Virginia Tech was represented at the 2021 ACC Football Kickoff by head coach Justin Fuente, quarterback Braxton Burmeister, tight end James Mitchell, and defensive back Chamarri Conner.
Discussing a tumultuous 2020 season in which the Hokies battled COVID, injuries, and fan disgruntlement, Fuente commented, “I think if we’ve learned anything practice is actually important. Our fall camp [once student-athletes reported to campus] deteriorated into survival mode really quickly. We had no foundation and that’s what we’ve gone back to with the 15 practices in the spring.”
In 2020, the Hokies led the ACC in average yards per game on the ground with 240.1 yards per game. However, their lead tailback Khalil Herbert has since departed for the NFL and was drafted by the Chicago Bears. Fuente spoke glowingly of Herbert but was excited about the potential of his new backfield. The Hokies backfield will be headed by Jalen Holston, Marco Lee, Raheem Blacksheer, among others in 2021.
Regarding his job status following his first five years in Blacksburg, Fuente candidly stated, “After my first two years, I had a real honest and good conversation with [Hokies Athletic Director Whit Babcock]. We won 19 games the first two years, but we talked about that fact I wasn’t brought into this for the first two years, but for what we were about to go through.” Elaborating on the arduous rebuild ahead, Fuente remarked, “We were not in good shape [with building new facilities and undergoing a major roster rebuild].”
However, Fuente and his coaching staff are ready to turn the page with completed new facilities, including brand new dormitories for athletes, a pristine nutrition center, and new initiatives for the burgeoning era of name, image, and likeness monetization.
Speaking on this new era of college football, Fuente stated, “It’s uncharted waters. There’s a lot of good with this, and I think there’s a lot of bad that could come from this.” He continued, “I just don’t want us to lose sight of what’s important. I don’t want us to lose sight of what’s important with our young people, and that’s their education.”
Virginia Tech opens their season at home against Mack Brown’s surging North Carolina Tar Heels Friday, September 3rd. Excited for the moment, Fuente stated, “Home games in Lane Stadium are special and unique. Our fans are the best in America. [Home games in Lane Stadium] are more than a game, it’s a social event. Friends and family who haven’t seen each other are going to be back together for the first time. I’m sure it will be a special night and an emotional night”
September 3rd is sure to be an emotional and memorable day for Hokie Nation. However, it will be up to Fuente and his team to produce a season-opening victory against a quality opponent.
