Kumah Transferring

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Anyone know where Wiggins is going for sure?

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

Nope, which makes me kind of surprised that Kumah included that in his statement being that nothing has been officially announced.

Wiggins is heading to Alabama . Best of luck to him.

Allen Ox

Damn was my favorite wr in the corps

Free Hugh

Seriously, will the bad news ever stop even for a few months?

Also find it somewhat notable that he thanks Foster and Wiggins, but no mention of Fuente...

Glaring omission

Rumors are swirling that this is a reason for his departure. It's not like he didn't play (arguably not enough but he still saw the field a good bit). I get not wanting to hate our sitting head coach... but there is a pattern forming

Free Hugh

Pattern? He is the first starter to transfer.

Wet stuff on the red stuff.

Join us in the Key Players Club

He's about to cite Savoy.

The Orange and Maroon you see, that's fighting on to victory.

You can't be serious? He is also the first Eric to transfer too, so nope there is no problem. Lol

No I don't see a problem because transfers happen. Does PSU have a problem because of the number of transfers they are having? A single starter has left. For me the issues are depth and coaching related not personality in the locker room related. As in x's and O's Play calling and defensive depth issues are the problem.

Wet stuff on the red stuff.

Join us in the Key Players Club

Penn State just won 9 games, finished ranked in the top 20 and signed a top 10 class. 3 years ago they won 11 games and 2 years ago they were in the rose bowl. Nope, not so much of a problem up there. VT, on the other hand just went 6-7 and several -key- players and/or young guys you all LOVED on signing day bounced. Some in the middle of the season and didn't finish. Only in tooth fairly land is this not a huge concern

Wait I thought transfers meant the coach was a cancer? Which is your shtick this week?

Wet stuff on the red stuff.

Join us in the Key Players Club

Since I never said that, I don't know what you are talking about. And "transfers" are not equal.. what's going on at VT is not "transfers" ...

They aren't? So Savoy getting passed and leaving isn't a transfer? Kearney same thing? Hill and Reynolds don't count. So far we have 4 true transfers and only 1 of them is head scratching Kumah.

Wet stuff on the red stuff.

Join us in the Key Players Club

VB born, class of '14

Bout to drop bombs

Free Hugh

Fireman, your orange and maroon glasses are so thick you should be able to see into the future. You can't say you're not at least a little bit concerned about all of this.

Yes which is why I typed this:

For me the issues are depth and coaching related not personality in the locker room related. As in x's and O's Play calling and defensive depth issues are the problem

But sure everyone panic about transfers. People really should go look around P5 football right now, transfers abound including starters.

Wet stuff on the red stuff.

Join us in the Key Players Club

You know what the solution to depth is? Recruiting players you don't have, and keeping the ones you do.

Yes which is why Foster and Wiles are as much to blame for this season as anyone. The depth issues are mostly on the defensive side of the ball and go back to Beamers last two seasons.

Wet stuff on the red stuff.

Join us in the Key Players Club

Even a modicum of defense would have lead to a MUCH better season.

Really? Is this the hill you want to die on?

"Yes I am going to have favorites. My favorites are high production and low maintenance players, coaches, and staff." - JMFF

Why are so many people dying on hills in this discussion?

This isn't Vietnam. This is off-season football junk.

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

Too soon and too real with the opt outs coming up for the NHL. My heart won't be able to handle another lockout.

Starters don't transfer unless there is an issue with the staff. There is no logical reason why a starter with NFL aspirations, already in a 'passing' offense, transfers and rolls the dice on a single season somewhere else.

Position coach leaving, has his degree. Don't plenty of grad transfers who were starters leave? Not saying Kumah isn't odd but it happens other places too.

Wet stuff on the red stuff.

Join us in the Key Players Club

So you're saying he's chasing better coaching...

Bruh, he isn't a recruit lol. His position coach leaving shouldn't prompt a transfer. Especially not a starter. Nah.

Especially a senior starter.

"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

Actually Arkansas' leading WR from last season did the exact same thing and that's leaving an offense under highly regarded offensive guru Chad Morris.

Joffrey, Cersei, Ilyn Payne, the Hound, Jeff Jagodzinski, Paul Johnson, Pat Narduzzi.

Look at the list of players who have transferred out of there since Chad Morris got there.

Wet stuff on the red stuff.

Join us in the Key Players Club

Just wait to see what's coming down the pipe...

Free Hugh

Yes because that's why he is leaving..

This makes sense for Kumah...Turner and Hazelton passed him on the depth chart, I expect Grimsley to have a big role next year, Ellis has major upside and there are some horses coming in this recruiting class. He's probably not going to get the targets that he wants next year.

Good luck to him.

We've hit a bingo in "Blind Rationalization 101."

Yep... this wistling last the grave yard is hilarious. Ray Charles can see that there are deep issues in merryman right now. And oh btw in case anyone forgot we just went 6-7.

"whistling past the graveyard." im sorry. that was bothering me.

Enlighten me and read the tea leaves for me then.

.

Free Hugh

Pro tip: Give it a minute before you hit the "Post" button, that way you don't need to come back and edit out the comment to ".". It becomes noise on the board.

Lol yea. Any chance of adding a delete button in the future to self moderate?

Free Hugh

While that might be useful in some cases, there is a practical consequence. If a thread or comment gets deleted, so to do its votes. So in an extreme example, if someone goes full arnie and gets (deserves) a ton of downvotes, that person could simply delete the comment and have those wiped away. Of course, there are remedies to that, but it would potentially be very disruptive to the system.

/meta

"Exit light..."

/Breaks out tea leaves.

1. The mass exodus of talent over the last year has been nothing short of unbelievable. From dismissals (Hill, Reynolds, Alexander) to voluntary transfers (Kumah, Savoy, Cunningham), that's 6 former starters in a 12-month span that are no longer with the program. Spoiler alert, Fuente isn't recruiting nearly well enough to sustain that much attrition (hello, 6-7).

Worse yet, there's more than likely big(ger) news dropping in the coming days.

2. The program has been all but walled off from the public since Fuente arrived in Blacksburg. That's tough for fans to swallow when you're winning, and even harder to stomach when you're losing to Old Dominion. Former players are becoming more and more outspoken on social media. Thankfully, Pete Moris should have public relations on lockdown.

3. On the topic of PR...tonight, we had a rising senior starter and potential captain announce both a) his transfer; and b) the departure of his position coach, on Twitter. Meanwhile, secondary coaches that have objectively been a step (staircase?) down from the previous regime remain happily employed.

So, is the house burning down? Not quite yet. But it's feeling pretty damn smoky in Blacksburg.

> Worse yet, there's more than likely big(ger) news dropping in the coming days.

How much bigger. Like should I buy a bottle of Turkey 101 bigger, or should I skip straight to bleach bigger?

I'd probably go with Pepto... it's not pretty but VT has to weather the 4 hour stomach ache and push through.

Come on now, new Tide Pod is out, rip 3 and you'll feel better by morning.

@hokie_rd

I dont know. Kumah may not have been the greatest receiver on the roster but I felt like he was perhaps the most dependable.

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

Kumah was listed as No. 1 on the depth chart against Cincinnati. He had the second most production of the group last season.

Turner and Hazelton are better and younger. I don't blame him for leaving to go somewhere to be the clear star receiver. The fact that he was listed as "No. 1" in on the depth chart against Cinny is meaningless.

Kumah was our most physical and reliable WR down the stretch. Yes, Tre had better playmaking ability but Kumah was a force, especially in the redzone.

They want to rotate 6-8 wide receivers. They have said this from day one. You're picking an awful hill to die on here.

Sigh. Sure.

These comments about younger players are just clear denial. We need more than 2 WRs you know. And being younger doesn't matter. Having seniors is important, see this year. There have always been young and hungry players behind every single starter in our history. This is no different and not why he left.

I'm not feeling good about all this stuff

The taste is so divine
A chemical come alive
Welcome to your vice
Good luck with life
'Cause you can't
You can't
You can't kill me that easily

Concur. This one is difficult to rationalize. There is a shadow of doubt growing in my mind. Hopefully it is only that, and time will cast it off.

Ha! It's never going to fucking end.

Chris Cunningham to transfer too

He makes more sense at least

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

I'm usually a defender of Fuente but my trust in him is dipping

The taste is so divine
A chemical come alive
Welcome to your vice
Good luck with life
'Cause you can't
You can't
You can't kill me that easily

Dude I'm right there with ya, up until recently I'd die on the hill of pro Fuente. But now......... Obv for Wiggins if a better opportunity comes up then heck yeah go for it man, but the transfers, dismissals etc.... At the end of the day I want what's best for VT and for us to win championships, and somethin ain't right here

It's even worse if you picture him saying this in that midwest monotone drawl.

Using /s is for cowards.

I'm starting to think if he doesn't win and win big this year he doesn't get another.

The family culture that was established under Beamer seems to be all but vaporized at this point. At least from an outsider that's how it looks to me, and I'm not sure the big donors will put up with this for long.

"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'm wondering the same thing. Ticket sales were not great last year.

What is CJF's buyout after the year?

Tin foil hat VT_Fencer says the reason why we didn't axe the DB coaches or reassign Corny is so those options will still be on the table after next season if it goes poorly. If they get thrown to the wolves then Fuente probably gets another year.

The Orange and Maroon you see, that's fighting on to victory.

"Let me put it this way... he might not want to lose to odu again". Was how a very influencial VT booster characterized 2019 for coach Fu..

We have boosters?

Mind you when you say that, I think Phil Knight or Haslam or Plank. I know we have boosters, maybe not in the fuck you money world of mega donors

TKPhi Damn Proud
BSME 2009

we have a few high rollers.. they just keep a low profile

This is where I'm at right now. You can be a disciplinarian and hard-liner if you have results, but when players aren't meshing with your culture, you've walled off media and decreased overall fan interest and buzz with the program, and you're not winning to boot, it's a recipe for failure. Fuente appears to be trying to come into VT and completely gut everything and build his own brand. I don't understand why we are doing that, VT was already a respected brand with lots of identity. Fans and donors alike I thought wanted someone who could build upon Beamer's legacy, improve recruiting, establish an effective offense, and take us to a new level. We don't appear to be accomplishing these goals, and now the bottom has even fallen out of our defense.

Fuente may prove himself to be a great P5 coach someday, but unfortunately, I'm thinking that is not going happen at VT. Too much faith in his guys/his system, unwillingness to change or improve, and a personality that I don't think is going to evolve into a dynamic recruiter. Lots of concern right now if this is going to work out. As I said before, this year is a put up or shut up year. With our schedule and the blanket explanations of youth and injuries in 2018, we need to see significant improvement.

At least from an outsider that's how it looks to me...

Since he's completely walled off the program, we're all outsiders.

"Yes I am going to have favorites. My favorites are high production and low maintenance players, coaches, and staff." - JMFF

For all the times people handwring how something isn't a good luck to the public this isn't a good look - I actually don't think this is a good look coming from the creator of this site.

Why? Bc he realizes just repeating "In Fuente I Trust" doesn't make everything roses?

Strong pull fencer.

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

Well (at current count) 17 people seem like they're cool with it.

You're the last person who should want opinions determined or validated by legs/popular opinion

Obviously leg count means everything.

I'm Alum07 and I support that message

"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

(20 now). And how is what I said "wanting opinions determined or validated by legs/pop opinion"?? All I did was state an obvious fact. Don't read too much into it man.

I'm not cool with it and it just shot any chance of me ever becoming a KPC member; sponsoring this site means sponsoring him and his behavior. There's a difference between displeasure and behavior that can be considered trollish.

Just because 17 (now 40-something) people like it doesn't mean it or they are right.

Perhaps if you feel so strongly in your convictions, you shouldn't use the site at all?

Free Hugh

Yeah, unfortunately to become a TKPC member you have to have an active account.

(I've never held it against anyone for not joining TKPC, but if you're so unhappy with the product, I'm happy to show you the door.)

While he made his point in a dick-ish way, a ban seems a bit much...

Tai made it clear over a series of threads they didn't think the product was worthy of their support and they disagreed with its/the management. Now they don't have to use it.

Just imagine the backlash if Joe threatens to keep Tai from attending pro day.

Joffrey, Cersei, Ilyn Payne, the Hound, Jeff Jagodzinski, Paul Johnson, Pat Narduzzi.

Well played.

Not all commentary has to be positive if it's warranted

Last 12 months have seen multiple starters kicked off the team, a loss to ODU, the worst record we've had in 20+ years, our first losing record since 1992, and now a senior starter who was #1 on the depth chart on our last game transferring.

I think the graphic is more than warranted right now.

"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

Coupled with some of the Twitter comments this year by TKP account I agree with the above poster that these are not a good look from a site creator. From a fan, fine they happen, but in my opinion when you get media credentials you should act in an objective manner. That doesn't mean you can't make jokes or have emotion, Andy Bitter is an example of someone that toes that line extremely well. There's more professional ways to do that, or just stay out of it and let the people in the forum do it. I can tell you I'm way less likely to join TKPC after some of the things I've seen this year.

Rip his freaking head off!

BItter is objective because that is in his job description. This is a message board and fan site. Two different outlets have two different standards. That's like comparing Reddit to 60 Minutes.

-Stick it in

It's not like the media is really all that objective.

There are clear and consistent media narratives that aren't exactly balanced. To get a balanced perspective, you probably need to have multiple perspectives represented in your reporting.

Bitter, on the other hand, is one of the more balanced perspectives regarding VT sports.

Satire is a form of reporting. Has been for a LOOOOOOONG time. News magazines routinely, as in nearly every month, have satirical illustrations on their cover page that speak louder than any editorial would. This is no different.

Honestly I don't think any of the posts being referenced qualify as satire since the author doesn't reject the underlying premise of the posts/memes, even if they are presented in a slightly humorous or exaggerated manner

Joffrey, Cersei, Ilyn Payne, the Hound, Jeff Jagodzinski, Paul Johnson, Pat Narduzzi.

why would he need to reject anything for it to be satire?

Per dictionary.com, satire is defined as the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, in exposing, denouncing, or deriding vice, folly, etc.

So my take is that the "exposing, denouncing, or deriding vice, folly, etc." part is not achieved if the author agrees with the underlying premise of the post and is simply making the point in an exaggerated or humorous way (i.e. ridiculing Fuente doesn't qualify as satire if you don't like what he's doing).

Joffrey, Cersei, Ilyn Payne, the Hound, Jeff Jagodzinski, Paul Johnson, Pat Narduzzi.

Per dictionary.com, satire is defined as the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, in exposing, denouncing, or deriding vice, folly, etc.

Looks like the picture Joe posted pretty clearly falls in line with the definition of satire

"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

What is the vice being ridiculed? VT football? TKP? Supporting the head coach?

Joffrey, Cersei, Ilyn Payne, the Hound, Jeff Jagodzinski, Paul Johnson, Pat Narduzzi.

"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

no offense to dictionary.com but I prefer merriam-webster most times, which says similarly:

Definition of satire
1 : a literary work holding up human vices and follies to ridicule or scorn
2 : trenchant wit, irony, or sarcasm used to expose and discredit vice or folly

the second definition is what you are quoting from dictionary.com just stated more eloquently. There is no need to reject underlying premises for something to be satire. It is the use of "wit, irony, or sarcasm" in a way that shines a light on "vice or folly".

In this case, Joe is using the "it's fine" fire meme to highlight Fuente's seemingly lack of understanding to the perceived fire that's around him vis-a-vis the players transferring out and causing fans to lose their shit.

this is precisely what your definition from dictionary.com means. Joe is "exposing, denouncing and deriding" Fuente's "folly" of not understanding, or blindly denying, what is happening around him.

It has been around since the 1600s and is used across every medium used by media since then. I honestly have no idea why people would take offense to it.

It has been around since the 1600s and is used across every medium used by media since then. I honestly have no idea why people would take offense to it.

It's 2019 brah. It's the internet brah.

I have a right to be offended to whatever I like. It's, like, in the constitutional bill of independence, dude.

like, so is, like.... Joe's .... you know.... right to use satire man. it's like, totally protected or something.

Yeah after consideration, I was overlooking the inherent satire of the meme and simply taking it as a negative statement because of its ubiquitousness. So I agree that this meme is satire, though I still don't think most of the other public criticism I've seen qualifies as such.

Joffrey, Cersei, Ilyn Payne, the Hound, Jeff Jagodzinski, Paul Johnson, Pat Narduzzi.

our first losing record since 1992

My senior year. I swear I got hoarse from yelling, "RATS! YOU'RE NOT CHEERING HARD ENOUGH!"

#stilltoosoon

"Yes I am going to have favorites. My favorites are high production and low maintenance players, coaches, and staff." - JMFF

These types of comments will never not get a chuckle out of me lol.

F-k, after last night & today, I could use all the damn shits & gigs as possible.

This is a really bad take, and let me explain why.

TKP has always strived to provide objective commentary and content. It's been upfront about that since inception. Not only that, but it's always used humor as a vehicle. That meme/cartoon is objective commentary delivered via humor. It's what TKP does.

I sincerely appreciate your support of the endeavor, but suggesting myself or anyone else who writes for TKP sensor themselves from criticizing the program is really misguided.

You do you Joe

Free Hugh

Image result for diet coke if you want to live in a yurt

And if you want to live in a yurt, yurt it up.

By god the worst commercials next to Chevy.

I love a good nap. Sometimes that's all that's getting me out of bed in the morning.

I'd watch Gillian Jacobs in anything.

The girl is a babe.

I'd watch Gillian Jacobs in anything.

Even like this?

Let's Go

HOKIES

Naw, man, Naw. Y U do dat?

You're trying to ruin it for me.

Who is She?

I love a good nap. Sometimes that's all that's getting me out of bed in the morning.

Let's Go

HOKIES

To pile on, among other reoccurring columns, TKP regularly produces front-page content that:

  • Openly pokes fun at both the Tech football program and opponents through gambling satire / humor (Halfwits & Wagers)
  • Consists of 100% gifs celebrating Virginia Tech victories (GIFTORY)
  • Outwardly trolls opposing teams or coaches (see, Pat Narduzzi)

And yet, when that turns to a tongue-in-cheek comment about a football program objectively going through a rough patch, we've somehow passed a mythical line of journalistic integrity? Really?

TKP isn't the Roanoke Times. You could argue we may be (directly or indirectly) competing with them, but we're not beholden to the newspaper overloads at Berkshire Hathaway, and quite frankly, don't want to be. Instead, we have Joe, who I promise is much more fun at Happy Hour.

Just to be clear, I didn't mean there shouldn't be criticism from this site. I wouldn't be a TKPC member if that were the case.

To me this just seemed like a flippant meme (especially if things are as bad as people seem to make it out) that rubbed me the wrong way coming from a site that wants to do full time journalism on VT.

My issue isn't with criticism, but how it was done. You can and should criticize the program if that is what you see. To me that doesn't mean that every bit of humor is a hit or a good look for what this site is trying to be.

While some excellent points were made in you're post, I don't think you should read too much into it. We're not always about "image" here on TKP. No need to get into a bind about it.

I would root for the Russians before I would root for Virginia.

Seriously, what is going on? Wow! Our most physical and reliable WR, a starter no less, is leaving the program. He thanks several coaches but not the head coach?

There is a narrative developing about Fuente and it is not a good one. When he pulled Capehart's scholarship in what seemed like an over-reaction, I was able to understand it and even convinced myself it may have been the right thing to do. Now, it does seem that Fuente has real difficulties building a consensus and getting players to buy in to what he's doing.

Winning may change perception but things are not good. And make no mistake about it, Kumah emerged this year and he was poised to be very solid for us next year. Losing him is going to be huge.

I don't like this. Feel like there is some ticking time bomb

What is striking to me is that a lot of these kids who absolutely loved VT when they were here are now so jaded with how poorly they believe they were treated they're taking joy in the bottom falling out.

Mook actively taking joy in this is gutting after how much he went out of his way to recruit for us when he was here. But now, hes openly trashing the program as a whole.

"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

Yep. This is really a tragedy. But how much power did Fuente have to change the situation with Mook? Obviously, Fuente handled it poorly from the Reynolds' perspective. Even if you must cut ties, you can do so with empathy and try to help the player land on his feet.

Allegedly they are holding Mook's pro day hostage for not speaking out about something in the program

Free Hugh

I don't understand the narrative that Fuente is holding his pro day "hostage" like he's entitled to attend pro day. Mook is off the team. I'd say its a privilege they are even giving him an opportunity to attend pro day. Why would you willingly allow a guy who is publicly applauding the locker room turmoil back into VT football facilities??? Get that as far away from the team as possible.

Oh there are so many facts you folk dont know. But I cant say because Ive been told by the big man that if I do there will be no pro day for Mook. After all he's given I thought that would be automatic....lol. And you wondered why you get no info👀 - jreynolds06

"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 mook thinks hes entitled to a pro day. Got it. Seems like that is his problem to work out.

Considering he was the architect of his own destruction it seems like sour grapes

15

I thought we'd already established that sometimes Mook makes poor decisions.

JP

I'm not worried, they're probably just talking about tonight's This Is Us episode or something

Not the bagman VT deserves, but the bagman VT needs right now.

This seems bad

Plan for the worst and hope for the best, not the other way around.

Mook has since deleted this tweet

He had to. Per his dad earlier this year the coaches threatened to bar him from Pro Day if he didn't keep his mouth shut. They have him by the balls.

"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

Good. He doesn't deserve the chance to show off in front of pro scouts at VT facilities if he wants to publicly badmouth the program. It's completely absurd to act otherwise.

I'm not saying things are going well within the program but Mook and Trevon couldn't get their acts together and instead of accepting responsibility, their actions have proven to be a cancer to the program ever since.

Come on, folks. If your spouse cheated on you, would you welcome him/her back into your home for speed dating with new suitors? Mook was arrested and charged with a felony offense. Those actions hurt the team and, unless Fuente called the cops to bust him, the coaching staff had no choice in his dismissal.

Joffrey, Cersei, Ilyn Payne, the Hound, Jeff Jagodzinski, Paul Johnson, Pat Narduzzi.

Shocked this has upvotes

I'm not, not really. If you're dismissed from the program, then wouldn't inclusion at Pro Day be a favor for him? Would you be inclined to grant a favor for someone who is badmouthing you?

"Yes I am going to have favorites. My favorites are high production and low maintenance players, coaches, and staff." - JMFF

I have a lot of respect for the contributions Reynolds made to the VT Football program, but I agree with your sentiment 100%. The fact that he's being invited to participate under any conditions indicates the football staff is appreciative as well.

That's a pretty false equivalence. Badmouthing vs hurting someone's prospects at a career?

What about all the work Mook put in for VT, and all the money he made them while he was uncompensated?

Sure. Hopefully the impression he left on the field as a Hokie is enough to offset the impression he is leaving off the field. VT gave him a chance to showcase his talent to NFL scouts. They owe him nothing more if he insist on burning down the brand.

He's not burning down the brand, literally who changed their opinion on VT because of one of his tweets?

As for long time, orange and maroon glasses wearing Hokies probably none. But I'd be more concerned about the influence and sway negative tweets would have on recruits. Especially coming from well known, talented, and appreciated former players.

I'm sorry to break it to you but that's exactly how the world works. If I have an internship and end up getting fired, or even just not invited back, then throw shade at the company publicly on social media and privately to other interns, would it make any sense to expect my former boss to write a glowing letter of recommendation when I have to apply for a full time job?

Joffrey, Cersei, Ilyn Payne, the Hound, Jeff Jagodzinski, Paul Johnson, Pat Narduzzi.

And this doesn't even acknowledge the fact that a letter of recommendation is a favor, not a requirement. Any decent leader/boss should be willing to do so for deserving former employees, but it isn't a given unless it's written into your employment contract.

"all the money he made them while he was uncompensated?"

Didn't realize that 10s of thousands of dollars in education is not being compensated.

Charges with a felony

I must have missed the part where he was convicted

Free Hugh

I believe you may be mistaking "charged" with convicted. Charges are formal allegations (not yet proven) of a legal offense. I believe he was right in saying it the way he did, as he was charged but never convicted.

Never is not correct either as his case is still pending.

I understand how the legal system works. What I was implying is that it's wrong to treat him like he's guilty when so far he isn't guilty of anything

Free Hugh

Mook was arrested and charged with a felony, and his case is still pending. He has not been convicted, but he has not yet been acquitted or had his felony charge dismissed/reduced. The Virginia Tech student athlete code of conduct states the following:

Any student-athlete arrested and charged with a felony, or with a crime involving gambling or game fixing under Virginia law or any other jurisdictional equivalent, shall be suspended automatically, by the Athletics Director, from practice and playing privileges until the charges are dropped, dismissed or otherwise resolved.

Mook is currently ineligible to participate by university policy as a result of the felony charge. If he were to be convicted or plead no contest, he'd be automatically and permanently dismissed from the team.

I haven't really followed this story closely, but it looks like Mook has been dismissed, rather than suspended, from the team. Is this where the scuttlebutt lies here? That coaches elected to dismiss, rather than indefinitely suspend? Obviously the coaching staff's hands are tied here regarding automatic suspension from team activities while the case is pending, but I hadn't really considered the distinction between suspension and dismissal until I went to research the university policy on this just now.

Probably, but supposedly he was already on suspension from the team when this incident occurred so I am surmising that Fuente said enough is enough and went the full dismissal.

I'm about ready to give up watching sports. It's just not enjoyable anymore. I don't know if it's anything other than a tough 2018, but the bad seems to be outweighing the good. I'll pull for VT till I die but my level of engagement is gonna get pulled back because the return on investment just isn't where it needs to be.

Idk how to say it nicely but discussion boards of any type have always been a love hate relationship of mine. I love them because I love discussing sports but I hate them because then my engagement becomes analysis instead of just enjoying the game. I have largely stepped back because there is a threshold I intentionally do not want to cross.

I also don't like the system of upvotes and downvotes. While it does self-moderate to a degree, it also conditions people on what to post. Inside jokes and narratives are perpetuated because plenty of people want to get on the upvote train (psychologically proven dopamine hit). There are certain users I respect a lot because they have never deviated from their opinion no matter how many down votes they get--and in some cases, right now it looks like they may have been the most discerning.

Ultimately my enjoyment is inversely proportional to the amount of time I spend online discussing sports.

The concept of downvotes isn't to downvote opinions that you disagree with.

They're more for when someone breaks a community rule or is particularly rude or disrespectful of the other people here.

So normally if you see someone gathering negative votes, it's not because they're voicing an opinion people disagree with, but that they're voicing it in an unacceptable way.

I know what down-votes are intended for but on the basis that up-votes are given for comments that are liked or agreed with, then it stands to reason that more down-votes will be given for disagreement and dislike rather than discipline.

I think TKP is better than most in using down-votes appropriately. At the end of the day, most users are seeking up-votes for the dopamine hit and shy away from controversial opinions for this reason. The fear of not getting enough up-votes or receiving down-votes effectively moderates people into conforming their opinion into whatever the popular narrative is.

I'm not saying I know it all here, I am just saying that I have rarely seen down-votes used for their intention and up-votes can just as easily shame someone but in a more subtle way and one that can't be regulated at all.

Heck, back in 2010-2012, I started to get the feeling VT had peaked and was worried dark times were coming. Anytime I mentioned that, I was put on blast (albeit not on TKP). "You must be a heckuva guy to go to a party with....why can't you enjoy the ten win seasons and just keep it to yourself..." I'm not trying to vindicate myself, I could have just as easily been wrong. But my comments were either not up-voted at all, or they were down-voted (to your point, in a very small amount). However the shaming comments were up-voted like crazy.

And that is why I don't like the system. Even if users who have an unpopular opinion are not down-voted...the people that come up with the witty responses get applauded and then that user is made to feel like a moron.

Downvoted

Fwiw

VB born, class of '14

Narrator: His case was not rested

The Orange and Maroon you see, that's fighting on to victory.

Agreed, and if he'd matured he'd just keep his mouth shut but... *shrug*

Old coaching axiom:

Don't be the guy who follows a legend. Be the guy who follows the guy who followed the legend.

Be careful what you wish for, Hokie Nation. I hope we don't have too many fans who wish us into Miami purgatory.

Miami crapped out because they got bad coaches who wrecked their culture each trying to push their own and forcing out anyone who didn't agree. They cut off ties with alumni and turned into a mess.

Fuente seems to be headed down that path right now.

"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

Sean Daniel (who I hadn't heard of, TBH) announced his transfer as well:

Hokies United l Ut Prosim

Was he on Scholarship?

I read his handle as @RealSethAllen at first and was extremely confused.

The Orange and Maroon you see, that's fighting on to victory.

Tre Turner has wiped all mentions of VT from his Twitter profile

He might be next

#sauces

Josh Jackson could be out as well

"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

If Tre transfers we are going to be in 5-7/7-5 purgatory for the remainder of Fuente's time here.

An offensive guru losing his best player(s) is not a good look.

Yes,that's the Hokie Bird riding a camel. Why'd you ask?

Along with a "business is business" tweet. It's not looking good

Welp.

I'm guessing it isn't standard procedure for a P5 athletic department to send somebody out to play Baghdad Bob, but I'd appreciate it if the athletic department would say something if he's next.

The Orange and Maroon you see, that's fighting on to victory.

If this all goes down as rumored, I'm not sure Fuente should be the coach anymore.

"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

Can't argue with roster disintegration. I'd just be worried about what the financial impact of paying a buyout would be.

On the bright side this late in the coaching carousal this would only mean one thing, HCBF.

The Orange and Maroon you see, that's fighting on to victory.

CBF
Hire an OC of his choosing
Lure T Gray back from UF as DC
Get Shane back on staff
Loren Johnson as dean of DBU

Put it this way, I'm absolutely leaning toward not donating in 2019 if this continues. Something is rotten in Blacksburg and I have no desire to financially support this going forward.

Of I do donate I might earmark it to all go to Buzzketball

"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 plan on earmarking for either wrestling or lax, since they never get the widespread love. But i'm extremely hesitant to do anything this year.

VB born, class of '14

Yep. I plan on giving all the money to the soccer teams and Pamplin.

Don't forget DeShawn McClease.

Hokies United l Ut Prosim

That would be several potential starters to leave a program

Free Hugh

My youngest son is named Turner. That would hit me right in the feels

Wow.

That one has me concerned, as I see him as the future of the WR core.

He also just posted "Relax". I'd embed it here but I'm not sure how

Hittin' us with the ol' Aaron Rodgers

The Orange and Maroon you see, that's fighting on to victory.

Leg for the assist

So much for smooth transitions...

Looks like to me there was a "Beamer Club" on the team. They weren't happy when some of their members left the team. They're now following suit.

Is there a better explanation? I don't know. The Kumah thing hurts, as he was a definite positive on the team. The WR position, however, remains a strength for this team.

I think some people are over-reacting, though. Fuente isn't Beamer. Never was. He's different, and we were at a point where we needed "different". This has been a trend, but it's bound to be ending soon. There just aren't that many Beamer highly-talented recruits left, and Fuente actually has recruited some talented players.

It is what it is.

Wonder how far bringing the man himself into the building to say something to those guys would have gone.

The Orange and Maroon you see, that's fighting on to victory.

What a concept, and I doubt it was ever thought of.

VB born, class of '14

Yeah, probably not.

Maybe that and some one-on-ones with Fuente as well. Not sure if that happened or not, but it does seem like some guys lacked some connection there.

I don't think he would

Free Hugh

Try again Beamer has talked to the team several times each season.

Wet stuff on the red stuff.

Join us in the Key Players Club

I think he meant specifically regarding this particular situation.

Good post. All I was hoping for was not losing games because of shitty offense. I was hoping for a real 3rd down package. I was hoping our guys could get the snap off cleanly and pass protect. We have not even had that with any consistency, the offense is still 100% meh. It's better, but it's not dynamic - at all, especially against good teams. THAT was my only expectation and Fu is falling short... continued mediocre recruiting, record bad defense, and the attrition transfer nonsense is icing on the cake .

While I'd like to see some improvement, top 25 isn't really mediocre recruiting, and shouldn't Bud take some of the heat for the defense?

We may have to agree to disagree but VT recruiting is squarely mediocre, imo. There is more to recruiting than composite star ranking or "other P5 offers". Let's just say signing a couple 4 star DL and CBs this cycle would have changed my mind a bit. In terms of the defense, yes Bud needs to be held accountable for 2018, no question. I didn't see the adjustments or imagination or making chicken salad out of soup like I've seen him do so brilliantly over the years last year.

I think we need to address what we're saying mediocre means, because when looking at rankings numbers at the end of recent recruiting cycles I see decidedly above average numbers for a P5 team and I don't see how one could say otherwise. Not great poor mediocre or average, above average.

Here's a good piece from SB Nation (link) at the end of last year's recruiting cycle with a tidbit that you may find surprising:

Largest positive change in two-year recruiting rankings (Power 5)

Virginia Tech (14 spots, from 38th to 24th)

Which was the largest improvement of all P5 teams.

Edit: This isn't directed at dc, but don't think I didn't see this post's score drop by one. Downvoting a post like this is a clown move.

The Orange and Maroon you see, that's fighting on to victory.

Hahahahahaha... Did you really just ask DC if Foster should take some heat for defense.... I love it

I'm worried as fuck

The taste is so divine
A chemical come alive
Welcome to your vice
Good luck with life
'Cause you can't
You can't
You can't kill me that easily

You know that scene in Risky Business where he's holding the car back from going in the lake...

Guys it's ok. Remember we're a basketball scho..... oh wait. Nevermind.

Using /s is for cowards.

Somebody tell me it's going to be ok.

"Go Hokies!" - Thomas Jefferson
@HaydenDubya

We're fucked.

VB born, class of '14

I wish we could man

The taste is so divine
A chemical come alive
Welcome to your vice
Good luck with life
'Cause you can't
You can't
You can't kill me that easily

It's not.

Marshall University graduate.
Virginia Tech fanatic.
Formerly known as JWillHokieAlum.

Well, I mean, in the grand scheme of things it will be okay and in all honesty if the VT football program coming apart at the seems is a catastrophe in your world (as it is in mine) then your world is pretty friggin awesome.

It's going to be ok, unless it's not. - Shit my Dad says.

You will see this game, this upset and this sign next on ESPN Sportscenter. Virginia Tech 31 Miami 7

His decision was made after a phone call with longtime Virginia Tech assistant coach Bud Foster. All Foster told him was, "We win. They don't."

What's going on? Feels I'm watching the stock market crash.

Not much just the potential collapse of the empire that Beamer built.

Come join the fun!

"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 that's my biggest fear, the destruction of a legacy. And honestly, it's what I'm feeling is happening, accurate or not. Just feels pretty bad to me.

uva sucks

Thanks for saving my night.

So he chose the wrong night to cleanse his SM feeds... Or this was an excellent troll... Either way

"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

OHokie has announced he is entering the transfer portal #respectmydecision

I'm putting my hat in it as well #respectmydecision

The taste is so divine
A chemical come alive
Welcome to your vice
Good luck with life
'Cause you can't
You can't
You can't kill me that easily

I respect his decision.

He was buried on the depth chart anyway and hadn't cracked the starting 100 on the Turkey Leg Big Board. Smart move for him to transfer now with some eligibility left. Good luck to him

Someone got the joke

The taste is so divine
A chemical come alive
Welcome to your vice
Good luck with life
'Cause you can't
You can't
You can't kill me that easily

Will you have to sit out a year? Are you 800% committed to this decision?

JP

Jsumm88 is staying a Hokie for life regardless of how this, or any other off season play out. #respectmydecision

New off season reality in college football. Get used to it.

Look at the bright side.

More schollys available.

The numbers always work out...?

You will see this game, this upset and this sign next on ESPN Sportscenter. Virginia Tech 31 Miami 7

His decision was made after a phone call with longtime Virginia Tech assistant coach Bud Foster. All Foster told him was, "We win. They don't."

Something something the numbers always work out.

Edit: Beat me by 30 seconds

uva sucks

The Orange and Maroon you see, that's fighting on to victory.

Players being completely invested in one position coach and one coach only always blows my mind. Like you're actually a good player getting serious playing time and doing well and there's all the different factors that go into playing at a school and one single coach on the staff is the only thing keeping you there? You really dislike everything else (the other coaches, the team, the school itself, the surrounding area, etc.) so much that you'll bolt from it all the second your position coach leaves?

Like I get looking past all that other stuff if the coach in question is somebody in your actual family or a lifelong family friend or something but other then that? It's just weird as hell to me.

I'm pretty sure this has more to do with the head coach. He said as much when he left him off the "thank you" list.

Let's be real with ourselves. We would be crazy to keep denying that something bad is going on within the program with Fuente. (1) either Fuente stinks as being a leader to these young adults or (2) there is a cancerous group of immature players causing havoc. Based on my little bit of real life experience in the business world it is usually one or other. Unfortunately, based on what is happening, it will probably take a couple years to sort itself out. I just wish this entire group of adults that call themselves the Virginia Tech Football team would get over their egos and just go out there and play for each other.

"Vick, dashing back . . . here he comes again . . . Electrifying . . . and have you ever seen anything like this?"

Or there was a coaching transition that went rougher than we expected.

Apparently, some were lead to believe that coaching changes were seamless.

Didn't Kumah have a big impact on recruiting and signing one of our new recruits that just signed?

It was DT Joshua Fuga

On a brighter note, I brought a 120-count Chick-fil-A nugget tray over to a friend's house tonight and managed to bring back about 100 of them. They're safely in the fridge as we speak. #hardsmarttough

"What kind of person would throw away a perfectly good dog?"

Well, you got that going for ya.

which is nice

Does anyone know if Bud Foster plans on taking the "transfer portal" back down to the field to coach this season? Here's to hoping that there are no hidden issues associated with that situation as well.

"Vick, dashing back . . . here he comes again . . . Electrifying . . . and have you ever seen anything like this?"

I called it after the ODU loss and haven't shaken this feeling since. Something is rotten in Denmark. Players transferring and being kicked off the team left and right, Mook being held hostage, the Hill situation (he was in the wrong but something is still off on the other side), Mook's dad hinting at Bud being held hostage, bad losses, poor effort...the list goes on.

I was considering donating to the Hokie Club as I should have enough money in the near future to do so (as well as re-join TKPC, I love this site), but until this smoke clears and we get a good explanation of what's going on I won't donate. Shady shady business. It makes me sad because I love my Hokies...

Remember how we complained about never being able to make it the championship in the middle of 10 win, BCS game seasons? Yeah I miss that. A lot. I miss Coach Beamer. I looked at my commemorative T-shirt from his last game and teared up a bit. The good ole days seem to be in the rear view.

"GO BACK TO YOUR ROOM LITTLE BROTHER, THE CUP IS COMIN’ ON HOME!”

Hang in there buddy. I did a double take after logging in this evening to make sure it wasn't April Fool's Day. Hopefully this messed up situation works itself out.

"Vick, dashing back . . . here he comes again . . . Electrifying . . . and have you ever seen anything like this?"

I hope so too, but it seems we keep waiting for things to "work out in the end" but they don't, just more attrition and hints at big issues.

"GO BACK TO YOUR ROOM LITTLE BROTHER, THE CUP IS COMIN’ ON HOME!”

Mook's dad hinting at Bud being held hostage,

I must have missed a thread...hadn't heard this one before, how is Bud being held hostage? BTW, if this thing blows up, I say give the job to Bud Foster...he's earned it..

Has he? I love Bud Foster but has he? I would say this season lies at the feet of Foster and Wiles more than Fuente doe the defensive play and lack of quality depth.

Wet stuff on the red stuff.

Join us in the Key Players Club

Really??? Bud can't coach defense??? Maybe Fuente kicking his best players off the team had something to do with it. There are 25 years of resume to look at with foster. One year and he can't coach???

I'm not going to say Bud can't coach D. Obviously he can and has, and his record of success is unimpeachable in my eyes.

This past year though? Oh, he can coach. And he's coached some great D's with less talent than he had on roster this year. One suspects his attention was somehow distracted.

He last.If you are talking about Hill he was on the field for that ODU ass whippin. But why didn't we have more depth on DL on CB because of shortfalls by Wiles and Foster over the years. The Bud Foster can do no wrong is part of the issue with the program moving forward. Everyone looking in the past.

Also where did I say he can't coach? I said what has he shown that he bears no blame on this season or that would make him an outstanding head coach?

(Sorry if my spelling is off just had my eyes dilated at the eye doctor)

Wet stuff on the red stuff.

Join us in the Key Players Club

Is this Fuente's TKP burner account?

Mook's dad alluded to this in a very long comment awhile back if I'm not mistaken. I'll happily retract that part of my statement if I'm remembering incorrectly.

"GO BACK TO YOUR ROOM LITTLE BROTHER, THE CUP IS COMIN’ ON HOME!”

He did, its the intro to the part where he also alluded to the pro day being held hostage

Funny but you dont even see what is happening to Bud in front of your eyes! Dudes and icon with someone who doesn't like to share the stage. Oh there are so many facts you folk dont know. But I cant say because Ive been told by the big man that if I do there will be no pro day for Mook. After all he's given I thought that would be automatic....lol. And you wondered why you get no info👀 - jreynolds06

"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

Not saying this is incorrect but I can't understand why Bud would stick around if this was accurate. More than enough money to retire, and could easily find another job. "This is home" only goes so far.

Saban runs a pretty tight ship. I'm sure there was tons of this in his first few years. It's called change. Look at the basketball team. We were not great and had tranfers during buzz's first seasons. Now look at us! Things take time. I believe in Fuente. If the short term conflict is people transfer in order to get long term championships then I'm all in. Can anyone check and see if there's are Fuente recruits transferring or Beamers boys? I bet that has a lot to do with this. Frankly if they don't want to play for our coach then we don't need them here.

There are wolves and there are sheep, I am the sheep dog

Kumah was a Beamer recruit, but he waits until now to transfer? As the #1/2 WR on the depth chart? I don't buy it.

He would have known quickly if he didn't want to work with Fuente. Buzz's attrition happened in the first year or so of his tenure, and the basketball program was in MUCH worse shape compared to football.

"GO BACK TO YOUR ROOM LITTLE BROTHER, THE CUP IS COMIN’ ON HOME!”

I disagree with the last part of your statement. Fuente had almost half of his defense go to the NFL. There was no turnaround time. You really think is Edmunds and co stay that this past season goes the way it does? I don't believe so. We were bare bones thin on defense and we have to switch QBS. Everything was set up to fail this season.

There are wolves and there are sheep, I am the sheep dog

We're talking year 3 of Fuente vs year 1 of Buzz. Beamer may not have done the best job recruiting depth and this site has hashed and re-hashed that, but it's clear who the superior coach is between Fuente and Buzz. Comparing apples to oranges sure, but the point is that at this point in Fuentes tenure we shouldn't be seeing this much attrition.

"GO BACK TO YOUR ROOM LITTLE BROTHER, THE CUP IS COMIN’ ON HOME!”

I wasn't comparing exact years. I was saying in the general time frames of the the few seasons. If I made it seem like I was being exact I do apologize.

These are not Fuente players leaving though. Nobody was leaving when we had talent and were winning the ACC and shit! I think it comes down to this, we had adversity hit and some of these young kids couldn't handle it. Fuente is probably doing everything he can to ensure it doesn't happen again aka losing to odu because his ass on the line, not the players. I'd also bet the lateness news has a lot to do w Kumah leaving as well. We will be fine. If not I'll be the first to eat crow.

There are wolves and there are sheep, I am the sheep dog

No need to apologize my friend, I see where you're coming from.

I want to believe your line of thinking, and sure hope you're right, but at this point I'm very wary. Have a leg!

"GO BACK TO YOUR ROOM LITTLE BROTHER, THE CUP IS COMIN’ ON HOME!”

but it's clear who the superior coach is between Fuente and Buzz

Well, no, that's not actually clear. Definitely comparing apples to oranges.

The timeframe for a football rebuild is definitely longer than in basketball just from the sheer number of people, and the time it takes to develop into an effective role at some positions.

I would say Buzz is a superior coach based upon his resume as a whole. Also I think blue blood basketball schools would be much more likely to hire Buzz than his football counterpart, but that's just my .02.

"GO BACK TO YOUR ROOM LITTLE BROTHER, THE CUP IS COMIN’ ON HOME!”

I'd suggest they're both pretty accomplished in their chosen fields.

Buzz is a damned fine coach. No question. Fuente isn't out of his initial rebuild yet, and is relatively young for a head football coach.

I just don't think it's a particularly valid comparison.

I agree it isn't, and I said it was apples to oranges.

"GO BACK TO YOUR ROOM LITTLE BROTHER, THE CUP IS COMIN’ ON HOME!”

Saban went from 7-6 his first year to 12-2 (sugar bowl) in his second to national champs in his third. So NO This didn't happen to Saban. Also I really wish the fan base wasn't so obsessed with recruiters as coaches. It has been proven time and again that winners are the best recruiters. You WIN first and then the recruits will come.

I really feel like I need something I haven't had in almost 20 years, a gigantic bong rip.

If you play it, they will win.

"How the ass pocket will be used, I do not know. Alls I know is, the ass pocket will be used." -The BoD

Moments like this is why I'm getting a vape pen

The taste is so divine
A chemical come alive
Welcome to your vice
Good luck with life
'Cause you can't
You can't
You can't kill me that easily

The edibles these days are even better and don't come with the coughing.

You will see this game, this upset and this sign next on ESPN Sportscenter. Virginia Tech 31 Miami 7

His decision was made after a phone call with longtime Virginia Tech assistant coach Bud Foster. All Foster told him was, "We win. They don't."

But are they legal in Virginia?

The taste is so divine
A chemical come alive
Welcome to your vice
Good luck with life
'Cause you can't
You can't
You can't kill me that easily

As far as I know, they aren't. I don't worry about it because I rarely have one, and when I do, its not openly in front of a police officer.

You will see this game, this upset and this sign next on ESPN Sportscenter. Virginia Tech 31 Miami 7

His decision was made after a phone call with longtime Virginia Tech assistant coach Bud Foster. All Foster told him was, "We win. They don't."

Oooooh noooooo

The taste is so divine
A chemical come alive
Welcome to your vice
Good luck with life
'Cause you can't
You can't
You can't kill me that easily

Business is business, sounds familiar

VB born, class of '14

While I like the player Kumah has blossomed into, that quote does not jive with my version of what being a teammate means. Man, I didn't even like some of the guys I played with but I'd have given my right arm for them. We didn't quit on each other.

Aren't we left with two possibilities, either he is the type of person that would leave his teammates or he felt that strongly about leaving the program to make this type of decision. I could certainly side with the former if this was an isolated case; however, at this point It doesn't seem to be an isolated case.

@hokie_rd

Jbrill glaze also chiming in saying where's there's smoke there's fire on Twitter...isn't he at CC now?

Lol Glaze should have never even sniffed a VT offer.

I'm Wiggins out about all this!

Too soon?

He was our best receiver imo. He was also a Beamer guy and same for Cunningham even though I love both those guys it might just be part of Fuente's plan. If that's the case I think his stubbornness has done him in.

The coach Foster part is what scares me. Nothing to read into here he has no respect for Fuente, gotta wonder how many others on the team feel this way.

I think they just didn't want to sit out a year and figured they could give it a shot with Fuente and if it wasn't working out, grad transfer and not miss a year.

Plan for the worst and hope for the best, not the other way around.

This stuff is why I just don't invest myself in sports anymore. You end up so deep into it all that decisions that immature 18-21 year old kids are making about throwing a damn football around affect your mood and perception of things. Just not worth it IMO

Meh, who cares about football anyways. This is supposed to be a website about condiments, whiskey, and fishing. Sports are dumb.... right guys? Right?!

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Jet Sweep

I am a little unsure about where Kumah thinks he might go. If Wiggins is headed for Alabama, which is the guessers' favorite, I cannot see Kumah following him there because being in the top three at VT has to be better than being receiver 5/6 at Alabama (although that choice still wouldn't top Evans trying to turn pro, but it would easily be in second place). Joining the VT to UCF bandwagon I could see as he would fit into the VT Club down there. Am I the only one speculating on his plans, feel free to join in, surprised it hasn't been talked about yet?

Hate to see him go, but WR isn't exactly a worrisome spot even with him leaving, far more concerned with reviving our moribund running game and (descriptive word eludes me) defense.
This transfer portal thing is getting big (see Penn State and South Carolina) particularly with respect to Quarterbacks.........

The LewDew, Professional Golf Bum

I have held back judgement and stuck behind the coaching staff....it's getting near impossible now. You shouldn't have kids like Kumah transferring out. This most definitely crosses the line of concerning.

(add if applicable) /s

Before jumping on the everyone sucks bandwagon I suggest going through the list of transfers around the country right now. Plenty of players who were starters or had meaningful snaps/stats are transferring. Including Arkansas's number one WR. Is Chad Morris a failed coaching hire?
While I would question how this season turned out, depth especially in the defense, some in game play calls I think jumping to conclusions based on e a single starter transferring is the answer.

Wet stuff on the red stuff.

Join us in the Key Players Club

Is Arkansas a particularly successful team? I don't think so. I don't want to be Arkansas right now. They went 2-10 and didn't win a single conference game. They lost to North Texas and Colorado State. Their only 2 wins were Eastern Illinois and Tulsa... and that's your measuring stick of what's acceptable for our school? Morris is completely unproven, came from a small school with a losing record there, and is possibly in way over his head. He hasn't shown himself to be a great recruiter. Why do you want this?

Free Hugh

Arkansas is landing some bigtime recruits. We are struggling to do the same. Dont get the Arkansas comparison. We arent having people leave because of recruiting.

We have 2 recruits rated higher than their highest rated recruit.

Free Hugh

Arkansas is a football nobody who was 2-10 last year and 4-8 the year before. In multiple threads you're now using them as a baseline measuring stick for VT like this is all nbd. Stretch much?

I'm saying transfers with the new rules are more common. It's like people are just looking for an excuse to say burn it all down. As for many of you I think you have an inflated view of Tech football in the landscape of P5 football. Our budget and everything that falls under it: recruiting, staff hires etc all sit in bottom half of P5 teams Yet Beamer and Fuente have both kept the team in the top half of teams in wins and recruiting rankings.
Honest question for the glass always empty crowd who do you consider a peer team to Tech? PSU and OSU? UNC and NCST? Bama?

Wet stuff on the red stuff.

Join us in the Key Players Club

Okay with the new transfer rules there are bound to be some people that transfer, I get that. There's not a chance that as a program you should stay silent about some of the shit that has happened this year. It'd be one thing if Fuente has come out and said something along the lines of that's the landscape of football but for him to be openly left out of Kumah's tweet and all of the rumblings in the program to not even half way address these things is an issue.

In b4 "CoaCh FueNtE iS aLwaYs SilEnT to tHe MedIa"

(add if applicable) /s

I can't think of any coach who directly addresses transfers outside of team dismissals. I think Fuente does a crappy job of being open to fans and media, his policies on access suck, but I don't expect him to make a statement on this.

Wet stuff on the red stuff.

Join us in the Key Players Club

Correct but with out this part

I think Fuente does a crappy job of being open to fans and media, his policies on access suck

We start getting to the point where these transfers look bad because the media has little access to what the program is actually doing. This is all just my take on it, I'm just sick of the only access we have on team news is from players transferring and a fairly meaningless press conference he holds on Monday(?) during the season. With a guy that doesn't really show excitement and a bunch of not so great things happening it just leads to a questionable look IMO.

(add if applicable) /s

You were good until you brought up his exctiment. Fuente gets plenty animated on the sideline and pre and post game. Just watch him on the sideline when something good or bad happens.

Wet stuff on the red stuff.

Join us in the Key Players Club

Sorry figured talking about press conferences and media would have lead you to think about press conferences and not sideline behavior. I'm done with discussing this. I stated already that this is my opinion and why I've formed it so you could have some insight.

(add if applicable) /s

I get that you're trying to have a reasoned approach to this. I do. And that's fine. Were it just the transfers, maybe I could even back up your take. When you see all the other smoke you have to wonder what the fuck is going on though. Especially, when you have former players saying things like this...

If you play it, they will win.

"How the ass pocket will be used, I do not know. Alls I know is, the ass pocket will be used." -The BoD

Part of the frustration relates to Fuente's lack of transparency around the program. When you cut fans off the way he has, it leaves room for wild speculation.

Fireman, there is no room for your reasoned takes on this forum. You have fought the good fight, but let the "burn it to the ground" folks who seem aplenty right now finish with their overreacting takes and then we can move on to until the next news cycle.

PSU recruits at a high enough level to not let a series of high talented players leaving impact them.

VT does not recruit at a high enough level to lose actual honest to goodness starters like this and it not impact us on the field.

"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. This. This. THIS. THIS. THIS. THIS. THIS.

If you play it, they will win.

"How the ass pocket will be used, I do not know. Alls I know is, the ass pocket will be used." -The BoD

They've lost the locker room! /s

I agree with you on this. However, we just saw two seniors bounce with one subtly throwing shade at Fuente on Twitter (not mentioning him is certainly doing that). These two seniors were starters who, as Joe mentioned on another thread, have been praised by Fuente on numerous occasions.

These two transfers, combined with everything that happened before the "Transfer Portal" opened up are certainly legitimate reasons to be concerned.

Is coronavirus over yet?

I agree that increased transfers are the new norm. And for what it's worth, PSU fans are really pissed about Franklin; even the level headed fans and supporters are at best cautiously optimistic. The difference is that PSU has a ton of 5 star recruits coming in. We have some good players, but not enough to cover the loss of 5+ starters.

I'll start to believe when we pick up a 4 star RB on rebound.

From what I can find... Here is a short list of the number of players having entered the Transfer Portal. I just selected a couple teams. There are many many more in the Transfer Portal. Penn State leads the field:

Penn State - 10 players (way too many)
VT - 5 players (too many)
Texas A&M - 4 players
Clemson - 1 player (Kelly Bryant)
UNC - 0
NC State - 0

https://247sports.com/Article/NCAA-transfer-portal-names-players-destina...

You've got to look at each player case by case. Cam Goode is one of our 5, I'd say not a bad situation there, just not a good VT fit. But...Kumah - that's a guy we don't want to see go.
When a player enters the Transfer Portal, they aren't requred to actually transfer...this only allows other teams to contact them (they technically can stay). But...one could easily assume that if they enter, there is intent to leave.

JP

I'm just gonna say it — do we think we'd be having these problems if Foster was named the successor to Beamer? I feel like we've lost our identity as a program. Fuente has really changed Blacksburg (access to fans, not owning up to our mistakes as a HC, disgruntled former players, etc).

I just hope Foster/Wiles stick around and we start righting the ship next year.

Brandon J. Carroll
Class of 2010

a few things to unpack here.

First, yes I think Foster would be having issues with this program. Not necessarily these issues but issues. I think people have a way too rosy memory of just how much the bottom had dropped out of the program in Beamer's last few years.

Second, Fuente shouldn't be required to have the same identity as Beamer. Hell we hired him primarily because he has a strikingly different identity than Beamer offensively.

Third, Beamer has had disgruntled players over the years as well. I can't say about the early years but I know from the time I became a Hokie to his final year that there have been players that felt not so warm and fuzzy. It's hard to tell if this is really a much larger issue with Fuente or a changing of the guard issue and the only way to really determine that is for Fuente to prove he is right.

My thing is it's not like we haven't seen this kind of attrition before, it's just followed a lot more closely now. Just think about from 2008 through the following few years, a decent amount of guys didn't finish their careers with Tech for one reason or another.

Jake Johnson, Will Alvarez, Xavier Boyce, Allen Stephens, Ricardo Young, Austin Fuller, Lyndell Gibson, Telvion Clark, Ben Barber, both Peak brothers, Jerrod Williams, Quillie Odom, Patrick Terry, Khalil Latif, Justin Young, Brian Laiti, Jerome Lewis, Theron Norman, Dominique Patterson, Nick Dew, Boye Aromire, Duan Perez Means, Kris Harley, and James Farrow.

I'm sure there's more. I only got to 2011 looking through the rosters. But, that's during a time where coaching changes weren't happening and we were winning.

Gobble Till You Wobble

we have a bingo!

That's fair. But what Fuente has done — specifically cutting off former players from access to the program — are pretty bad compared to anything Beamer did or Foster would have done.

Kumah not thanking Fuente in his transfer message speaks volumes IMO and is something we have never seen before IIRC.

Brandon J. Carroll
Class of 2010

Yea, but when all those players left, twitter wasn't as big. I'm pretty sure some of those guys thoughts on Beams wouldn't have been too fond. No player is going to be overly happy with the head coach if he's leaving the program and he wasn't the coach that recruited him. Taking subtle shots on twitter is the cool thing to do now, I just think we read into it too much. Also I can't speak for all of us, but the frustrations with access to the program goes back to before Fuente came in and just hasn't really improved. Its more of an alumni and administration issue than a Fuente issue. I just don't think it's much of a priority for them.

Gobble Till You Wobble

But what Fuente has done — specifically cutting off former players from access to the program — are pretty bad compared to anything Beamer did or Foster would have done

Anyone 'member that time Bud Foster got massive amounts of negative national media attention for potentially fining players from their cost of attendance stipends?

Joffrey, Cersei, Ilyn Payne, the Hound, Jeff Jagodzinski, Paul Johnson, Pat Narduzzi.

what constitutes "massive amounts of negative national media attention"?

edited for tone

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

It was talked about on ESPN for a few days at least.

(add if applicable) /s

Joffrey, Cersei, Ilyn Payne, the Hound, Jeff Jagodzinski, Paul Johnson, Pat Narduzzi.

I wonder how many other programs saw those stories and went scrambling to change their disciplinary methods.

Just as well. I don't think Foster had the attention span to be HC this year anyway.

do we think we'd be having these problems if Foster was named the successor to Beamer?

Doesn't matter, we have no way of telling. HC is a different skill set than DC.

Fuente has really changed Blacksburg (access to fans, not owning up to our mistakes as a HC, disgruntled former players, etc).

The bolded comment really irritates me - Twitter/the media made a habit of taking some of Fuente's quotes out of context, and leaving out the part about coaching errors and how it's the coaches' responsibility to teach players.

I expect players to transfer every year for different reasons but this one shocked me to no end! I really hope Payoute and Pickney are the real deal to make up for Kumah production on the field.

Mark Fain Jr

I wish the best for these kids - and I dont know them personally this isnt an attack on their character.

But they have to know coaches look at these kids twitter feeds and I see some red flags from these recent transfers/attrition. Coaches talk, if I were adding them to my roster - I would be calling coach Fuente, Cornelson and Wiggins and asking what their thoughts are...

Im not happy they are leaving, but its not a great look for them to be mocking the attrition of their former coach...Kumah's flag may only be orange, but its still a pretty clear shot at the head coach.

The thing is - transfers are a dime a dozen these days and they arent the only talent in the pool, and not every team is looking to add roster spots. There are players equally if not more talented than themselves so adding red flags isnt going to help their cause.

I wish them the best, Ill be interested where they end up..

Lots of out of work coaches on the board today.

Gobble Till You Wobble

This is just a pointlessly insulting statement.

This is a fan board.

In the off-season.

After surprising and bad news.

Fans get to have opinions about everything, or you soon don't have fans.

Of the entire conversation, mine is the one that is "pointlessly insulting" - Looks like I found at least one out of work coach.

There are two ways to think about all of the transfers we have had - Especially from the WR spot - Which a very short period of time ago was a dumpster fire. It's not a secret out WR recruiting has improved, when that happens, the ceiling of the new player is going to be higher. The older player is quickly outclassed athletically by the new recruits. The new guy is bigger, faster, and has better hands. Quickly he realizes, not only is he not a starting P5 player, he's not an NFL player. He doesn't want to sit on the bench his entire college career, he transfers, because now a days, it's extremely easy.

The program is a total dumpster fire and folks are abandoning ship. If this were the case, why would the better players be staying? Wouldn't they want to go somewhere that the feel they can be successful and showcase their talents? They definitely wouldn't stay at a program that is trending down - Oh wait, the guys that are transferring aren't the cream of the crop on the team, so that doesn't make sense does it?

Now - onto the other point, which is something that 99% here have no concept of. Leading/coaching a group competitive activity. When you have a leadership change, the entire culture of the program changes. Some will embrace it, others can't tolerate and move on. Whether they make that decision or not is what makes headlines.

Mook/Adonis/Hill - Isn't it strange that of those three, Adonis, the one playing on Sunday makes no noise about what happened, while the other two keep wanting to throw gas on the fire, maybe that's should be your signal that they are potentially bad apples. If you don't get the bad one out of the basket, the rest rot.

There's a reason the players on Last Chance U are there - They might be the best athlete on the field, but if you are a knucklehead nobody wants to deal with it.

So it's okay for you to make points to the conversation on an online message board, but if others do it it's "coaches out of work"?

This is an online community that talks VT sports, there are going to be opinions all across the spectrum, there's no need to be snarky about us not being coaches.

"GO BACK TO YOUR ROOM LITTLE BROTHER, THE CUP IS COMIN’ ON HOME!”

My only comment on the thread is "lotta coaches out of work" - I got called snarky, and backup up my opinion.

The reason I worded it, exactly as I did is because of the lack of thought put into comments.

I see the majority of people in all active threads right now putting good thought into comments. I'm not sure what exactly it is you want from an online message board.

"GO BACK TO YOUR ROOM LITTLE BROTHER, THE CUP IS COMIN’ ON HOME!”

Then my comment wouldn't be directed at them would it?

Excellent point about Adonis and his conduct following his mistakes. Read this article about Adonis and compare his statements and actions to those of Mook and Trevon.

On that front, Alexander makes you want to believe. He has taken total ownership of his failings, which is the first thing NFL teams look for when it comes to digging into a player's character. He has even praised the coaches and academic support staff at Virginia Tech for getting him as far as they did in school.

"I can't thank them enough, really — it was like I was their child, their son," Alexander said. "They were putting so much energy into helping me do good ... they got me on the right track because I was definitely heading to destruction. They took the time to help, even when they're supposed to be on vacation, they were sitting there with me, making sure I'm all good."

On the other hand, Mook and Trevon have repeatedly shown that they can't resist the temptation of bad mouthing the program via Twitter. There's no disputing that they both put in a lot of work and played hard wearing the VT uniform so I hope things work out for them, but it sure seems like they see themselves as victims rather than accepting any responsibility for their actions. I don't see much reason to trust their statements and intentions at this point.

Joffrey, Cersei, Ilyn Payne, the Hound, Jeff Jagodzinski, Paul Johnson, Pat Narduzzi.

Damn straight

The taste is so divine
A chemical come alive
Welcome to your vice
Good luck with life
'Cause you can't
You can't
You can't kill me that easily

hey now, I'm furloughed, not unemployed

No pay/backpay = unemployed.

Great article from the York Daily Record. Folks, in my opinion with the new NCAA transfer system (portal), more transfers are going to be the new norm. Just take a look at what is happening at Penn State. They have 11 players transfering under this new system. PSU

They also recruit at a such a high level it wont affect them, as opposed to us.

VB born, class of '14

We flew to close to the sun with recruiting.
We hit big with the Edmunds and Settle - It was a horrible perfect storm with the windfall of dismissals after they left.

Can't blame Fuente and Foster for not striking gold on recruiting twice in a row.

Keep in mind, entering the database does not force an athlete to transfer. They may retract their name and stay at their original school — if their coaches will take them back. Entering the portal does allow schools to rescind scholarships. The key question I have is, How hard will VT attempt to bring in transfers from other schools such as from PSU?

I have a vague memory of when Beamer was able to court a NFL ready Hokie to return for his Senior year. He had a quote along the lines of "sometimes recruiting your current players to stay is as important as bring in new blue-chip recruits"
With the new transfer rules, this is more important than ever.

FOSTERS: Australian for defense

Very disappointed that he is leaving, but that is his decision for his life goals. He was one of my favorite players, and constantly wished he would be targeting on more than just third down and 8+. I wish him the best of luck.

JJ has been liking a lot of tweets about the transfers

I know a little about Kumah from High School. I was surprised by his decision until I talked with a local constable from C'Burg. From what I hear, his choice of roommates was unfortunate and likely the cause of friction between him and FU. I wish him well but lets go have a great spring.

"Hamdog is the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being I've ever known in my life"....Brian Carson from the Internet(s)

Looks like Kumah is redshirting

He's only appeared in 4 games so far?

Yeah he's been dealing with injuries

Good for him, glad he gets another year. We don't play them next year or the year after anyway.