Full Interview Here. The interview is titled "Virginia Tech's Justin Fuente more concerned about receiver than QB this spring".
When asked about the QB battle (emphasis mine):
It's a different deal. We're not as experienced on the outside as whoever was going to play quarterback for us last year would have. That's always the worry for me is if we'll be good enough everywhere else that whoever plays quarterback can let his talents show. To me, that's the big difference. I have no idea who's going to be playing quarterback. I'm looking forward to watching guys practice. I love their attitude and demeanor and work ethic. They have leadership qualities. All those things I'm excited about. I have no idea which way it's going to go, but my biggest deal is who will play around those guys. We'll figure out who's playing quarterback, but how good will we be around those guys to be successful?
When asked about the running game (emphasis mine):
My biggest complaint is we didn't take care of the football. I'm OK with not turning on the film and watching us run up and down the field on everybody. I understand that's not always going to happen. But the fact that we refused to hold on to the football is aggravating. We got to the point where we only played the guys who would hold on to it, and it limits our ability to put guys in the game. We'll make that a huge point of emphasis.
I don't think anyone is shocked by either statement, but I do find it interesting that Fuente appears to be more concerned with receiver depth than finding a starting QB, especially given some of the recent position changes. The running back comments were painful obvious. Hopefully Trevon can put it all together this year.
Comments
I really think that Kumah and Patterson will step up this year. The two of them arriving early last season was huge. This is now their second spring. They should know the scheme now and can work on further development.
Hopefully a couple of the true freshman (Pimpleton and Savoy) also do well and contribute. I'm hopeful that Pimpleton will be a dangerous player in the slot.
Finally, we're in the running for the WR transferring from Kentucky. Getting him would add some good depth at WR.
He announced today that he's going to Oklahoma.
Damn. I read that he really liked Oklahoma, but that he was visiting VT in April.
I'm sure every staff does this, but it's good to hear Fuente take a holistic view of the offense. You can have the best quarterback in the world, but without the right people around him, he can't live up to his full potential. So I'm glad to hear Fuente thinking about it from every angle.
Regarding the running backs and fumbles, I think it was during the UVA game, Trevon put the ball on the ground and even though he recovered it himself, I remember telling my wife that was last we would see of Trevon for at least two quarters. I'm happy that Fuente puts such a premium on ball security, but it does seem like a fine line between limiting turnovers and putting the best back on the field.
hold on to the dang ball!
That is a tiny panda.
there's NO back on the field when the other team has the ball. you're much more likely to win a ball game with a >rushing yards than your opponent but not so much when you have a < turnover margin. I have to say I agree with coach on this one. put in a RB that hangs on to the football. don't be surprised is peoples is our primary ball carrier this season in my opinion.
Defensive BACK?
no running BACK. fwiw
Man DE fumbles will get after you. Maybe Charley should get on board with the boxing glove on a stick.
This was actually one of my concerns when the Fuente hire was first announced - I was afraid that his offense required a superstar at QB if it was to be any good. I was wrong.
I agree with this too. I also question this approach from a sports psychology perspective; if players are constantly afraid of being benched for what is often a freak play, does that make it more likely that they fumble? Does it prevent them from playing lose?
I'm with you on your last point. Mistakes happen... benching someone due to a fumbling issue makes sense. Benching a player after just 1 fumble seems a bit excessive...but then again, there's a reason I'm not paid to coach
Benching players for fumbling? Moving offensive players to defense? Looks like we know who Fuente is trying to emulate
As long as he is bringing this too.
If there is any kind of a sophomore slump this year, it will definitely be because of wide receiver depth. The Hokies are going to miss Ford and Hodges so, so much.
I love Cam, but in reality, he was probably able to do things he did because defenses keyed on Ford and Hodges. A lot will depend on if he can step up and be that guy who can shine even if he's bracketed by the other team. Another thing that will help the passing game is if Peoples can come out of the backfield and catch the ball on a regular basis.
I'm inclined to agree with you out of sound logic in your argument, however, go back and watch some of the plays at the end of the season with Cam matched up one on one. The guy can break knees. With a little faith in Fuente's system, I think Cam will still be as productive, if not more this year. Counterpoint, he won't be fighting for touches against Ford and Hodges.
I would bet Cam ends up getting drafted higher next year than Ford does this year. But what do I know?
There's a time I would have agreed with this statement but I honestly believe Cam is a good receiver in his own right. He got better over the course of last season, and by the end you could make the argument he actually was our #1 receiver. Ford just got all the attention because he started out so hot, and Bucky has the measurables that NFL teams like.
I believe it was French, after either Cam's Freshman or Sophomore season, that said Cam was the best NFL prospect at receiver on the team.
They are two different type of receivers. Cam is best suited as slot where Ford is more of a possession receiver. We will see Cam inside and outside this year
Yes I agree. I realized I didn't word it how I meant. How I originally said it can be taken as comparing apples to oranges as you pointed out.
I think this better aligns with why I meant:
Between Cam and Ford, I think Cam can/will have a more successful career in the NFL.
If I remember correctly the argument was that Cam's true position was as an X on the outside, and his use in the slot was more a product of how good Ford was. It'd be unfair to expect Ford level production (especially without a Cam-type receiver to draw attention) but I think Phillips will be very good this year.
Cam Phillips is better route runner and better after the catch than Ford. Because Ford was outside and Cam in the slot 95% of the time, we haven't seen how well Cam can high point the football. Body control, Cam has it, again we just haven't seen him because of his role. He's made some great sideline catches that lead me to believe his body control is up there with Fords. Overall, I think Cam may end up being a better NFL receiver than Ford. I'm expecting big year from Phillips. Patterson is the young buck I'm expecting to shine, he's got all the skills just no experience.
Man I really like to imagine you're Coach Cornelsen
You are close. In my fully dipped dreams, I'm closer to Bud Foster than Corn. HS DBs coach in reality.
Ford was a pretty damn good route runner in my opinion it is what helped him create separation. Cam is great after the catch
Also, Fuente is smart. He knows the QB battle is THE STORY, and he doesn't want to put heat on any of his QBs. The young QBs could be really good, but just as much, this preemptively takes heat off his kids until the Spring Game (which essentially shows "the cards.")