Bitter blog - Live Virginia Tech football chat at 12:30 p.m.

2:31
I'm here to chat. Send me your Virginia Tech football questions now.
12:31
Comment From Guest
any word Ford's knee injury?
12:32
A) There's more than one Ford.

B) We haven't seen a lick of practice since Wednesday afternoon, nor have there been any interviews.

So I probably can't offer any info on that right now.
12:32
Comment From Fameis
sam rogers?
12:32
He exists, yes.
12:33
You just don't hear much about him because he plays fullback. But he should be solid.
12:33
Comment From french60wasp
How frustrating has the lack of access to practices and scrimmages been? Thank goodness the big NCAA autonomy story broke yesterday!
12:34
It's a little annoying, but that's the way a lot of programs are going these days. Schools I've covered before were much more restrictive than Virginia Tech has been. It's unfortunate that the Hokies are going that way, but it's not too unusual.
12:34
Comment From Lex
Do you see J.C. Coleman falling by the wayside if McKenzie and Williams stay healthy?
12:35
I don't, because I think the coaching staff still holds him in very high regard. Shane reiterated yesterday that the Hokies view him as someone who can do everything at RB, even run between the tackles consistently. I don't know if I necessarily agree, but my opinion doesn't mean jack squat.

Coleman had all sorts of injuries that were holding him back for the first half of last year. I'm curious to see what he's like completely healthy and more experienced.
12:35
Comment From Tim
Something something something Michael Brewer
12:36
That about sums up my feelings on the quarterback battle.
12:36
Comment From Nick
Can you discuss the running back position?
12:37
Lots of bodies. Still only one football to go around.

There's got to be some pruning. Six guys can't be option. Three is more realistic. Trey will be one. J.C. will be one. It's that third spot that's really up for grabs. The team is in full pads for the first time today, so I'm hesitant to draw an;y conclusions so far (not that I've seen enough to make any anyway). I think next week we'll find out a little bit more of what the coaches are thinking there.
12:37
Comment From Frank Beamer
Why do you wear mandals and jeans at every practice?
12:37
Because they go so well with my tank top.
12:38
Comment From 04hokie
How does Brewer look at TE?
12:38
Too soon!
12:38
Comment From Sugarland Hokie
What position will Holland Fischer play?
12:39
They're starting him a rover, which is the position I think a lot of people thought he would play. But philosophically, rover and whip aren't too different. And Bud has mentioned that ILB isn't out of the realm of possibility. It all depends on how he grows here. Sometimes guys can grow out of a certain spot. We'll see.
12:39
Comment From french60wasp
Have the staff made any comments that any of the freshmen (Durkin, Ford, McMillian, I. Ford, Phillips, Fisher, Reavis) other than Mihota or Walker have a chance to contribute this season?
12:40
I didn't have a chance to chat with Moorehead for very long, so I'm not sure on the WR front. Although they've said before it's a possibility in that group, certain with Knowles on the mend.

Nobody has ruled out the freshman QBs, although every coach has commented on how tough it is for a freshman QB to come in and play right away. So I wouldn't expect anyone there.

The secondary is more about finding second-team depth. I don't know if VT necessarily wants to burn the shirt on those guys to be backups this year.
12:40
Comment From Guest
What's your feel that Marshawn sees paying time vs W&M, given his hernia surgery?
12:41
If you don't practice, you don't play. So we'll see. I think VT wants to play him this year, though. So if he's healthy, I could see him having a role.
12:41
Comment From wisec4g
Andy, who seems to be leading the way for kickoff and punt returns?
12:42
That is really too soon to tell. There wasn't a ton of that in the spring and there's been no return stuff that we've seen in our limited practice viewings. Jarrett says he still wants to do PR. Byrn and Fuller are options there too. I'm curious about Deon Newsome. He's a guy with return experience. He might be able to find a spot somewhere.
12:42
Comment From eric
thoughts on no open scrimmages this year?
12:42
Not terribly surprising during a QB battle. I think it's being overprotective myself, but VT obviously wants to keep something a secret. Who knows?
12:43
Comment From KB
With no QB yet VT is being considered to contend in the Coastal.In comparison to previous years how bad is the ACC this year?
12:44
I don't think the ACC is bad, per se. It's just that the Coastal lacks any dominant team .It's really a bunch of mediocre to decent teams at the top of the heap, of which Virginia Tech is one. But when you've got defending national champ FSU as the league's headliner, the conference can't be too bad.
12:44
Comment From Aaron
Your prediction (guess) about the starting O-Line?
12:45
From left to right I see Gibson-Teller,-Farris-Conte. then McLaughlin possibly playing his way back into the starting lineup at RT. I could see Shuman and McLaughlin rotating, Farris and Wang possibly too. But it sounds like Searels is really pleased with how Gibson approached the offseason and likes his athleticism at that LT spot. I'd be surprised if that changed now.
12:45
Comment From eric
i work at tech, what's with the booming music that i've been hearing at the stadium during practice?
12:45
They turn it on for stretching periods. There's so much reverb from an empty stadium that it sounds pretty bad, though.
12:46
Comment From Nick
How has RB Shai McKenzie looked?
12:46
Have only seen him take a few half-speed carries in shorts. So it's very premature to say anything. Frank seemed to like how he cuts, though. Sounds back from the ACL tear last year.
12:46
Comment From Jonathan
Now that every school will be making a lot more money (or so they claim), do you think the role of the booster club will change? If so, then how? I mean I don't think schools can continue to use the "we need your financial support, so get involved with the booster club" sales pitch anymore.
12:48
It's all relative. If a school can't find enough money with a $70 million budget, how is it going to have enough money with an $80 million budget? It'll always spend more based on what it has. And it will always have to keep up with the Joneses, so to speak, in college football. "Oh, FSU has a $90 million budget? We need you to donate so we can keep up!" That'll be the pitch. I don't see that changing.
12:49
Comment From Jermaine Gaines
After tommrow scrimmage do you think you can get a clear perspective on who is going to be the QB?
12:49
Tomorrow's scrimmage sounds like it's going to be for youngsters, seeing if certain freshman are capable of contributing this year. So no, I wouldn't expect clarity on the QB situation.
12:49
Comment From D
I think Shai sees the field as a #2. JC on some 3rd down long yardage situations.
12:49
I think J.C. will play more than that.
12:50
Comment From Steve
Do you get the sense that we really won't see or hear what this team is about until the playbook opens up against ohio state?
12:51
In essence, that's what every August is like. You can only tell what a team is about so much based on watching it practice in bits and pieces against each other. You broke a big run? Well, what if the defense is bad? You had 12 sacks? Well, what if the o-line is bad? There are all sorts of things that you can't get a handle on until you see it go up against real competition.
12:51
Comment From Guest
I like the idea of train to Bristol. What are Bower's chances?
12:51
Better than Bowser's.
12:51
Comment From jp_daddi0
We haven't heard much at all about DJ Reid. Have you seen anything from him? With 19 running backs, it will be tough for everyone to show what they can do but his hs tape was pretty awesome.
12:52
He's part of the pack,and like you said, it's a big group. The coaches raved about his speed, so that might be something that could get him on the field in some capacity this year (that and the fact that he's already prepped for a year).
12:52
Comment From Hunter Shields
When will the next round of interviews be with the media? I'd like to hear about Motley's back injury
12:52
Media day is tomorrow.
12:52
Comment From Guest
Do you think that David Wilson will come back to Tech and coach or have some position within athletics now that his nfl career is over?
12:53
He might have grander ambitions than that. He was a track star too. I wonder if that's something that's possible for him or not? That wouldn't affect his neck.
12:53
Comment From YOU!
There hasn't been much hype about uniforms (yet) are there any new looks in store that you know about?
12:53
I wouldn't expect anything too fancy. Whit Babock says he likes them, and he's been all about a traditional look. (Also, they were ordered before he was hired.)
12:53
Comment From Aaron
VT will no longer be playing FCS schools in _ years?
12:55
Not anytime soon. I'll believe all this "power conferences only want to play power conferences" nonsense as soon as the folks in the playoff committee incentivize schools to do that. Until then, everybody's angling to get 7 or 8 home games a year to make their budget. And being able to get a one-way game against somebody like William & Mary or James Madison is still a lucrative way of doing business.
12:55
Comment From Mookie
Why does Trey have to be the 1 at RB?
12:55
Because he's their best running back.
12:56
I mean, he did run for 675 yards and 10 TDs last year as a freshman.
12:56
Comment From Mookie
Should we be worries about Brandon Facyson?
12:56
Don't think so at this point. If it lingers for longer, though, it's something to watch. VT's not deep at CB.
12:56
Comment From jd
Which WR freshman looked most likely to suit up?
12:56
Tough to tell, although Isaiah Ford and Cam Phillips at least looked like they belong. Both are pretty impressive physically.
12:57
Comment From Seth
Any chances we'll see Hodges as WR?
12:57
I could see packages where he's split out wide on occasion, but not as a full-time thing.
12:57
Comment From Mookie
Any chance Tech ever recruit a true LB?
12:57
Like the eight they have in the program right now or ... ?
12:58
Comment From TheFifthFuller
Andy, do you think removing the "KE" from the back of Kendall's jersey is going to give him that extra burst of speed that's going to get him to 20 interceptions this year?
12:58
All signs point to yes. He's that much lighter and presumably nimble.
12:58
Comment From McLovin
Looking for big contributions from Stanford, Chase Williams, Corey Marshall and Bucky Hodges... of those 4 who will have the biggest impact?
1:00
Tough to make that call, but I'll go with Marshall. He was a man possessed last spring and will play a position that's bound to have a big impact on games.

Williams might be serviceable in the middle. So much of what Stanford does depends on the QB. And Bucky is still technically third in line at TE. So I'd say Marshall could have the biggest impact this year.
1:00
Comment From GJP
Are the players getting breaks during the week/Weekend? Is practice everyday? What's the mood in terms of energy, stamina?
1:01
Seems fine right now. Then again, they've only been going at it for four days. You always hit points during camp where guys hit the wall, but the coaches are usually pretty perceptive to that. Might give them a light day here or there.
1:01
Comment From TheFifthFuller
Andy, how does the equipment manager feel about having to put "TREY EDMUNDS", "TE EDMUNDS" and "TREM EDMUNDS" on the backs of jerseys next year? Any truth to the rumor he was against Tremaine's recruitment to make his job easier?
1:01
I never thought about that. They should just go with Edmunds 1, Edmunds 2 and Edmunds 3.
1:01
Comment From Mookie
any chance both Marshawn and Shai play this year?
1:02
That might be tough to do, unless the coaches think that they bring something so unique to the position that they have to get both of them out there in certain packages. A lot might depend on health -- theirs and Trey's.
1:02
Comment From FLundercoverHOKIESrecruiter
left field question... but is there anyway to let the staff know about a kid comming up in your home town area that maybe under the hokies radar because of distance but would be interested in playing at VT and is quickly moving up the recruit board??
1:03
I'd email somebody on the recruiting staff. Their addressed are on VT's staff directory.
1:03
Comment From french60wasp
was there any kind of media access for post practice interviews today after day 1 of ful pads?
1:03
Noooope. Nothing until tomorrow.
1:03
Comment From Dadi4Heisman
Can say a few words about DT depth now that Woody Baron may be out of the mix? Seems like that could be a pretty big loss. Who do you envision stepping up to fill that role?
1:04
Maddy and Marshall are obviously the starters. Nigel Williams is next behind Marshall at three technique, with Ricky Walker behind him. It sounds like Mihota is slightly ahead of Hansen at the other tackle spot, with Sobczak working behind them. Wiles said they'll travel five. I know that group's young, but I think the depth there is still less dire than it is at defensive end.
1:04
Comment From Kyle Fuller
I'm going to body slam that nincompoop Marty Bennett in practice today
1:05
You might get suspended if you do.
1:05
Comment From pete
Do we get outclassed by OSU? Or do you see a similar type defensive performance against Alabama last season paired with a better offense making it a close game?
1:06
I think OSU's offensive line is young and inexperienced enough that Tech's d-line could give it trouble. And if that's the case, I don't think it could be much different than the Alabama game, in terms of matchups. Now, if VT doesn't have a special teams meltdown like that Bama game, I think it could be closer than some think.
1:07
Comment From Fans
We didn't hear anything on TE Cline how's doing?
1:07
He seems to be doing well. Looks bigger than last year, obviously, with a full year in the weight room. I think he's certainly getting overlooked with all this Bucky love.
1:07
Comment From Daniel
How has the kicking competition been going?
1:07
Frank has them going in the stadium every day we've been out there, so I haven't seen any of it. It sounds wide open, though.
1:08
Comment From John
This may be out of your area of knowledge, but I saw on Bill Roth's latest Roth Report on hokiesports.com that the HokieXtra service is going to be free this year, as opposed to it being a subscription service in the past. Is that a Whit Babcock change?
1:08
It might be. It might be that Tech thought the subscriptions that it was getting wasn't worth the lack of exposure for the service it was getting by charging.
1:08
Comment From dan
changes in the Oline from grimes to searles? technigue things? attitude of players? motivationally? etc.
1:09
It sounds like Grimes was all about movement from his linemen. Searels wants guys to move, but he's pretty steadfast about wanting some beef in there too, with everybody being at least 300 pounds (or close enough).
1:09
Comment From Guest
Any idea if Bud has a plan to contain mobile QBs? That seemed to be a glaring fault during some games *cough* Maryland and UCLA *cough*
1:09
I'm sure that's been a focus, especially for OSU and Braxton Miller. Surprisingly, Bud has not given us his game plan for the Buckeyes yet. What's up with that?
1:10
Comment From Wyatt
Do you think the QB position is Michael Brewer's to lose? Has he separated himself from the others?
1:10
I don't know how much separation there is, but he's the most experienced in a battle with next to no experience, he's a very confident guy who seems to be a good leader, and Motley, who I'd assume is his top competition, has been nursing a sore back lately. And this is a bad time to be missing any action. So I'd say Brewer's the favorite, for sure.
1:11
Comment From Guest
Given W&M's defense, is there too much risk going plain vanilla against them? How much of a barometer will this be for our O?
1:13
We'll see. W&M gave West Virginia a scare last year. So if push comes to shove, you've got to do what you have to in order to win the game above all else. VT should be bigger, though. All FBS schools generally are compared to their FCS counterparts. So in an ideal world, VT would just line up and smash W&M over and over. I don't know if the line will be up to the task at that point, given the inexperience. But yeah, the Hokies would prefer not to tip their hand about OSU, I'd bet.

I don't know if it's much of a barometer for the offseason this season, though. You should beat up on an FCS team. Even a good one. That's why there are differences between the levels.
1:13
Comment From Charlotte Hokie
Do you have any inforamtion on guys who did not make it to fall camp like xavier Burke or Tyrell Smith?
1:14
They're prepping. Burke's going to FUMA. Smith is some place up the East Coast.
1:14
Comment From Jonathan
Given the buzz with the men's basketball program for the upcoming season and assuming that it continues, do you think (when it is time to address Cassell's age) that VT will decide to renovate it or build a brand new arena?
1:15
Anything would be far, far down the line. I think Cassell, with some slight renovations, can still be a really good basketball arena. It's got a tight atmosphere. If the place is rocking, everybody's right on top of the court. It just feels old. But you can tweak things to fix that without spending over $100 million on a new arena.
1:15
Comment From Compeau
Did David Wilson graduate from VT? He only stayed three years, so probably not. It might be best for him to go back and get his degree.
1:15
I'm not sure about that. Perhaps not, although he was academically inclined, so it shouldn't be much trouble if he comes back for it.
1:15
Comment From Ed
I understand playing youngsters in the scrimmage tomorrow, but don't you think they should be playing all of the QBs? IF Brewer is the starting QB, he needs reps in the offense. Same goes for guys like Leal.
1:16
I'm sure there will be periods for both, but from what I understand, the majority of it is for the younger guys. And if that's the case, what good does it do to see Brewer go up against a bunch of freshman defenders? That's not a great evaluation tool.
1:16
Comment From Ted
If brewer is at QB, will they use some new offensive passing plays with him at shotgun?
1:17
There'll be some, but he's talked a lot about adjusting to taking snaps from under center. That's still what VT would prefer to be about, I'd say.
1:17
Comment From Onward Indian
VT's defense has an identity. For too long the VT offense really hasn't had one. Will SL finally establish an offensive identity for VT in this year's evolution of the offense? If so, what is it?
1:18
I think he's already said what he prefers the identity to be: run the ball with authority, play-action pass of that. He just didn't have the pieces to do so effectively last year, so he adjusted accordingly. With a little more depth, I think this year might be closer to establishing an identity on offense. It still will be a work in progress, though.
1:18
Comment From Daniel
The d-end depth chart looks like it has a bunch of walk-ons..Should I try out?
1:19
It is ilght on bodies there. Once you get past Dadi, Ekanem, Dooley and Alford, it's a sparse group. That's one position that VT has to stay real healthy at this year. It's probably not a bad playing time selling point for Josh Sweat, though.
1:19
Comment From Compeau
Any idea how things will shake out on the OL? It seems like they're moving guys around a lot.
1:20
I think the way Searels has it set up right now isn't too far off from what you'll see to start the season. The spring was a time for experimenting. Now it's time to settle people into spots. Searels is big on continuity, and you don't get that by constantly shuffling guys.
1:20
Comment From ML
I always thought Trey had more upside as a LB. Any chance he might make the switch?
1:20
Nope. None. Zilch.
1:21
I should say that I'm almost positive about that. He's a RB. And he's trained as one. You can't just switch a guy mid-career and expect him to pick things up seamlessly at a completely new spot.
1:21
Comment From Compeau
Bigger breakout performer on the offense: Bucky Hodges or Marshawn Williams?
1:22
Oooh, that's a tough one. If I had to choose, I might say Bucky, just because I think he's so versatile that Tech can use him in a lot of ways. Also, he's not nursing an injury right now.
1:22
Comment From Guest
Do we have a legitimate chance of beating OSU on week 2?
1:22
Define legitimate. I'd put the odds low. Let's just say that.
1:22
Comment From Compeau
Which #4 will have the better season: JC Coleman or Ken Ekanem?
1:23
I think Ekanem is in a position to successful, with a lot of help around him and finally being healthy. J.C.'s got to deal with plenty of competition at RB and an OL that's been suspect.
1:23
Comment From ATLHokie
All my Auburn friends were not big fans of Loffler while he was at Auburn, and don't see him doing any better at VT. How worried should I be, if at all?
1:26
That Auburn team was a mess. Nobody was salvaging that situation, given the QBs that the team had. The first thing Gus Malzahn did was completely overhaul the QBs. The guy Auburn had starting under Loeffler was moved to safety within a few months of Malzahn coming back. Plus there were injuries and inexperience abound on that team.

So I don't know how much you can judge Loeffler on that one year in Auburn. Same for last year at VT. He wasn't exactly dealt a winning hand -- he had an erratic senior quarterback and, honestly, not a ton else. And then the Hokies were bit by the injury bug for much of the year. A lot of time coaches are victims of their circumstances.
1:26
Comment From Roland vonBallmoose
Do you see any role for Joel Caleb? Will whit upgrade the food in the press box to enhance the game day experience?
1:27
Not sure about the first part. Although even these freshman are the real deal, I find it hard to think of a spot for Caleb at RB in that mix.

We can only hope the second part happens. I'm sure that's high on Whit's list of things to do.
1:27
Comment From Brown Hound
If you had to set the spread, where would you set the VT- W&M line, based on what you have seen so far?
1:27
Probably like any FBS vs. FCS game. At least 20.
1:27
Comment From Compeau
Assuming they stay healthy, is there any chance Fuller and/or Facyson choose to stay in school after they become eligible for the NFL draft?
1:28
We'll see. That's two years away, which is an eternity in college football. Injuries happen. Guys can stall with their development. I'd say VT is just thankful that it knows it will have those guys for at least two more years, barring something catastrophic.
1:28
Comment From 79Hokie
Love Logan Thomas, but his inconsistency was troublesome, do you think who ever starts we will have a better overall QB situation this year? We know none of them can run like Logan did.
1:30
I think whoever is the QB is inheriting a more palatable situation than Logan had last year. He's got more help around him, more experience. If you think back to last year, guys, like Edmunds and Stanford and Byrn had never really played. Now, those guys are the ones the offense will be counting on. That's a big change for one year. Experience matters. And VT has more of it this year on that side of the ball, which will help any QB.
1:30
Comment From Tim
What are your best/worst case scenarios for this season?
1:31
Best: Brewer's the real deal at QB, the defense reloads and Tech emerges from the pack to win the Coastal, perhaps getting to the 10-win mark it had within its grasp last year.

Worst: No QB emerges, the offense still can't run the ball and Bud's defense struggles to reach that elite level that kept VT in so many games last year. I can't see the Hokies missing a bowl, but 6-6 perhaps is the worst-case.
1:31
Comment From Guest
What do you think Holland's chances of starting over Bonner, given that Bonner has the experience but Holland has the pure natural ability at safety and a year under his belt at FUMA?
1:32
Optimistically, I'll give it a zero percent chance.
1:32
Comment From A
What's the future for Dadi at Tech?
1:34
VT's hoping for big things, but there's always a question when a guy goes from part time to full-time, if he can maintain that level of production. He's got a little knee tendinitis, which isn't a great way to start camp. But he's a play-maker on the edge. And the Hokies need that badly his year.
1:34
Breaking news on the Maryland front. It settled with the ACC, which will get $31 million. theacc.co/acc080814
1:34
Comment From Mookie
First to leave the program Shai or Marshwall?
1:35
That's an optimistic take ...
1:35
Comment From John
Obviously there are a lot of unanswered questions at this point, but given our that our schedule isn't the world's toughest, what's your "right now" prediction for our record this year?
1:35
I've said 8-4 or 9-3. I'd like to see who win the QB job (although I think it will be Brewer) and maybe see a little more out of the o-line before making a decision, though.
1:36
Comment From Compeau
Has anybody mentioned the Stick It In chant yet?
1:36
You're the first.
1:36
Comment From MikeLondonsTears
Is Chad Morris VT's next head coach???
1:38
Consider me skeptical. I keep seeing people throw out stuff on message board that Morris said VT is his "dream job," which I can't find any actual proof of anywhere online.

He's from Texas, went to Texas A&M and has an offensive philsophy aligned with Texas Tech (which is what Dabo Swinney surmised was Morris' "dream job" a few years back). So perhaps that myth about the VT dream job can be busted here.

Beyond that, I think Morris will be a head coach sooner rather than later. I'm surprised it didn't happen last offseason. And surely if Gus Malzahn continues to have success, Morris, as a Malzahn protege, would be a logical hire somewhere.
1:39
Comment From marcus vick
ive tried to put the vanilla vick thing out of my head mostly because mike (vick) is just so rediculously agile and quick but if mike (brewer) can be even 1/10 of that i think he will be remarkable. have you heard or seen anything about brewer running that would make you think that there is something to the vanilla vick nickname or was it just the 1st thing that jumped in mooks head?
1:40
I think people like alliteration. That's what I think.

Brewer moves pretty well, perhaps better than you would think when you first look at him. So if he's the QB, I don't think the running QB idea is dead.

But let's not be ridiculous, putting him in any conversation near Vick's mobility. That's a whole different level.
1:40
Comment From Wyatt
Did Adam Taraschke get his scholarship back?
1:40
Not sure. I don't think so at this point.
1:41
Comment From Dadi4Heisman
Do you think Motley's ACC POY bid could be in jeopardy, in light of the recent injury news?
1:41
LULZ
1:41
Comment From Willis
We all know why Shane Beamer still has a job. But why exactly does Shane Beamer still have a job???
1:42
Because he can recruit and he can relate to players and is integral to a lot of the decision-making that goes on with the program. And that's sometimes just as important as X's and O's.
1:42
Comment From Dadi4Heisman
Re: David Wilson, his name is not in the plaques in the tunnel, so I would assume he did not graduate
1:42
Would have had to have done so in basically 2 1/2 years, since he left early for the NFL and presumably didn't stick around in Blacksburg while training for the draft. And that'd be tough.
1:42
Comment From Compeau
If Cassell is ever replaced, David Wilson should get one of the arches.
1:42
Truck it down to Davnille right now.
1:43
Comment From SY
Anything word on the status of RVD, Malleck and Alston Smith? haven't read anything about their progress lately.
1:43
All practicing. All look fine so far. RVD and Malleck, obviously , are in line for bigger roles than Smith, though.
1:43
Comment From WmsbgHokie
Your odds on RVD staying healthy long enough to actually play this year? We really need his talents.
1:44
Tough to forecast whether somebody gets injured or not, but he's a key guy on that defense, in a spot that's been an important play-making one for the Hokies. If he's healthy, I think it opens up a lot of stuff for Bud to call on D and makes VT that much more athletic out there.
1:44
Comment From ChantillyHokie
is Frank Beamer planning any special teams trickery for the OSU game?
1:44
If he is, I'm sure he'll tell us.
1:44
Comment From Guest
Is it put up or shut up time for Shane Beamer? Associate head coach has not brought anything to the running game and now is under performing as a recruiter in Richmond?
1:45
I'm going to say ... no.
1:45
Comment From Ben
I ask every year... but how much longer until Torrian Gray is a DC somewhere? Happy that he is a Hokie alum but he is a top defensive coach in the country, and an assistant at that.
1:46
It's always a possibility. And Torrian, who was a Broyles Award nominee last year, is in store for another big year with all VT has coming back in the secondary. It might be if he's willing to do so at a smaller school. That's usually how position coaches get to be DC's, is by taking a step back in terms of a school's profile. But he seems to like it in VT and VT likes having him.
1:47
Comment From John
What percentage of your emailers/chatters seem to think they know more about college football than a coaching staff with maybe 150 years combined coaching experience, led by the winningest active head coach in FBS?
1:47
105%, roughly.
1:47
Comment From Scott B.
Are there any true big nasty type linemen this year like a Jake Grove?
1:47
I don't know about the nasty side of things, but Conte and Teller seem like they can be maulers, just based on their physical strength. Groves was the kind of guy you'd hate if he weren't on your team. I'm not sure there's anybody quite like that up front.
1:48
Comment From Guest
Have you heard any inside scoop on when and where Josh Sweat is leaning on committing to?
1:48
No, and my guess is anybody claiming they have at this point is full of it.
1:48
Comment From James
Andy - I notice that are able to reference somewhat obscure events in VT football that preceded your time as beat writer. How did you go about gaining insight into the historical in and outs of VT football without have been a follower?
1:49
I've always followed from afar. I first moved to Virginia in 2002, so I've been around it, even though I didn't begin covering Tech regularly until 2011. You learn by osmosis, I guess.
1:49
Comment From VT > UVA
After Tyrod, RWilliams, DWilson, and Logan, who will be "face" of this year's football team?
1:50
Maybe Trey Edmunds, if he can come back from the injury and perform well. Maybe Luther Maddy on defense. Perhaps Kendall Fuller and Brandon Facyson could be dual faces.
1:50
Comment From Amy
What is the over all mood and tone of the coaching staff this pre season? Do you get a sense the coaches view this as another rebuilding year? Is there a sense of excitement that we are going to see significant improvement from an offensive perspective?
1:51
I think there's a greater sense that VT knows exactly what it wants to do, and has been working toward that goal for several months. As opposed to scrapping a lot of the playbook just before last season when injuries and attrition hit them hard. Being in the system for a year and a half instead of a half year is a big difference.
1:51
Comment From Uranus
How much of an impact is the indoor facility construction on practices. Is it significant enough to call it detrimantal?
1:51
It's a tight space, but VT has the stadium to work out in if need be. And honestly, there's rarely if ever a time when a school uses two full-length fields at the exact same time.
1:52
Comment From Guest
No one has mentioned anything about recruits, so i'll say that I don't think that we will land Sweat just like what happened with Deshawn Hand last year so just in case we do it will a surprise. Your take?
1:53
I've learned over the years that predicting what will happen with recruit's is a fool's errand. They all picks schools for their own reasons. And they all do what's in their individual best interest. I just see no point in comparing Sweat's situation to Hand's. They're two different people with their own outlook on what's best for them. I don't think you can take any kind of precedent from Hand's decision.
1:53
Comment From Al
What will it take for VT to be a legit top ten team. Based on what we currently have with coaches and players can we get there before Beamer retires?
1:54
Find a QB, find a running game that works behind an offensive line that knows what it's doing and maintain that defense. I don't think there's too much of a difference between what VT does now and what it did during its run in the mid-2000's.
1:55
Comment From WmsbgHokie
$2.21 mil is our share from the Maryland settlement. Do you think Whit can afford to upgrade the food in the press box now?
1:55
I'm sure that money is earmarked for press food.
1:55
Comment From Guest
If Josh Sweat was to commit to the Hokies do you think he could convince other top VA recruits such as Tim Settle to commit to Tech?
1:56
I think the top-flight recruits -- like the best of the best -- truly could have a Pied Piper effect on recruiting. Otherwise, I think a lot of the "recruits recruiting recruits" stuff is overstated.

A Sweat commitment would at least do a lot for VT in terms of perception. He's a 757 guys, a top-flight recruit and a DE, all of which everybody claims the Hokies struggle to get (even if that's not necessarily the case).
1:56
Comment From Taylor
Where is Alston Smith on the OL depth chart?
1:57
Second team LG behind Teller.
1:57
Comment From NCHokie
Is Shane Beamer on the hot seat at all? He has underperformed where Billy Hite excelled in coaching up running backs since he got to VT even the first year David Wilson looked out of sync and had fumbling issues.
1:58
David Wilson sure was out of sync when he was rushing for a single-season VT record of 1,709 yards and winning the ACC's Offensive Player of the Year award.

Are memories that short these days?
1:59
Comment From Andrew
Should we expect to see the tight ends play more H-back and Sam Rogers phased utilized in other ways?
2:00
I think with Rogers actually having gone through a full season of college football, VT could expand what he does. Maybe more work in the passing game, more work split out wide. We'll see.
2:00
Comment From OJ
Will Logan Thomas start a game this year?
2:00
Only if the Cardinals have several injuries at the same time.
2:00
Comment From Scott B.
Do you feel the fanbase is dropping off? Seems like the athletic dept is having to do more and more to get people to buy tickets, etc.
2:01
That's nationwide. Attendance is sagging. Perhaps the days of always raising prices and not doing much to enhance gameday experiences is catching up to college football teams.

It doesn't help that VT has been decidedly average the last few years. Win games and they will come.
2:01
Comment From Courts
Do you think VT will eventually become a member of the SEC?
2:01
In the next 10 years? No.
2:02
Comment From Shane Beamer
Whats with all thses questions about me being on the hot seat!?!? C'mon Y'all!
2:02
I hope upon hope that that's the real Shane Beamer.
2:03
Comment From ML
What is your best guess for this year's leading receiver in yards and in TDs?
2:03
OK, last one here, since I've hit the hour and a half mark.

I'll go with Josh Stanford. I think he came on strong last year, has really worked hard this offseason and physically looks a little bit stronger this year. If he can carry that over, I think he'll be the No. 1 passing option and has a good chance to lead both categories.
2:04
OK, good chat, everyone. Thanks for showing up. Sorry if I couldn't get to all the questions. I'll probably make this a weekly thing. Given the interview structure, later in the week will probably work best, either Thursday or Friday. I'll tweet/blog the info in advance.

Thanks again.