Signing Day Press Conference (11:55 EST, Streamed on Hokiesports)

use this thread for signing day presser discussion. it is streaming on hokiesports via the link below

https://hokiesports.com/watch/?Live=672&type=Live

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Comments

This could be interesting. Is Fu taking questions from the media? It couldn't possible be worse than yesterdays presser, right? Right?

Let me get my popcorn ready

Whit said Fu would

Hokie Club member since 2017, TriumphNIL subscriber since 2023

Football school, Women’s basketball school

Do these things usually start late?

Great mask fling by Fu... off to a good start

Hokie Club member since 2017, TriumphNIL subscriber since 2023

Football school, Women’s basketball school

He's really happy to be here today

You put those words together, those are my favorite words, Popeyes and bahama
- Mike Burnup

Well of course he is, the con actually worked

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

I guess that's better than knowing he's disappointed he isn't collecting buy out money?

To be fair, if I was offered $10M to clean out my desk I'd be gone by 2:50p (it's currently 2:42).

$10M? keep it all. oh shit I work from home? let me get the dogs, cat, and wife in the truck and you can have the rest of it.

Old sigline: I've been cutting back on the drinking.

New Sigline: lol it's football season.

Is Fu being more articulate than Whit right now or is it just me?

Hokie Club member since 2017, TriumphNIL subscriber since 2023

Football school, Women’s basketball school

"We set our resources up to be the best developmental program in america"

You put those words together, those are my favorite words, Popeyes and bahama
- Mike Burnup

Oh Jeez he just doubled down on the best developmental program in America thing again

Hokie Club member since 2017, TriumphNIL subscriber since 2023

Football school, Women’s basketball school

Yeah, I really trust the offensive geniuses who can't develop a single passer in 5 years to really run the best developmental program in America.

Takes a special disconnect from reality to say that, and then double down on it.

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

This was the first year he had talent at QB that had been in the system for more than a year and then no spring ball, COVID, and injuries for HH and BB. I thought the QB play was decent enough. Just terrible defense and some bad situational play calling killed us. Seeing how much better BB played in the passing game from weeks 1 and 2 to the UVA game was refreshing.

"I'm too drunk to taste this chicken" - Colonel Sanders via Ricky Bobby

Well that's just not true.

Hooker is a redshirt Junior, having been with the program since Spring, 2017
Patterson is a redshirt Freshman having been with the program since Spring 2018

At the beginning of this year, they were each with the program for at least 2 years. Both came in as 4* recruits. Neither are trusted to pass, and both have entered the transfer portal after their 3rd year with the team.

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

Let's see it on the field asshole, before I'm 80 years old. Thanks,

Coming at me the right way today. Thank you

LOL HE TOOK A SHOT AT THE WATERFALL... I think I like it?

Hokie Club member since 2017, TriumphNIL subscriber since 2023

Football school, Women’s basketball school

He is already doing a better job than Whit did yesterday

Now finish up them taters; I'm gonna go fondle my sweaters.

The ol good cop bad cop by Whit for us to like Fu. 4 d chess /s

VB born, class of '14

Considering where Whit left the bar set yesterday, only a snail would fail to clear it. So yay?

My favorite kinds of press conferences are the ones where you can't hear the question being asked.

Now finish up them taters; I'm gonna go fondle my sweaters.

Lol Teel was basically like

Whit said yesterday you were basically a 4 year old and had to be coddled and looked after and had a personality not conducive to success, what is your feeling on that?

You put those words together, those are my favorite words, Popeyes and bahama
- Mike Burnup

Fuente doing Neo-level bullet-dodging with the question about Whit offering to help him with being a better, more transparent HC and spokesman for the university.

Neo-level bullet dodging

That's a keeper for sure. Leg to you.

"I play real sports, not trying to be the best at exercising..." - KP

We don't have a bowl game

So who exactly is he speaking to during this press conference?

You put those words together, those are my favorite words, Popeyes and bahama
- Mike Burnup

Stop making excuses that this year was hard.

This year has been hard for EVERYONE, not just you, and not just those employed at college football programs. If you're looking for sympathy for things being hard during a year of COVID while you're making $4m to coach a team to a losing record while pulling in back to back shit recruiting classes, you're barking up the wrong damn tree.

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

Asked about whether or not he could do better with fan engagement, not just this year but overall in his tenure, Fuente said "I don't know. My favorite day is Fan Day".

...

🙄🙄🙄

I've met Fu. He is a very nice guy to talk to in person as a fan. He's not going to initiate the convo, but he's nice enough. I'm much more concern at his inability to relate to most players- our roster turnover is insane, and guys that have left indicate Fu is the problem.

It's really weird because the players that spend 4 years in the program still love him. It's like every player either hates or loves the guy. There is no in between.

I could say that about a lot of coaches I've had or known.

"Take care of the little things and the big things will come."

Perhaps he was having a bad day, but the guy wouldn't even make eye contact with my kids or say a word to us at Fan Day. Was super awkward. Bud on the other hand was just a pleasure as usual and had my girls beaming from ear to ear. Corn was somewhere in between. Was a good sport when my kid knocked over his entire cup of pens on the table. Being a fellow introvert, I get it, but "fan day being his favorite " seems a bit disingenuous from what I've personally experienced.

Herbert not coming back confirmed. RIP run game? Hope not

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All aboard the Holston train!

Probably. Has been bad since Fu got here for the most part.

Fuente dodges questions better than corn dodges downfield pass plays

You put those words together, those are my favorite words, Popeyes and bahama
- Mike Burnup

This press conference is long on words, short on substance

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

So...normal.

We put the K in Kwality

Fuente looks like hell.

"You are what your record is, there's no way to excuse that" in regards to COVID

Immediately proceeds to try and excuse our record this year because of how we were hit with COVID

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

To be fair, he acknowledged that everyone dealt with covid and that it was not an excuse

Now finish up them taters; I'm gonna go fondle my sweaters.

Jeez man get over your hatred. Covid affected every single minute of this teams like since August and you expect people to not talk about it. We get it, you hate Fuente and want to be miserable. Just try to not make everybody else miserable with you.

"A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it." - K

Cool so now you're attacking me rather than the subject at hand. Nice to know this is where we are as a community right now. Lashing out at anyone with a critical opinion.

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

People are just tired and angry and anyone who might feel a little differently than "Fuente is the worst, Whit is the worst, Tech FB is dead forever" are likely feeling attacked in this forum. It does get to you when you read the same comments about the same thing for 2 years straight. Eventually, you crack.

Would you like Prys with that?

Be critical. Be original. Just stop yelling at the clouds. This place won't be worth coming to if we have a years worth of redundant bitching and moaning of the same thing over and over.

"A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it." - K

Why change the criticism when the cause of the problem is being allowed to fester unchecked within the football program.

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

Mostly because we are tired of hearing it. We all know the problem, we all know the solution, none of us can do shit about it.

You are essentially reminding everyone of their powerlessness repeatedly, and with a tone that makes people feel bad about it, when it really is through no fault of their own.

Would you like Prys with that?

If you don't like it, don't read it.

I'm not going away. If you have a problem with that, I'm not sorry.

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

I think we should invite Bender back so everyone knows what irritating and inappropriate comments actually look like.

Oooh Starscream... I'm sorry StArScReAm would be a good one, too

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

I understand why you're upset with the program. No need to focus it on fellow commenters who point out the sheer volume of the negativity you post around here.

"Why gobble gobble chumps asks such good questions, I will never know." - TheFifthFuller

Neither is Fuente. So let's work it out for the kids huh?

"A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it." - K

Yep he ain't going anywhere so it's time to hope he can turn it around

Hokie Club member since 2017, TriumphNIL subscriber since 2023

Football school, Women’s basketball school

which exactly why I choose to not join the TKPC...I can only imagine the vitriol behind the curtain.

"Take care of the little things and the big things will come."

I don't understand.

Are you saying you think people are much more critical and negative in TKP member threads is worse or something? I don't remember any such thread.

there's really not. as you can tell here, alum is unapologetically himself all over the forum. everyone is. nothing gets ratcheted up behind the scenes

"Why gobble gobble chumps asks such good questions, I will never know." - TheFifthFuller

Without a doubt the vitriol can be exhausting at times but Joe and team put in a ton of effort to create a place where us fans can get our VT fix. I would be really bummed if we didn't have this place. This is by far the best VT site in the marketplace.

Honestly? It's actually much less of that crap on TKPC.

There's a difference between singling you out and attacking you

"Why gobble gobble chumps asks such good questions, I will never know." - TheFifthFuller

I doubt he hates Fuente. I guarantee you he hates losing to online religious schools and getting his ass kicked by pitt though.

THIS

TKPhi Damn Proud
BSME 2009

Fuente finally taking some responsibility that everyone had to deal COVID and you are what your record is. I think he seems a little less defensive now that he's been given at least another year

Hokie Club member since 2017, TriumphNIL subscriber since 2023

Football school, Women’s basketball school

It's easy to take that responsibility when your boss told the world yesterday that you have no expectations, and results don't matter.

"We're going to coach them the way we know to coach"

Oh no, please make it stop!

I still prefer one of my favorite Frank Beamer quotes "We'll take ours and play against theirs"...you are no Frank Beamer, CJF

Fuente shrugs off question about the pressure he feels for next year's expectations, chuckling as he says "we just finished playing a couple days ago and you're asking me about next year".

Tone. Deaf. As always

Fuente pushing total number of VA commits, including PWOs, to point to the momentum of recruiting in the commonwealth.

My summarization of what Fuente is saying right now:

What you're going to see is a staff and a team that is fired up to play and to get better...I want to be in Blacksburg...I love engaging the fans who love VT football and never turn down an opportunity to do so

If only the CFP was won by passion and participation merits!

I don't know, I have zero faith that next year will be any better than this year, BUT, listening to Fuente, I feel a lot better than I did after listening to Whit yesterday...now, just back your words up with wins on the field.

Now finish up them taters; I'm gonna go fondle my sweaters.

I don't. These are just words, and we've heard words from him for 5 years now.

I won't feel better about any of this until we see results. Recruiting or on the field, things must get tangibly better. And of course he seems energized and encouraged, he just led this program to its worst record in 28 years, is openly saying in this press conference that "you are what your record is" and still somehow kept his job. And kept it without needing to make a single fundamental change to what we are doing. Its status quo going forward in a spot where he knew his seat was scalding hot.

Has to feel like winning the damn lottery.

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

Pretty much. Nothing Fuente says in a press conference setting like this matters. Well, technically I guess he could say some stuff that would make things a lot worse, but the point is nothing he says can make anything better. He has to show results through actions. That's results on the field. That's results on the recruiting trail. That's actually doing media tours, not just when the ACC requires them on media days. That's actually doing fan engagement beyond the designated fan day. Most of what he said today, we've heard for 4 years. And we see the results and they are getting worse and worse. Whit's job yesterday should have been to sell the fan base that everything is ok and on the right track and Fuente's job should be to deliver on that. Well Whit failed (to put it kindly) at that but its still on Fuente to deliver. We'll see if he's up to it in the coming days, weeks, months, but not based on anything today.

The last couple days, every question about how things are going to change and how we are looking to improve them have been dodged. When you're trying to sell it to the fans and donors that you have this great plan that is coming to fruition in what appears to be a rapidly sinking ship, it sure would be nice to get some kind of semblance on just how that is going to happen. Especially when, out of the other side of your mouth, you're telling us that you desperately need our money to make these plans work.

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

I think I've finally figured it out. I hope that no opposing coaches read what follows:

Remember how Fu shut down public access to scrimmages & practice?

That was step one. Minimize the film that opposing coaches could study for those critical first cupcakes of the season.

Step two: Deal with the pesky footage available of those first few games.

Solution: make VT football unwatchable. Of course Tech historically is a popular and successful program, so it took several years to diminish the brand to the point where preseason top 25 ranking were no longer a risk, and where diminished fan interest were forcing the media to turn to other, more popular teams.

Voyla! as the Franch say: Now our offense can't possibly be predicted!

Just wait. In 2021 ol' CornFu will have their opposition right where they want them. Nobody could possibly anticipate a QB draw on 3rd & long at that point. I'm fairly certain Pat Nardouchey promised Fu that himself.

UVA got 4 commits in the top 20 of the state, VT got 2 at 18 and 19

VT is not warm on any prospect in the class of 22 until the 27th ranked prospect in the state

As bad as this class and last classes may be, next year might be worse

You put those words together, those are my favorite words, Popeyes and bahama
- Mike Burnup

We're rollin

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

This doesn't make it much better, but a lot of the prospects are listed as cool for everyone at this point. Obviously, it would be better to be warm on them, but at this point there's not always a lot known about their interests at this point.

Yup Fu I agree it looked like you left your team on the practice field for PItt

Hokie Club member since 2017, TriumphNIL subscriber since 2023

Football school, Women’s basketball school

OK, Fuente must have been drinking or doing drugs before this presser. He just said "Cornelsen continues to learn and get better"!

We're a development program! For Coordinators too!

I like what I'm seeing in regards to starting to establish our identity

He has not looked at next year's schedule?! What

Has anyone asked about Vice? I guess silence confirms he's coming back?

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Football school, Women’s basketball school

Not specifically about Vice, but I believe he said no changes to the staff (at least from Fuente's decision-making, Vice could leave on his own)

Ok thanks that's what I was looking for

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"There's always calls that I want back" -Cornelsen

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Football school, Women’s basketball school

The 3rd down question to Corn and him immediately going to "I don't think it had anything to do with predictability" was comical.

(add if applicable) /s

Was asked if he anticipates Hendon and Braxton being back next year and completely dodged the question

You put those words together, those are my favorite words, Popeyes and bahama
- Mike Burnup

Been a good press conference so far as Im listening - they wont give it, but I agree with criticism from Dwight Vick of the fans need to have some idea of the plan in order to get excited.

what are they talking both him and whit about with recent changes with transfers and ncaa changes that makes transferring even more of a situation? (1200 kids!!??)

JHam is still a huge question mark but IMO is easily the best speaker and most relatable person on this press conference so far. He's giving specific examples of struggles and successes. I hope he has success because he's a great face of the program.

(add if applicable) /s

There is hope for JHam. Installing a new scheme without spring practice or off season fitness is stupid tough. If this insane seemingly stupid plan is somehow successful, it's because JHam is actually able to implement his system and properly prepare his half of the roster.

in fairness to JHam, spring game was canceled with four weeks remaining in spring. That scheme was surely being installed and taught well before then. It isn't as if the quarantine started and then he decided to install the new scheme. Combine that with how many defensive players were rotating out and in towards the beginning of the season...just a rough year for the D and they will get no judgement from me. Just show me next year they can improve.

Andy Bitter: "What do you run a waterfall business on the side over there or something, is that what youre angling for?"

HA!

Dang, I didn't realize the presser didn't end with Fuente, now I gotta rewind so I can hear what Cornball has to say

Now finish up them taters; I'm gonna go fondle my sweaters.

J Ham with the Pals reference aught to get French fired up

I really like JHam up there. Fuente's words seemed hollow, or maybe I'm too into my own ideas to hear some truths from it. Cornelsen legitimately sounds like a robot and I understand why he lacks creativity and good playcalling considering he's not an autonomous being.

so is this the dehumanization that Whit was talking about?

We are literally making BC a cyborg. We are back to inventing the future baby.

"A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it." - K

BC to the press, probably:

But didn't Whit say we haven't done a good job of dehumanizing him? Like, we need to up the ante on the damn thing.

"When I was growing up, Virginia Tech was a school that was kicking ass and taking names, and it's time we get back to that" - James Franklin

One bright spot, listening to JHam, I'm glad he gets to stick around. I think he definitely has potential.

Now finish up them taters; I'm gonna go fondle my sweaters.

So just found out that the school DJ Harvey goes to also is where Lebron and Wade's kids go to play sports.

Wet stuff on the red stuff.

Join us in the Key Players Club

Surprised I didn't make this connection before.

Also on last year's basketball team were BJ Boston who plays for Kentucky and Zaire Williams at Stanford who's in the running for the #1 pick this year.

Outside it's night time, but inside it's LeDay

May be just lip service, but I found it interesting that Fuente said they landed more 1st choice kids this year than in recent years.

"A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it." - K

That comment made me even more depressed. Does that mean our staff thinks 3 star recruits are the goal?

Hypothetically, it means their favorite players happen to be underrated 3 star recruits.

"A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it." - K

That could be an excellent strategy if they have a proven track record of developing recruits. IMHO we haven't seen enough of that for them to rely on this strategy.

I think both could be true though. Some of the past reaches were undeveloped or otherwise didnt pan out. But, this year with limited camps and high school ball, there will also likely be more underrated guys out there that didnt get to prove themselves to recruiting services. I would also throw in that there have been some excellent success stories under this staff, we just need more of them and a better distribution to see results in the win column. Regardless, whether it was just lip service or not, we won't know for several years, likely after Fuente is gone barring a miraculous turnaround.

"A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it." - K

Well, as compared to '20...the '21 class was an improvement...would still lean heavily toward the lip service side of this.

I guess if you include top guys that never expressed any real interest in VT, then maybe there were more 1st choice guys.

Either way, the more pressing concern to me is our inability to develop meaningful depth at multiple positions while at certain positions (RB, cough, cough) we have so many guys it is essentially comical. This staff just doesn't seem to understand the fundamentals of Recruiting on even a basic level. There just doesn't appear that there is any sort of concrete plan, despite the assurances of the AD that one exists.

I have no idea why, but listening to the press conference made me feel better about CJF than I did at pretty much any point throughout the season. Can't put my finger on it, and can't reconcile it with some horrible L's. While he is not real articulate (Umm, Ya know, I don't know, Ya know) I still end up liking his basic values and hard work mentality. And then the season comes around again. Couldn't listen through much of Cornelsen; but was very very impressed by JHam. It's what we've got so I sure hope the future results will more consistently follow the rhetoric.

I dont care - give him the keys to the PR machine

LETS GO!

Actually I think that was the plan in Va. prior to Covid Daryl had laid out an extensive Va PR campaign that was rooted in hustle. Covid has sidelined the heart of that campaign.

I REALLY hope he gets a chance with it as I think they have a chance to be successful given some time.

Fuck me I love it.

I personally am excited about the size of the linebackers, corners, and wide receivers from the past 2 classes. A lot of folks in the 6'2-6'4 range. Aditionally I am also excited about the RB's this class and last, hopefully with all the RB's some guys in the 210lb range and above that can be hard for other teams to stop. Vice gives me comfort about the O-line and our DE's make me feel better about our DL because I think Pollard, Kendricks, Fuga, Philpot, and Cunningham will be good for us plus if any other DT's return. TE concerns me the most as does QB depth and O-line and DT but I am sure we will bring in guys from the portal. If it wasn't for COVID and this team would have had Spring practice, a normal Summer practice, majority of players for every game I feel like the season looks different. We do have some coaches that aren't the best but if they learn and grow I would rather keep them than lose them elsewhere and they take their hard earned lessons with them and turn out to be better. I can accept that while I love a top 25-30 recruiting class we are getting guys that they feel like fit and have some length and size to them. Overall this class isn't much different from last years as far as an 84 and 85 grade, 5 stars are nice but we know how that goes...I will always back the players, coaches, AD, and support crew at VT. Go Hokies!!! Yall think we will use Jack Hollifield as a TE or LB?

FIRST DOWN, HOKIES!