The First Bank & Trust Friday Q&A: Programme Status and Emerging Talent
1) As a whole, what state is the football programme in? A “State of the Football Programme” address piece, perhaps? How will it help? We recently filled an athletic CFO-type position. What modifications ought to we anticipate? In terms of infrastructure, where do we stand now? Which roles are we missing to catch up or maintain our current position? Which physical facilities need to be renovated or built? Do we have the facilities necessary to keep our programme in the top 20 no matter who the head coach is? — Vtlee
Chris Coleman I believe Virginia Tech football has a strong roster on the surface. In the long run, having a strong fan base is more important than conference affiliation. However, there is a correlation between fan support and conference affiliation, so perhaps that is the case. Even though the Hokies occasionally played terrible football, it was impressive to see how the fan base responded over the past two years.
Brent Pry begins to hire. The fans are pleased with the in-state and regional focus, and the talent level has increased. The construction of the Student-Athlete Performance Centre and a new weight room was a major factor in the Hokies’ ability to catch up. That still requires some work to be done. As I have stated many times, I believe Tech needs a sports science facility that is properly staffed by individuals with experience in that field and has state-of-the-art equipment for prevention and recovery. The problem with that is that donor funds are going towards NIL and there isn’t enough space for a new building.
READ MORE
Football at Virginia Tech: One of the top recruits in the country for 2025 confirms an official visit
Football at Virginia Tech is headed in the right direction. Fifteen years ago, Vermont supporters would not have been thrilled by a 7–6 finish and a Military Bowl victory. However, a lot has transpired in the last ten years.
Following a dismal beginning to the previous campaign, the Hokies found their footing under quarterback Kyron Drones, winning five of their final seven games, including several blowouts, and taking fourth place in the ACC.
Since Brent Pry joined the team more than two years ago, the Hokies have performed admirably on the transfer portal. Drones is one of the top players for the Hokies who transferred from another school and will be back in Blacksburg in 2024.
Pry’s efforts to mend fences in the recruiting arena and that achievement have both paid off in terms of hiring. Lead by four-star wide receiver Keylen Adams and four-star linebacker Gabriel Williams, Tech had a strong class of 2024 recruits.
In 2025, will the Hokies’ class be even larger?
Defensive back Faheem Delane, one of the best in the country, has visited Blacksburg multiple times and gets along well with all of the coaches. Delane is ranked as the 17th overall player for 2025 by 247Sports.
If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Mansoor, Delane’s brother, is a starting cornerback for Virginia Tech and one of their best players. Junior Mansoor Delane is on the rise.
Could Faheem go to Blacksburg with his older brother??
The Hokies arranged for Delane to pay a formal visit to Blacksburg this week. The weekend of June 21–23, which Delane will be visiting the Hokies, is expected to be very significant in Blacksburg. Recent changes to the off-season calendar have resulted in most schools scheduling official visits for the summer.
