tackles for loss. That trend is continuing. When we watched the tape last year, he had a bunch of opportunities and wasn’t really able to finish the rush or finish the play. He was close. When you think about a guy who last year, I hope I’m accurate here, went from no sacks to second in the country. He has embraced it all. That’s what you want. We need that to continue. I’m not surprised.”