Justin Fuente

• Fuente was named Virginia Tech’s head coach on November 29, 2015 after orchestrating a dramatic resurrection of the football fortunes at the University of Memphis. 

• The Hokies enter their sixth season under Fuente in 2021, who has compiled a 38-26 record in Blacksburg. With six more victories in 2021, he would move into fifth place on Tech’s all-time coaching victory list. 

• Since Fuente arrived in Blacksburg in 2016, the only ACC schools with more wins over that span are Clemson (65) and Miami (40). 

• The only active Power Five head coach appointed during the 2016 hiring cycle owning more victories than Fuente (38) is Georgia’s Kirby Smart (52).

• The only other active ACC head coach who could top Fuente’s 33 wins in his first four full seasons at an ACC school is Clemson’s Dabo Swinney (36).

• The Hokies have been ranked in the AP Top 25 during each of Fuente’s seasons at the helm at Tech with the squad boasting five victories against Top 25 foes.  

• The Hokies have finished in the Top 25 twice under Fuente. Tech finished the 2016 season ranked No. 16 in both the AP Poll and the Coaches Poll and concluded the 2017 season at No. 24 in the AP Top 25 and No. 25 in the Coaches Poll. 

• Prior to Fuente’s arrival, Tech had never had two players selected in the first round of the same NFL Draft. That feat has occurred twice in the past three years with LB Tremaine Edmunds (Buffalo) and S Terrell Edmunds (Pittsburgh) going in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, while CB Caleb Farley (Tennessee) and T Christian Darrisaw (Minnesota) matched that feat in the 2021 Draft. 

• In total, 15 Tech alums who have played for Fuente have been selected in the NFL Draft over the past five seasons, a list that has included versatile offensive performers such as RB Khalil Herbert and TE Dalton Keene, as well as talented linemen on both sides of the ball in DT Tim Settle and G Wyatt Teller, in addition to Tech’s 2021 selections.

• The 2021 NFL Draft illustrated the ability of Fuente and his staff to identify and develop talent. T Christian Darrisaw had no other FBS scholarship offers before developing into a first-round pick in Blacksburg. CB Caleb Farley was a record-setting prep quarterback who began his collegiate career at wide receiver before tapping his true potential at cornerback. S Divine Deablo also played QB in high school and also worked at wide receiver for the Hokies before moving to defense, where he blossomed into a third-round pick of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021. 

• In his initial five seasons in Blacksburg, Fuente has compiled a 12-3 combined record against ACC Coastal Division rivals Virginia (4-1), North Carolina (4-1) and Duke (4-1).  

• The Hokies own a 33-4 record under Fuente when leading at halftime, including a streak of five straight wins.

• Two of Fuente’s key principles for quarterbacks center around sound decision making and executing plays that result in predicted outcomes. The numbers the past five seasons back up the soundness of that philosophy despite five different QBs playing prominent roles for Tech over that span. 

• The Hokies averaged 440.7 ypg of total offense in 2020. Over the past 25 seasons, three of the top four seasons (2016, 2020 and 2018) for total offense at Tech have come under Fuente’s watch.

• The Hokies have produced the top three passing seasons in school history since Fuente and offensive coordinator Brad Cornelsen arrived at Tech - 2016 (261.4 ypg), 2018 (253.8 ypg) and 2017 (239.5 ypg).

• Three of the top five seasons in Tech annals for total first downs (2016-18) have come under Fuente’s leadership.

• The Hokies own a +77 TD-to-INT differential (118 TDs/41 INTs) since Fuente’s arrival, a mark that only Clemson (+120) and North Carolina (+84) can top in the ACC dating back to 2016. In the five seasons prior to Fuente’s arrival the Hokies were +27 (98 TDs/71 INTs).

• VT set a school-record with a 62.2 completion percentage in 2020, breaking the previous mark of 62.1 set in Fuente’s initial season at Tech in 2016.

• The Hokies led the ACC in rushing, averaging 240.1 ypg in 2020, which represented Tech’s best mark since 2000. The squad’s 27 rushing TDs were the most since 2010.

• Tech set a school record by averaging 5.58 yards per carry in 2020, the fourth-best mark by any Power Five squad last season.

• Tech’s defense has won 26 straight games when holding foes to 17 points or fewer, including six shutouts during Fuente’s tenure.

• Despite no spring practice in 2020 and a revolving door of personnel throughout the season, first-year defensive coordinator Justin Hamilton and Tech’s defense held a pair of ACC foes under 17 points a year ago, helping the Hokies post a 40-14 win vs. Boston College (10/17/20) and a 33-15 victory vs. Virginia (12/12/20).  

• Virginia Tech has continued its special teams success under Fuente and special teams coordinator, James Shibest. Over the past four seasons, Tech’s special teams    were ranked fifth overall in the nation by SportSource Analytics. 

• SportsSource Analytics has also ranked the Hokies as having the top kickoff coverage unit in the nation from 2018-20. 

• Tech has scored 13 defensive and special teams TDs during Fuente’s tenure, including five in 2017 (two punt return TDs, two INT return TDs and one fumble return TD). 

• P Oscar Bradburn concluded his Tech tenure in 2020 owning the school career record for punting average (43.5), as well as Tech’s single-season punting mark (46.5 in 2019). 

• In 2018, Tech ranked sixth among FBS squads, permitting only 350 combined punt and kickoff return yards. 

• Tech tied for second in the FBS with six blocked kicks in 2017, finished second with 413 punt return yards and led the nation in fewest return yards allowed with 335.

• Virginia Tech led the ACC and ranked sixth among Power Five squads with a 94.5 Red Zone scoring percentage in 2019. Tech also led the ACC in Red Zone defense (73.8 scoring pct.). 

• Fuente and the Hokies registered an epic victory in the longest game in ACC history, a 43-41 six-OT win vs. North Carolina (10/19/19). 

• Tech’s defense finished the 2017 season fourth in the FBS in scoring defense (14.8 ppg) and posted an FBS-best three shutouts, while only Michigan (26.1%) held foes to a lower third-down conversion rate than VT (25.2). 

• Fuente’s ability to identify and develop talent isn’t limited to the ranks of players. Multiple Fuente hires have blossomed under his tutelage.

• Tech alum Justin Hamilton was hired by Fuente as director of player development?—?defense in 2018. He was promoted to safeties coach in February 2019 before moving into his current role as defensive coordinator/safeties coach in 2020.  

• An All-ACC linebacker for the Hokies, Jack Tyler joined Fuente’s staff in 2016 as a student assistant before serving as a graduate assistant (2017-18). After a two-year stint as defensive quality control coach (2019-20) he was promoted to linebackers coach by Fuente 
in 2021.

• Hamilton and Tyler are among four former Tech alums on Fuente’s defensive staff, joining J.C. Price (co-defensive line/defensive recruiting coordinator) and Pierson Prioleau (director of player development – defense). 

• Several former Fuente assistants at Tech are now excelling thanks to their experience on his staff. Holmon Wiggins coached receivers at Tech from 2016-18 and currently serves as assistant head coach of offense at Alabama. 

• Former Tech All-America DT Darryl Tapp returned to Blacksburg under Fuente in 2020 as co-defensive line coach and now works as assistant defensive line coach for the San Francisco 49ers.  

• VT All-America LB Cody Grimm worked on Fuente’s staff from 2016-18 before joining Bruce Arians’ Tampa Bay Buccaneers staff in 2019 and earning a Super Bowl LV ring in 2020 as a defensive/special teams assistant. 

• Current Tech director of recruiting Beau Davidson began his tenure in Blacksburg as an offensive quality control coach for the Hokies. 

• Other notable former Fuente staffers at Tech working in FBS roles include: Mike Bangston (South Alabama?-?offensive line), Will Burnham (Kansas State?-?special teams graduate assistant), Johnathan Galante (Alabama?-?special teams analyst) and Zach Sparber (Duke?-?defensive graduate assistant).

The Fuentes – Justin and Jenny with daughters Charlotte, Cecilia & Caroline

The Memphis Turnaround

• Compiled a 19-6 record in his final two seasons at Memphis, guiding the Tigers to back-to-back bowl berths after inheriting a program that went 5-31 in three years before his arrival.
• Unanimous selection as 2014 American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year when he led Memphis to its first conference title since 1971.
• Guided Memphis to a 15-game winning streak that included a 37-24 win over No. 13 Ole Miss (10/17/15).
• Memphis posted a 9-3 regular season mark in 2015, capped by a 63-0 win vs. SMU in Fuente’s finale as the Tigers’ head coach.
• The Tigers concluded a 10-3 season in 2014 with a 55-48 double-OT triumph over BYU in the Miami Beach Bowl, the first 10-win season for the Tigers since 1938.
• Fuente’s final game as Memphis head coach was a 63-0 win vs. SMU (11/28/15). QB Paxton Lynch tied an FBS record with seven touchdown passes in the first half of that game. Lynch threw for a school-record 28 TD passes on the 2015 season.
• Memphis outscored its opponents by an average margin of 20.7 points per game during a run of 15 consecutive wins from 2014-15, scoring 652 points (43.5 ppg), while allowing only 341 (22.7 ppg).
• Memphis scored 471 points in 2014, shattering the old school record of 430 points set in 2004, while allowing a mere 19.5 points per game, a figure that ranked 11th among FBS squads.
• The Tigers went +11 (31 takeaways/20 giveaways) in the turnover column in 2014, finishing the campaign ranked in both the AP Top 25 and in the USA Today/Amway Coaches Polls, a first in school history.
• Fuente’s squad led Conference USA in total defense in league games in 2012, giving up just 331.6 ypg.
• The Tigers also excelled on special teams under Fuente as Tom Hornsey won the 2013 Ray Guy Award as the nation’s top collegiate punter.

Building the Blueprint at TCU

• Earned a well-deserved reputation not only as a top recruiter, but also as one of football’s most innovative offensive minds during a record-setting five-year stint on head coach Gary Patterson’s staff at TCU (2007-11).
• It was also at TCU where Fuente began a track record of developing quarterbacks and preparing them for NFL futures.
• During his final three seasons as play caller, QBs coach and co-offensive coordinator at TCU from 2008-10, the Horned Frogs produced a 36-3 overall record and went on a 24-game win streak in the Mountain West Conference.
• From 2008-10, TCU was the only program in the country that finished in the Top 10 in both the AP Poll and USA Today Coaches Poll all three of those campaigns. TCU also made back-to-back appearances in BCS bowls with Fuente on the staff, registering a 2011 Rose Bowl victory over No. 5 Wisconsin.
• In 2010, TCU set single-season school marks in touchdowns (73), points scored (541), total offense (6,199 yards) and first downs (327).
• The Horned Frogs also ranked fourth nationally in scoring (41.6 ppg), sixth in passing efficiency (166.9), 10th in rushing (247.4 ypg) and 12th in total offense (476.9 ypg) in 2010.
• His prowess for mentoring quarterbacks garnered national attention as TCU QB Andy Dalton flourished under his tutelage. From 2009-10, Dalton led TCU to a 25-1 record and set the Mountain West career record for total offense (11,925 yards).
• TCU was the only school in the nation to have two different quarterbacks rank in the top 10 in the country in passing efficiency from 2009-11.
• After Dalton completed his career as TCU’s career leader in virtually every passing category, QB Casey Pachall picked up where Dalton left off. In 2011, Pachall led TCU to an 11-2 mark, completing 66.5 percent of his throws (228 of 343) with 25 TDs and seven INTs.
• Fuente’s squad led Conference USA in total defense in league games in 2012, giving up just 331.6 ypg.

FCS Roots at Illinois State

• After beginning his tenure at Illinois State coaching quarterbacks in 2001, he added offensive coordinator duties to his assignment for his final three seasons with the Redbirds (2004-06).
• Under his direction in 2005, Illinois State ranked fifth in both total offense (477.6 ypg) and scoring (39.2 ppg) among FCS squads.

Coaching Influences

Bill Blankenship
Fuente played for Blankenship at Tulsa’s Union High School. Blankenship later served as head coach at Tulsa (2011-14) and worked with Fuente at Memphis (2015). He currently is the head coach at Fayetteville High School in Fayetteville, Ark. 
"I’d still run through a brick wall for him. Many years later, he’s still my coach, but he’s also become a great friend, confidant and mentor. I’m eternally grateful for everything he’s taught me over the years, lessons that have extended far beyond the football field. He’s taught me about life, how to treat people, how to deal with success and how to overcome adversity." – Fuente

Dick Winder
The late Winder served as Oklahoma offensive coordinator when Fuente was quarterbacking the Sooners in the 1990s. Winder retired as Gary Patterson’s quarterbacks coach at TCU following the 2006 season and encouraged Patterson to interview Fuente for that position. 
"Coach Winder was as rough and tough and as hard as they come. I would have jumped in front of a train for him, though. He was the polar opposite of Coach Blankenship personality-wise, but what an amazing coach. While my demeanor may be different, a lot of techniques and idosyncracies of coaching offense and quarterbacks specifically, I took from Coach Winder." – Fuente

Gary Patterson
Before accepting the challenge of rebuilding the Memphis program, Fuente spent five invaluable seasons working with Patterson at TCU from 2007-11 as the Horned Frogs emerged as a national power. 
"I patterned many organizational pieces of our program based on the structure of what Coach Patterson had developed at TCU. Working with Gary really prepared me in a number of facets to become a head coach. Gary’s expertise was on defense, but I really appreciated the balance he stuck between giving us his input on the offense and then giving us the freedom to operate, while being mindful of the overall picture with defense and special teams. It was a great lesson and it’s a style I try to emulate with our staff." – Fuente

Prominent QB Pupils 

BRAXTON BURMEISTER    Virginia Tech
Compiled a 3-1 record as Tech’s starter in 2020, generating 869 yards of total offense and four TDs during an injury-shortened campaign.

ANDY DALTON         TCU
D2-2011 (35th overall) – Cincinnati
Three-time Pro Bowler completed 63.8 percent (408 of 639) of his passes for 5,613 yards with 50 TDs and 14 INTs at TCU (2009-10). In 133 career regular season starts with Cincinnati, threw for 31,594 yards with 204 TDs and 1118 INTs, leading the Bengals to five playoff berths. Earned Pro Bowl berths following the 2011, 2014 and 2016 seasons. Set a career high with a 64.9 completion percentage for Dallas in 2020.

JEROD EVANS        Virginia Tech 
Set VT single-season records for TD passes (29), passing yards (3,546) and total offense (4,392) in 2016.

HENDON HOOKER        Virginia Tech
Won his first six collegiate starts for Tech in 2019, throwing 10 TDs and no INTs in those games. Led Tech by averaging 173.7 ypg of total offense and ran for five TDs in 2019. 

JOSH JACKSON        Virginia Tech
Set a VT freshman single-season record and led all FBS freshmen with 2,991 yards in 2017, while his 20 TD passes, 135.2 rating, 59.6 completion percentage and 255.0 ypg of total offense ranked second nationally among FBS freshmen. 

PAXTON LYNCH         Memphis
D1-2016 (26th overall) – Denver
Completed 555 of 856 (64.8%) of his passes for 6,807 yards with 50 TDs and 13 INTs in 2014-15. 

CASEY PACHALL        TCU
Completed 66.5 pct. of his throws (228 of 343) with 25 TDs and seven INTs in 2011.

RYAN WILLIS        Virginia Tech
Finished 2018 with 24 TD passes, the second-best seasonal mark in VT history. His 226.3 passing ypg ranked fourth, while his 3,070 yards of total offense ranked seventh. 

Other Prominent NFL Pupils 

CB ADONIS ALEXANDER    D6-2018 – Washington 
Virginia Tech        Saw action in nine games as an NFL rookie in 2018.

LB GENARD AVERY    D5-2018 – Cleveland
Memphis    Registered 21.5 sacks, 44.5 TFL at Memphis. 

S LONNIE BALLENTINE    D7-2014 – Houston
Memphis    Three INTs and 10 PDs in final two seasons at Memphis.

T MARCUS CANNON    D5-2011 – New England
TCU        Patriots (2011-19), Three-Time Super Bowl Champion.

S CHUCK CLARK    D6-2017 – Baltimore
Virginia Tech    In 63 games (30 starts), owns 203 tackles (130 solo), three INTs, three FRs with one TD, four FFs and 2.5 sacks. 

TE ALAN CROSS    FA-2016 – Tampa Bay
Memphis    Played in 36 games for Buccaneers (2016-18).

T CHRISTIAN DARRISAW    D1-2021 – Minnesota (23rd overall)
Virginia Tech    Consensus All-America second-team selection, first-team All-ACC pick in 2020. All-ACC honorable mention in 2019.

S AKEEM DAVIS    FA-2014 – Washington
Memphis    Played in 21 NFL games (2014-16).

S DIVINE DEABLO    D3-2021 – Las Vegas
Virginia Tech    First-Team All-ACC in 2020, led Tech with four INTs. Was second on Tech’s defense with 84 tackles in 2019. 

G JORDAN DEVEY    FA-2013 – Baltimore
Memphis    SB XLIX champion with Patriots (2013-14), also played for 49ers (2015), Chiefs (2016-18) and Raiders (2019).
 
S TERRELL EDMUNDS    D1-2018 - Pittsburgh (28th overall) 
Virginia Tech    Has played in 47 games (43 starts), producing 251 total tackles (172 solo), three INTs and one FR with Steelers. 

LB TREMAINE EDMUNDS    D1-2018 – Buffalo (16th overall) 
Virginia Tech    Two-time Pro Bowler owns 355 tackles (223 solo), 19.0 TFL, 5.5 sacks, three INTs, 24 PDs, 2 FFs and a safety in 46 career starts. 

K JAKE ELLIOTT     D5-2017 – Cincinnati
Memphis    2014 & 2015 American Conference Special Teams POY; Super Bowl LII winner with Eagles (2017). 

CB BRANDON FACYSON    FA-2018 – L.A. Chargers
Virginia Tech        44 games played (four starts) with 60 tackles, two FRs. 

CB CALEB FARLEY     D1-2021 – Tennessee (22nd overall) 
Virginia Tech     2019 First-Team All-ACC, led the conference with 16 passes defended. Also registered four INTs and 12 PBUs.

WR ISAIAH FORD     D7-2017 – Miami
Virginia Tech     VT career leader with 24 TD catches. Ranks second in receptions (210) and receiving yards (2,967).
 
WR MOSE FRAZIER    FA-2017 – Carolina 
Memphis     135 receptions for 1,599 yards and eight TDs at Memphis. 

RB KHALIL HERBERT     D6-2021 – Chicago 
Virginia Tech     Third in the nation with 1,791 all-purpose yards in 2020, with 1,182 rushing yards, second-best ACC total. 

TE BUCKY HODGES    D6-2017 – Minnesota 
Virginia Tech    VT’s all-time TE receiving leader - 133 catches for 1,747 yards with 20 TDs.  

DE MARTIN IFEDI    D7-2015 – St. Louis 
Memphis     Owns Memphis career record with 22.5 sacks.

WR TEVIN JONES     FA-2016 – Houston
Memphis    Played in five games for Steelers in 2019. 

TE DALTON KEENE    D3-2020 – New England
Virginia Tech    Caught 59 passes for 748 yards & eight TDs at VT (2017-19). 

WR JEREMY KERLEY    D5-2011 – N.Y. Jets
TCU        Jets (2011-15), 49ers (2016) 246 recs., 2,892 yards, 12 TDs.  

C JAKE KIRKPATRICK    FA-2011 – Indianapolis
TCU        2009 Rimington Trophy winner; All-America pick by SI.  

CB ARTHUR MAULET    FA-2017 – New Orleans
Memphis    Played in six games as a rookie in 2017.     

LB WYNTON MCMANIS     FA-2016 – San Francisco 
Memphis    Played 12 games for Calgary (CFL) in 2017.

CB BOBBY McCAIN    D5-2015 – Miami
Memphis    Has played in 71 games (40 starts) for Dolphins, recording six INTs, 25 PDs, 4.0 sacks and 208 tackles (161 solo). 

WR ANTHONY MILLER    D2-2018 – Chicago 
Memphis    First-team All-America had 238 catches for 3,590 yards with 37 TDs at Memphis. 134 recs. in 47 NFL games.

T MARSHALL NEWHOUSE     D5-2010 – Green Bay
TCU        133 career NFL games (81 starts). 

T YOSUAH NIJMAN     FA-2019 – Green Bay
Virginia Tech    Played in all 16 games for Packers in 2020. 

WR CAM PHILLIPS     FA-2018 – Buffalo
Virginia Tech     VT career leader with 236 catches for 3,027 yards. 

WR LAURENT ROBINSON     D3-2007 – Atlanta
Illinois State    192 receptions with 29 TDs at Illinois State 

RB SAM ROGERS     D6-2017 – L.A. Rams
Virginia Tech    Accounted for 1,507 yards of total offense & 12 TDs at VT.

K JOEY SLYE    FA-2018 – N.Y. Giants
Virginia Tech    Tech’s all-time leading scorer (403 points). 54 made FGs with the Panthers. Led NFL with eight FGs of 50+ yards in 2019. 

CB GREG STROMAN        D7-2018 – Washington
Virginia Tech        Owns 38 tackles (31 solo), 1 FF, 1 FR and four PDs in 20 NFL games (three starts).  

G WYATT TELLER    D5-2018 – Buffalo
Virginia Tech    2020 PFF All-Pro Team selection for Browns; 34 career NFL games (27 starts); 2017 First-Team All-ACC selection. 

RB MATTHEW TUCKER    FA-2013 – Philadelphia
TCU        Eagles (2013-14)

Playing Highlights

• Was recruited to the University of Oklahoma by Howard Schnellenberger and played two seasons for the Sooners.
• Saw duty in 20 games at OU and led the Sooners to a 30-27 upset in win overtime against No. 25 Texas in the Red River Shootout (10/12/96) in the inaugural Big 12 contest between the two longtime rivals. Also set an OU freshman record with 11 TD passes that season.
• Transferred to Murray State, the same school that Frank Beamer coached prior accepting the Virginia Tech job in 1987.
• Set 11 schools records during his two-year career at Murray State, completing 458 of 794 passes (57.7%) for 6,372 yards with 50 touchdowns and 20 interceptions, good for a 140.8 rating. Also scored two rushing TDs and had a 15-yard reception.
• Posted a career-high 553 yards at Southern Illinois (9/11/99) and threw for 470 yards and five TDs in his final game against Kentucky Wesleyan (11/20/99), leading the Racers to a 53-0 victory.
• Named the 1999 Ohio Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award.
• Played professionally for the Arena Football League’s Oklahoma Wranglers before embarking on his coaching career.

Fun Facts on the Fuentes

• 
  
• Fuente’s great grandfather, Jack, supported his family during the Great Depression as a professional wrestler under the nicknames "The Spanish Red Devil" and "Spanish Jack".
• The most popular conversation piece in Fuente’s office is a WWE title belt that was presented by Memphis native Jerry "The King" Lawler after Fuente’s Memphis squad won a share of the 2014 American Athletic Conference championship.
• Other notable pieces of wrestling memorabilia in Fuente’s office include a pair of personalized photos from Hall of Fame wrestling announcer Jim Ross, who once served as a high school football referee in Oklahoma.
• Current Virginia Tech offensive line coach Vance Vice held that same role at Murray State when Fuente was the Racers’ quarterback. Vice is also an Oklahoma native and once played in a high school game where Ross was an official.
• Current Tech assistant head coach Galen Scott introduced Fuente to his future wife - the former Jenny Kabbes - while Fuente and Scott were roommates at Illinois State.
• Jenny was an accomplished athlete in her own right as a volleyball student-athlete at Illinois State. The 1998 Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year was a first-team all-conference choice in 1999. After major shoulder surgery, sidelined her in 2000, she returned to the court to earn second-team All-MVC honors in 2001 and first-team accolades as a senior in 2001. She holds a business degree from Illinois State in addition to earning a master’s degree in kinesiology and recreation with an emphasis in sport management.
• An avid golfer and fisherman in his limited free time, Fuente enjoyed the thrill of playing Pebble Beach in June.
• The Fuentes are the proud owners of two dogs – Petey & Bear.