Athlon's 2016 edition of ACC Coaches Talk Anonymously About Conference Foes is here. The anonymity provides a more honest take from the league's coaches. Their collective assessment of the Hokies is below.
"Things didn't fall their way last year. Michael Brewer and Kendall Fuller — their quarterback and best DB — get hurt in the first game and it put them behind the eight-ball. But the good thing with them is it won't be a big shock to play without those guys this year, and they bring a ton back."
"I guess the big question is who the QB is going to be. Brenden Motley played some last year when Brewer got hurt, or is it Dwayne Lawson? They brought in a juco guy [Jerod Evans] so that'll be a sensitive dynamic because Motley is kind of a popular guy and leader on the team, but he's probably not the most talented guy."
"That's a close-knit group that has been through a lot and obviously it's an emotional deal for them to go through the transition from Frank Beamer to Justin Fuente."
"Obviously that was a very savvy move to have Bud Foster stay on to keep some continuity in the program, and obviously he's one of the best defensive coordinators in the country who knows everybody in the league, everybody they're recruiting and has just been through the wars. If those were guys with big egos it would be really uncomfortable, but it says a lot that they're working together."
"It'll be interesting to see what Justin Fuente does with the offense because he likes much more of a wide open style than they're used to, but getting Bucky Hodges to stay was huge because it's the most weapons Virginia Tech has had on offense in a long time."
"They have as good a shot as anybody in the Coastal if they can get the quarterback play solidified."
Comments
I see Paul Johnson had nothing to say about us. Then again "grumble, grumble, look at my mad face, grumble, grumble" isn't exactly riveting journalism.
He always looks mad and it scares me.
Really though, I like the generally positive comments on our program. It seems like the VT program is still progressing in the right direction in the eyes of peers.
Love how most of the comments on Clemson are backhanded.
I really wish at least one coach would use the cloak of invisibility to bash someone. "I can't believe that idiot still has a job. They 're really letting him drive that program 6 feet under the ground." Or "Sooner or later that they will get caught/punished for all the cheating." What is the good of being anonymous if you still use coach speak? Not much to see here.
TimeCop is gone though
The SEC one is a little less guarded. Texas A&M especially gets ripped a good bit.
http://athlonsports.com/college-football/sec-coaches-talk-anonymously-ab...
On Florida:
It sounds almost like they were talking about us. But not.
No one will ever, because coaching is a really hard job, and every situation is different. On top of that you never know when they are going to be pushed out of a job, and might need to go and get a new one with one of these guys.
He speaks truth. Never burn bridges.
Hmmm, somewhat disagree. Sometimes it's the smarter move, you just need to be sure and do it strategically. Me burning bridges with the last global company I worked with is what catapulted my career. It was either burn the mother down or always be in its shadow.
Wow, those are all pretty spot on. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that conference coaches are so in tune with what our biggest issues are for the upcoming season.
They brought in a juco guy [Jerod Evans] so that'll be a sensitive dynamic because Motley is kind of a popular guy and leader on the team, but he's probably not the most talented guy."
Yup
I found this quote about UVA a little backhanded, and I love it. haha
~Justin Fuente
- Michael Scott
-Time Cop, as a special guest in the past-coaches section.
I have to pass the shitter every time I go to the kitchen, that doesn't mean the toilet is going to be a great place for a drink
Never stop telling it like it is.
With fond thoughts of Jefferson's campus
No more iconic "They'll get after ya"