I'm headed to the NoVA Hokie Club recruiting night in a couple of hours. Who else is going to Arlington? Anyone not going to Arlington have a smart question they would like to ask Holmann Wiggins? I don't guarantee that I'll be able to get to ask but if I do I'll come back here and post the answer.
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He is the new WR coach, so I think my questions on D will likely be wasted. I have shared these with several folks. Keep in mind he isn't going to touch the Gray issue, no matter how much it comes up. Stick to the questions about the commits and the scheme. Hopefully Bud will address those other issues during his annual chalk talk.
1) What are the changes from the old regime in terms of the strength and conditioning off-season regiment? What are those changes designed to reinforce in terms on on the field performance (be it increased offensive tempo, different style of play etc.)
2) Do you have defined roles for receivers (boundary side vs field side split end, slot receiver, H-back vs true tight end?) How do the incoming freshmen (Kumah, Deablo, Denmark, Patterson) fit into each role? What route structures are absolutely critical to have success in your offense?
If no- what are the attributes he is looking for at the receiver spots? YAC, Size, Ability to make back shoulder throws. Try to get him to be specific. Not- we want football players/playmakers blah blah blah.
If yes, ask him to describe the fundamentals for how they use the slot receivers in the system.
3) What are the expectations for how Bucky Hodges will be used in the offense? Will he be used outside as a receiver more often, or inside as an H-back and slot receiver?
4) Based on your review so far, how do Ford and Phillips fit into the offense, and what areas do they need to improve at to work well in your system?
And, be sure to scoff and harumph loudly every time some codger asks a stupid question. That way the room gets the full French experience!
Don't know the answers to all your questions, but today Burden said Fuente is a very involved coach in terms of S&C and off season conditioning. He said the training is pretty intense and the head whistle is leading the running as a team. It's a "don't bring kids" type of environment. Gotta love coaches when they're young and hungry.
I'll try my best to provide answers from Wiggins on some of the questions you have above:
1. He praised the new strength coach from New Mexico and characterized him as a very high energy guy. He next emphasized that they are doing a bit more running to address the cardio that will be needed for the faster pace. He mentioned while most of the coaches were conducting the recruit nights tonight, Fuente is currently back as one of the leaders of the strength and conditioning session occurring. Also as a side note from another question when asked how big Tim Settle actually is, he mentioned that he might be a little "too big" right now but that he is working his butt off to be where he needs to be.
2. He didn't necessarily get into specific route structures, but said at the core, they are looking to have two outside receivers and one inside. Throughout the night he kept reiterating how quickly he wants to start being able to use the incoming receivers (and also work the ones currently within the program). It was refreshing to hear that his effort is to get as many receivers ready as possible as not to wear out Ford, Phillips, etc. He mentioned that the more they are out there and if they are getting worn out, that's when injuries occur. He didn't specifically address specifics about slot receivers.
3. He chuckled a bit to start his response, basically indicating after that he would line up at both spots, just as long as they get him the ball.
4. He didn't specifically address Ford and Phillips areas of improvement going forward in their system.
A few other notes:
-He indicated that they haven't decided where Durkin would fit into the new offense yet, but when asked about the quarterbacks currently there he didn't right away mention Durkin in the list along with Jerod Evans, Joshua Jackson, Brendan Motley and Duane Lawson. He added that Durkin was eagerly seeking out Cornelsen to let him know that he would like to help the team out at whatever position they see him, just wants to help the team.
-He talked very highly of Sam Rogers and what he brings to the table, and reminds him of one of the guys he had at Memphis (name is escaping me). Indicated they are looking to take advantage of his well rounded skill set handing him the ball, blocking and receiving.
-As far as HCF and his coaching style, Wiggins indicated that he is very hands on and likes to challenge his coaches with his thoughts and possible things that he's seen without micromanaging.
_Wiggins is currently assigned to the DMV recruiting wise along with Foster and was going to be reaching out to approximately 70+ high schools in the next 3 weeks or so to start establishing relationships with the schools.
Final thoughts: He briefly answered questions regarding Coach Gray's departure, noting that there's no shortage of interest for the opening. Has said that phones have been ringing off the hook with interests and referrals and even himself got a few referral calls on the way up to the event.
Overall, personally I was very impressed with Coach Wiggins. A very personable guy who tried to answer every question and even went out of his way to introduce himself to as many people as he could before heading out.
EDIT: Rogers
Thanks for reporting back for us that weren't able to go. It's much appreciated!
Great info though. We appreciate it.
Too many discount double check commercials...nice catch.
I was so paranoid about making this mistake as I wrote up my notes that I triple checked it and pulled up the roster to be sure I was spelling everyone's name correctly.
I wasn't at the event but I would assume he was mentioning Alan Cross because I have made that comparison myself. Cross was a walk-on (I believe) turned tight end. Played all 4 years and became the teams leader. A lot of similarities between how they may be used in the offense, and their character off the field.
That was my guess. Cross featured prominently in Memphis O as a possession receiver and blocker.
Follow up: Who the heck is this Sam Rodgers guy and if he's such a great player, why are we only hearing about him now?
Why did we not flip Fox? /s
I do not know why I laughed until I had tears in my eyes from this gif. Perfect!
Say what you will about President Bush... but those are some cat-like reflexes!
Was just thinking that. Would also like to point out how the guy to the right tried to swat away the second shoe. Most entertaining.
I'll be there.
I'm gunna ask when they met with recruits.. What was their pitch?
Also want to ask why their weekly operation is like. We all know what VT did on each day in terms of practice, game prep, film eval... I'm interested in how things will work now.
Cake or Pie
The format this year was a bit different than the past 2 or 3 years that I have been going. The clips of each recruit were a bit shorter, but the Q and A lasted for about an hour. I really enjoyed the amount of questions that he was able to answer within the time frame, and he didn't shy away from any of them. I came away very impressed with Wiggins. Couldn't help shake how much he resembles Adrian Peterson.
I heard there were some real stinker questions.
I want to know when you are quitting your job and camping out next to the practice fields?
As always, there were. The ones that I rolled my eyes at the most were when one guy said that past spring games were "extremely boring" and would Fuente's spring games have more excitement. Obviously he answered that they are very vanilla due to the exposure and also not wanted to get guys hurt. The other one was the rant from the guy who literally said he wanted to punch Steinspring in the face. Come on dude, let it go.
Yep...I wanted to punch that guy in the face myself - but it was red meat for a decent portion of the crowd. He's in for a big surprise when he finds out that some part of Foster's success was the boring offensive philosophy of field position and clock control.
And Mr. "Spring Games are boring" couldn't have been too happy with Wiggins' answer that the real excitement is the practices and by the time of the spring game they just run vanilla stuff to get spring practice done with and incur no damage.
It actually sparked my interest when he said if you want more exciting stuff come watch us practice. All I kept thinking was, he's not serious, right? Assume that was just to compare what they do in practice vs spring game and not that there were going to be more "open" practices or scrimmages
Yeah I was wondering the same thing. Was he implying that practices (or scrimmages) would be more open - or simply saying that the practices are where the excitement is?
I always thought the practices were more entertaining myself. There's a lot more to watch for, and you usually get to see more out of the young guys.
You didn't like my questions?? Jk jk
I wonder if it is the same guy who asked Babcock two consecutive years how to make the sound of the game more authentic inside the luxury boxes. "I want to hear the game without getting cold." The same guy also asked the first "Will Lawson start?" next year question to Bud last year.
sounds like a UVA fan who got awfully, awfully confused as to the location of the Cavs recruiting event.
Although I've never been to one of these since I haven't lived in VA in forever but I think when someone asks a stupid question the rest of the audience should start chanting.....
If anyone is interested, I took notes on Wiggins' brief comments on each incoming recruit and can write them up here.
If not, I won't bother...
Patrick Kearns: Big, athletic guy. "Looks" like he could play now. Likes the weight room.
Dzansi Silas: OL. Played both sides in HS. Played BB too. With his build can still put on a lot of weight.
Divine Deablo: 6'4". Can't wait to coach him. Already "looks" like he's been in the program 3-4 yrs. Can catch and run.
Phillip Patterson: Exciting. Could play DB. Goes after the ball in the air. Won't be there until July.
Samuel Denmark: 10.6 100m guy. (I think he said something about you can't teach that). Early enrollee.
Jerod Evans: #1 dual threat. Big, accurate, smart. They've recruited him for awhile. [In response to a later question, he said they wouldn't have gotten him at Memphis. Missouri wanted him and Charlie Strong came knockin' hard after he visited VT - and for a Texas kid that says something]
Demetri Moore: JUCO. Has only played FB for about 3 yrs. Played BB in HS. 320 lbs now. Light on his feet. [Wouldnt have gotten him at Memphis either. Some good programs wanted him]
Joshua Jackson: Early enrollee. Coaches kid. Football IQ. Active, accurate.
JoVonn Quillen: Good athlete. Played QB in HS. Long, lean, active athlete.
Jarrod Hewitt: High motor. Twitch.
Eric Kumah: Playmaker
Jimmie Taylor: Size 16 shoes, still growing. Already big. Already strong. Controls line of scrimmage.
Reggie Floyd: 6'1" 208...up from 175-180 when they (presumably Foster, et al) started recruiting him. Good hands. One of the best they saw at camp.
Thomas Jarrett Hopple: Big athletic guy. Will grow still. Hopefully athletic enough for tackle.
Tavante Becket: Good in space. Athletic.
Tyree Rogers: Will play DB. 6'1". Active. Plays the ball in the air.
Eron Carter: LB. Tackling machine. Smart.
Emmanuel Belmar: 6'3". Can bend, doesn't have to move in straight line. LB, but can put his hand on ground too. Can move him around.
Khalil Ladler: Ball hawk. Good feet, hips. Can tackle. Early enrollee, but rehabbing now.
T.J. Jackson: BIG. But can move. Avg'd 25 pts/game in HS BB.
Zachariah Hoyt: Grey shirted. About 6'4"-6'5". Center, but can play all 3 positions.
That's about it. I'm sure I missed some things. Folks who were there should feel free to fill in the blanks.
Yea I heard he goes through about 3 pairs of shoes every practice after his toes bust out the ends of them...
Oh Boy-kin
1) Jimmie Taylor's shoe size may be the new Jarrett Boykin gloves
2) Watch for Rodgers at defensive back. He will need to add some muscle to win physical battles, but is is very smooth in man coverage and has a great back pedal. He is well suited to play press when he gets stronger. I didn't get as good a read on his closing speed in zone coverage.
please and thank you, maybe start another thread?
Sorry didn't see this until I posted...
This is cruel, like a crack dealer dangling a rock just out of reach. Of course we want all the recruit notes!!!
Man I would love to see that since I couldn't be there. Yeah baby.
Wow - This might be my most successful thread on the site.
I can see that I'm late getting back to the computer and posting my notes/results from the evening but this was date night w/ the Mrs. so we grabbed some dinner before heading back out to the suburbs. This was our first recruiting night so we didn't really know what to expect. I have to agree with VTCPA, the clips seemed a little bit rushed. A couple of times the video seemed to get ahead of Coach Wiggins. I don't know it this was a result of the technology at the Arlington Cinema Draft house and Coach Wiggins had no control over the presentation or if this was planned to keep the event moving.
Thansk marcb2 for the notes from the player video clips. I was taking notes but my fat fingers swiped or punched something they shouldn't have on my phone and those notes are now somewhere among the ether. You captured most of the points that I had noted.
VTCPA, thanks for capturing the answers to French's questions. I think you've got them all covered in the order French asked them. Since VTCPA has summarized the direct answers to French's questions, I'll just dive into my notes from the evening.
The rest of the post will follow this format: Rough question summary - Synopsis of my notes and memory. I was taking notes on an iphone so I may have missed some things.
What was is your recruiting pitch/style -
How many recruits does he see playing in 2016 -
What does he look for in QBs/Is the next QB in this class (missed exact question)
What was the recruiting philosophy this year, were coaches focused regionally
Will there be a focused effort to connect with the DC/Maryland Schools such as Good Counsel (mentioned a couple of other names but I missed them).
What experience does he have in recruiting/what other connections does he bring with him -
Were there recruits that you brought with you from Memphis -
What will the offensive philosophy be -
How much will the new offense feature Ford, Phillips, and McMillan -
What is the philosophy of the new strength and conditioning program -
What will the spring game look like, will it be as boring/stale as previous years -
How does CJF run game week, will there be changes to the approach -
How does CJF operate, is he a CEO coach or more of a hands on coach -
What is the major differences in recruiting at the different schools you've been at -
What will be the Offensive Approach -
Is the next VT Punter on the current roster -
How healthy is team -
French Question: Do you typically have defined roles for receivers (boundary side, field side, slot receiver) and how do you think the current class fits those roles. I asked this one! Thanks French!! -
What are the recruiting priorities for 2017 -
What is the overall health of the RBs
How does Bucky fit in your offense, will he be a WR or TE -
How does Deon Newsome fit in your offense -
How will Sam Rogers fit in your offense -
How will they use Greg Stroman -
Which coaches will be on the field vs. in the booth -
How will the loss of Coach Gray affect defensive recruiting especially DE
What are the chances of Austin Clark returning to football -
How does Chris Durkin work into the offensive plans -
Looking at the current receivers, what does he need to teach and focus on -
Will they be installing the offense segment by segment or all at once -
Another "How will recruiting be split" I think this one was "Who picks up Coach Gray's area" -
Have you looked ahead at the schedule and categorized the opponents as "Most Likely Win"; "Possible Win"; and "Probable Loss" -
Will he continue to recruit AL -
Great job! I appreciate the summary.
Thanks for the summary.
The pace and number of film clips for the recruits this year could have intentionally been reduced because of some of the new staff. Most have only been around for 2 months at the most, and may not have a lot of the filler information usually used by the coaches talking about specific stories from an in-home visit with a kid, or their recruitment from start to finish. Aka the "I've been recruiting this kid since he was in 9th grade, back when I was there to see (Insert old VT recruit). I had to figure out who was the decision maker in the family, and at first I thought it was the mom, but then as the process went on..." (you get the point). This is what we had been used to especially with Stiney, who always could talk up a room.
The game week structure is interesting. I know that under Beamer, Sunday's were off days and that Monday-Thursday were the practice days, with Friday being the walkthrough in shorts and a tshirt day. I know he stopped at Tuesday in his answer, but one would assume CJF will have them practice Sunday and Tuesday-Thursday following the off day of Monday. Might take some getting used to for the upper classmen. French do you have any takes on this structure for game week practice schedules?
Glad this guy was not there. I love our fans.
...sounds like a jerk move.
Lucky for that guy, Wiggins comes from LA.
There's great talent in California? Name one.
They got like 3 NFL teams, of course there is great talent in California!
It was a joke...of course there is great talent in California.
Lol I love that AB calls this guy out on social media.
Me too, especially since Bitter refered to our BB coach in a Jerk connotation when he didn't bow down to the media and Bitters of the world.
Damn you, Bitter! We could've had #1 recruiting class if you guys had just helped.
Just move their seats back in cassell and we'll be back in business!
and postpone all team meetings until after post game media availability