Shake the Frost

0:45 Welcome back corner podcast, I'm Curtis Wilson. I Brian siglo buddy. Wednesday night. We're back at a little little extended break here but we're back in business man. Wednesday night extended break, have a truly awesome. Guess we're about to bring on a couple seconds here. ACC tournament, holy moly and saying that we got to bring this guy down because he was going through it just like we were we're going to bring them at a cyst from BT, scoop, 24/7, Rider and inside the tunnel podcast, Mateo has your heart rate came down yet after the ending of that game. Listen, guys is about 20 minutes after the game. My heart rate is still at an all-time high Apple watch readings off the chart Darius Maddox, listen. This is March and Virginia Tech, survives moves on. Let's get it.

1:46 Survive and Advance. Exactly did it in dramatic, fashion, dramatic fashion. All down the court, three at the buzzer in overtime to get that one point victory over Clemson. And this is a game that the the Hokies kind of had in hand for pretty much the duration. I mean, it was, it was a little back-and-forth early, but once we kind of got into the 20s and scoring Tech, kind of, put a put a good good arm's length lead over the Tigers and then down the last what? Four minutes yeah Tigers kind of clogged back. And especially the last two minutes of Regulation, really, kind of put the screws to the Hokies there and got it, got it to overtime. But Man, I'm just blown away by the way that thing in because I thought we were in for another letdown in a little league game like that.

2:42 Yeah, that was awesome. And I got us a credit to my kyung to because, you know, taking out Kevin a illuma, put it on four guards, on the court, you're going for the three, you know, it's make it an advance, you miss it, you're going home. So he went, he went all in on that. Last play it paid off, who else? That was incredible. And, you know, I thought the game was well over right before the five-minute Mark and then, you know, typical Virginia Tech fashion When things happen OT hits, I'm thinking there's no shot and then you know all it takes is one shot and that's what it was right at the end. Yep. I thought it was over to I told these guys I I'm putting my son to bed and he asks hey what's the score?

3:30 I'm like I'll text like 12:12 that's probably over. I walked back down to the man cave here and it's a four-point lead and I'm like what what did we do while I was upstairs just to brief moment. Um, and it had harken back to be see it. Harken back to, you know, the first Miami game. The, The State game these games were, as we were talking about a, just a few minutes ago. If you, if we have these games already won, we're in the tournament comfortable. We're in, we're probably going to be somewhere between the 6 and a 9 seed. Instead we're we're fighting for our lives and and on to Notre Dame at 7:00 tomorrow night. Thank God.

4:13 We're in the seven slot. Always such a nice lot to be such a nice lot to be lucky number. Thankfully we you know we wrapped up just before this so you know we weren't we weren't having our hearts pound out of our chest while we're trying to have a discussion on here. Yeah we're staying up for another overtime or something, you know. Yeah. Well we were going to do mattei. We're going to tell you if they went to another over time. We were just be like, hop on. We're just going to just live watch it together. The game before we start the interview tonight when we the first time we've done some shit like that what happened? Exactly, we are notorious for being the guys that are commenting on live games while randomly talking about hope you Sports. Yeah, I have to joke during like this season. Like we do our episodes on Sunday nights and like one one time this year or numerous time the Colts and the Niners played, and it was like listen everybody if you see our heads turn up, We're watching the game.

5:13 If we look distracted, we're sorry but you know, we're continuing to watch it too. So, hey, no, fair enough. All right, let me tell you again. What we thank you for joining us tonight to kind of hit on some recruiting news on. But, before we get into that, just give us a little background on yourself. You know, how you came? Obviously we know, you're a hokie, how you became that and then, you know, how you got all the 24/7 and VT scoop? Yeah, so long story short I want to go to a big school and high school for college, I should say. And, you know, I was looking around and, you know, Virginia Tech just hit, you know, all my checkpoints and it wasn't actually until my mom's friend who attended Virginia Tech said, at the last moment you should check out this school. It hits everything that you're looking for. I wasn't even considering it as a New York boy, but you know, applied got in actually a day after admission. Missions ended saw my acceptance took one tour there and I just knew it was the place I had to be you know I was a huge Sports guy in high school was always around it. Did some freelance work in high school writing about the NBA. So when I got down to Virginia Tech was only natural. I wanted to get involved with Athletics and, you know, I saw an opportunity on the VTC scoop main page. It was actually during the time that Josh sweat was announcing That's when I first got into

6:44 Virginia Tech recruiting and saw, you know how vicious it could really be. It was a week after that, after national Signing Day that Evan, put it up. He said we're looking for one more guy to join the team asked for three samples. I didn't have three samples quickly wrote them up. You know, had my mom edit them sent the Moran made sure everything was Flawless and you know, we hopped on the phone for that first conversation. When I As a freshman at Virginia Tech and you know, he said we'll bring you on, we'll do some work and you know I've been there ever since so huge credit to Evan for believing in me. And you know, it's been such an amazing journey being able to get close to the program of the school I attended.

7:29 I mean, there's nothing better than that. And, you know, even now you know, well after college, I'm still involved as much as I can be. Also well that's kind of its kind of great, you say all that and you know knowing your hokey and mentioning, I think brought before we got on, at a mentioned, his high school was a total of 600 people. His first intro drop a class attack was 850 people. So that's crazy to think chertok, you'll just let me ask this because being not only obviously an alumni, being a huge sports fan.

8:09 When with the sun and being a writer for BT scoop. You know, when we decided to go in a New Direction. In November, when Justin Fuente was fired, you know, how did this in fact you not only at BT scoop but obviously being an alumni and being a fan of the program. Yeah, I mean it was definitely Bittersweet and I know that rightfully. So there's a lot of fans that want to change and you know from my perspective it was always my role to Kind of keep an unbiased take and kind of, see it for what it is. But, you know, there were deep relationships built with the with the last staff, but I gotta say, you know, everything that has transpired since then the transition has been seamless. And, you know, there's a, it's refreshing to have this change, and to have people that are so passionate about what they do, the new connections formed, it's obviously been great for VT scoop, not only any time, there's a coaching change It just the access that we have into the program was something that was missing for a very long time and it's really, really refreshing.

9:17 I mean, that's the key word there because, you know, we're able to see so much more as you know, the common fan. But also in recruiting, we're able to see, you know, a lot more of, you know what, the prospects are telling us and those types of things. So it's been really good and I have no complaints so far in the first few months. That's awesome to hear. Sounds like a little bit of the curtains been pulled back on the program. Absolutely. From in a lot of areas not just on the recruiting side but it's good to hear that. Some of those things are opening up as well. And I think the candidness that coach prior kind of talks about things that pressors and other interviews that he's done is big and one of the big things he's talked about is kind of just how far behind they were with relationship building with the In some of the other things for the 23 class in your, in your view, just based on what you've seen like, how far behind were the Hokies kind of at that transition point.

10:24 And is there anything that they've done since then the kind of, I guess shorten that Gap. Yeah, I would definitely say that Virginia Tech is still behind in terms of in-state. They've done a lot better. Those relationships are being formed, there still early. Leon and you know, these types of things take time but in terms of the first steps of what you have to do and you know, they're saying they're putting an emphasis on Virginia and they really have and they're going into all the high schools are meeting all the people. They're not just meeting, you know, the High School coaches. They're meeting administrators teachers parents, you know, Friends of the parents of the recruits.

11:05 They're making sure that they're meeting all the people of the area and really getting Virginia Tech's name in the door. And I think You know, the last staff while they had a wider net to cast, you know, sometimes you just you have to build the program from the state that you're born in and I think Virginia Tech has gone back to its roots and I think you'll see in this class that Virginia is the priority. So they've done a lot better in regards to Virginia, but I do think it's going to take time. It's not going to be, you know, one cycle fix fixes all, but this is a critical cycle in terms. Of making sure that Virginia is a priority and I think we'll all see that.

11:46 Yeah, speaking of that, that Virginia Blitz that they did. When they first got here hitting 70 plus schools, in obviously, we saw the big name schools right now, we saw the PBS's, we saw Highland Springs. We saw some of the big schools in Northern Virginia but then we saw the smaller schools, they hit like an EC glass in Lynchburg. They hit some of the, you know, smaller Weston schools where I live which you know, produced about every ten. Use one football player. How much did that help? Get on track? What you just mentioned? Yeah, I mean a lot of it a lot of it that was that was the critical period of you know we just got to Blacksburg what's our first plan of attack and they said we have to go throughout Virginia. I don't care if we have three hours of sleep every night, we're going, and we're shaking the hands of every single high school coach that we can that fees Chablis that we can within this state and, you know, these are some areas that the coaches have never been to, besides her, maybe a quick conversation, they haven't, you know, had prolonged conversation, but they went in there, they showed them who they were what they're about. And I think a lot of the High School coaches have respected that and you know, that's opening the doors. Again, like opening the doors is so huge because there are some guys that are sitting there with, you know, really notable talent and they're like I'm a Virginia Tech fan, but a Virginia Tech coach is never shook my hand. Like they don't know about us,

13:18 They don't know about the prospects that we have, they haven't checked in once and it's not just about going there, shaking the hand establishing the connection. But you know, since then keeping the connections as well checking in making sure, you know the prospects. The coach is the parents, all of them. You know, they're doing a very good job in upkeep and I think, you know, it's a, it's a continuous cycle. It's very arduous. But They're doing a great job of just making sure that Virginia Tech is always at the top of everyone's Minds. It seemed like they did a good job kind of the planning their seeds with the other. We're seeing a little bit of the, of the watering process, right? You see them following up. You see some of the visits that we have coming up, especially with this open Practice, coming up next weekend, a few big names coming in for that. Let's pivot to this a little bit. So we talked about how there was a gap did some of the continuity on the recruiting staff.

14:13 Help with some of that with Lino and gouveia Winslow and then also on the on the coaching staff, With Pearson and then with JC staying on, did that help with some of that transition for the 23 class. I know we they weren't necessarily, you know, full-bore in that in that it was more of a kind of maintain the 22, but did some of that those relationships kind of carry over into this class, as well. I think so, I definitely think the focus was on the 22 class and that's how most of it kept together. You look at Benji Gosnell from the 22 class and that was a big part. Part of JC price just staying on him, staying you know, Relentless in his Recruitment and helping bridge the gap. So a lot of those guys were crucial in terms of the 22 class.

15:00 But for 23, you know it's it's about you know showing some of the guys what you already know and I think they've done a good job of that kind of Bridging the gaps. Like I like I mentioned before but yeah those guys were crucial and they are still crucial to the 23 class. All right, well, speaking of the 23 class. Let's talk about the current top 10 in Virginia because we've got I'm counting. This is 24/7 rankings. There are currently three Three players in the top 10 of Virginia committed to Penn State. And there's a fourth Tony Rojas and I believe, I think, Brian did Brian, don't give him the crystal ball to Penn State.

15:46 Yes, I believe so, Rondon gave him the ball to Penn State. So, I've got to ask this You know are these potential flip opportunities with this new staff? Because of whoo, Brent prai is Tyler. Bowen, are they pretty solid with Penn State at the moment? Yeah, I would say it's kind of tough. Obviously Penn State got in there early with a lot of these guys. And, you know, I'm never going to say no, I'm never going to say there's not a potential flip opportunity here. Barnwell is a Guy that sticks out that I think you know, later on in the cycle will see what happens to him. He's a four-star guy, you know Joshua Miller's another one that I think could potentially will see, you know, right now they're saying all the right things for Penn State. They have a really good connection there and, you know, there's a lot of Allure for Penn State but, you know, it's not to say that Brent pry, won't be trying, but at the present moment, I would say most of them are pretty locked in. And I'll also say this, that you look at Virginia top 10 right now on 24/7 Sports.

16:57 And you see a lot of guys for Penn State, but I promise you by the end of the cycle, it's going to be funny if you come back and watch this right now to see the names Now versus what the names are going to be in the top 10 by the end of the cycle. You know, we're always constantly evaluating, and I think there's going to be a lot of changes within that top 10, I wouldn't expect to Penn State to lock up, you know, over half of the top 10. I think. Virginia Tech is definitely going to To get some guys in the top 10 when it's all said and done. And that's why you guys are the best site. You guys continuously monitor these kids at your camps? You're Weighing on your, you know, seeing how they doing drills, you're seeing like their 40s plus continuously watching their High School tape in. And I love that.

17:44 That's why we always say when we're here, it's like, what's 24/7. Say he's a three-star / 24/7, he's a four-star. / 24/7, you guys Best on that. Appreciate that. Yeah, you guys just had what a pretty decent Shuffle with the top 10. Not too long ago if I'm not mistaken in Virginia. Yeah, but some of the updated rankings so there was a little bit of movement there if I recall correctly. So let's talk about this a little bit. I know you said, you know, the the top 10 is kind of fluid based on where where the rankings are right now. Are there any guys in that Virginia? Top 10. That that BT is sitting pretty good with at the moment. Yeah.

18:29 I mean, I can just give me one second to pull it up. I'm not on the state rankings right now but yeah, just overall I think that Virginia Tech is doing a good job, maybe not inside the top ten at the moment. I think, you know, there will be guys that eventually come up there. I think I'm not sure where he's situated right now but a guy like I Daniels running back, you know, Virginia Tech's in is top four. I think that's going to be a tough one. Obviously anytime you're battling for a four-star guy and although you know technically they landed, you know, Brody Meadows. You guys.

19:13 Now we haven't seen. Brent pry, really yet in a heated battle with big schools, trying to get the top guys. And I think I Daniels is a perfect example of someone that's definitely attainable for Virginia Tech. And you know, I'm curious to see how that one shakes out. I think there's going to be other guys that, you know, eventually end up in the top 10. But yeah, we'll see. What about Antonio cotton? He was a guy that has been visiting. He's, you know, he's from here in the RV, a donut Life Christian Academy, what's he look like he's he did looks like you guys did slide him down a little bit, but obviously, like you said, you guys are fluid.

19:57 Where do they sit with him right now? Yeah, they're sitting very high with him. He obviously got a ton of Interest started camping, had one bad Camp which kind of cooled off some programs but overall, All a guy that again really likes Virginia Tech. I think another guy that you kind of want to get into the program and show that Virginia is a priority, I think, Virginia Tech will stay till the end with him and I think that will mean a lot. Whereas you know, some of the other big programs might go in and out if they have a choice. So he's a guy that I think, you know, remaining consistent with will pay dividends down the line. Awesome. Now, let's kind of flip to this, you know? Brent price, Tyler Bowen, Derrick Jones, the cheetah one of the best follows on Twitter right now, a BT Sport deep into it to hold him down in Carolina Pearson, you know, growing up in South Carolina and fontelle Minds. These guys are kind of that along with JC price, kind of that Core group, that's going to be running the big part of the footprint Virginia.

21:06 North Carolina, the DMV in Maryland. Are you familiar with these guys Styles? How they build relationships? Just give us some insight on, you know, if you have something on all of them. Great, if you have someone with couple, yeah, I definitely have some some stuff on a couple, you know, personally still getting to know some of them but yeah I would say that without a doubt like with this staff, I'll just speak generally here. But you know from what I know this staff just in terms of like being available Bowl and checking in with people there. So, almost Relentless in that, that they're, they're constantly able to ask how your day is, and, you know, see how you are like, relationships are key to them and it's not always about football, it's not always about, you know, what are your grades?

21:57 What you know, who are you hearing from? Should I be scared that another schools coming into the mix? It's kind of like keeping it real with everyone because they know what they have to offer their experience. They trust that in the end. If they build that relationship that that's going to be the reason that you know, that recruit wants to come to Virginia Tech. And I think that's so critical that they're confident in who they are, they know who they are. They know the proven strategies and they've been really they've been really good so far. So just in general I think another thing too is just, you know, it's not taking guys and putting them in in too many new situations.

22:39 It's kind of taking guys and doing things that they're familiar with in places that they're familiar with. So you know, the recruiting landscape is not really that foreign to anyone and I think that's it. That's a huge thing as well. Yeah. Looks like probably what Sean Quinn is probably the biggest one that's probably working outside of his normal recruiting area with working up in Northern Virginia versus what Tennessee and Georgia Governor. Yeah, Rudolph. I love the way like we hadn't touched Ohio and years in what I like about a month ago, like all these Ohio kids are tween like, Joe Rudolph, drove through West. Virginia is getting up an Ohio and it's all Awesome. Yeah.

23:24 See ya I love it and I think, you know specifically with guys like Joe Rudolph, you like I feel like there's you have so many people that are in Virginia and taking care of Virginia, taking care of North Carolina. Pennsylvania like Maryland, you have so many connections there and I think sometimes with staffs try to do is they, they want to hit their Regional footprint and they'll pull guys That aren't familiar with it and put them in areas where they know nothing. And I think in the case of Joe Rudolph, it's saying you're approving guy. You know what you're doing, you've built these relationships instead of taking you out of Ohio, why not? Keep you there.

24:07 It's tried. It's true to tested and I think you know, he's a guy cheetahs. Another guy that I think you know over time like for. Now they're trying to keep everyone in these Regional brackets. But I think over time, Time, they'll kind of have, you know, free reign of where they want to go and who they want to recruit. Because, you know, they've done it for so long. They built so many relationships and so many places that it would be a shame not to use them. Yeah, speaking of those relationships, let's talk about another higher that you know, some people were a little like, oh, that was out of the blue and that's, that's fontelle. Mine's kind of interesting higher being a UGA alumn and not having a ton of power 5 experience. But what do you think that this higher in kind of what he brings to the recruiting front for the Hokies? Yeah, I mean it definitely was an interesting higher. I think it's fair to say that.

25:07 I'm think I'm giving away too much and saying that there is a lot of candidates considered for the position. And I think there's a reason that, you know, is the last higher. But or I guess I don't know if it was the last official higher, but at least unofficially, I guess, but in terms of, you know, his experience, not being in the power 5, I think what you have already on staff is so much proven power, 5 experience that bringing in a guy damn old. Old have a guy you know that's so familiar with Virginia. Just the entire landscape of Virginia a guy that you knows electrifying and conversation a guy that's going to be again Relentless in building relationships.

25:52 Like that's what you want and I think there's so many guys especially on the offensive side that are like proven offensive Minds that they're going to make the product work no matter what you want a guy that you know is going to build those relationships with in Which is such a priority for the program and I think he'll do a good job and I know it's weird getting a UVA Alum. I know that's a weird thing. I know he's talked about it and you know talking about already late November next year, how weird that's going to be. But I think he's a guy that's fully bought in has all the values they were looking for and kind of checked a lot of the boxes. And I think when you look at him, it's mostly going to be about recruiting with him.

26:34 And I think he definitely checks all those boxes. Exes. I'm curious to see, you know, how hard the wide receivers going to develop is that going to be a thing where multiple coaches are kind of pulling in information for not only recruiting, but development and who's going to be in. But in terms of recruiting, I have no doubts with him, so it sounds like you had a chance to speak with Van tail. I haven't personally, I know. Yeah, there's other guys on our, on our team with really good relationship with him, but he, yeah, he's absolutely. Great from everything that I've heard it sounded like from your comments there. That someone always that's why I asked did you speak with him? Or someone had told you, like we spoke with him holy moly, you or an electrified.

27:18 I'll just say yeah I've heard really good things about him so I'm excited to get the chance to you know, shake his hand one day, one day soon, I should say probably very soon on this coaching staff and as much as their opening it up again, we already talked about the open scrimmage. We won't be there. Unfortunately or I won't be there. Brian. Are you going to try? Unfortunately, can't make it because as you see behind me, I'm in the midst of packing up my own acid move, that's what we're using for bronze. Oh, he oh, wow. Yeah, there's a cross man fingers crossed. Let me ask this. You know, we look at Brett probably, look at Tyler Bowing in a few other guys on this staff.

28:01 And, you know, they have a real real. Experience up in the DMV area. I mean I'm sitting here looking brick, pry recruited guys, you know like Curtis Jacobs Devon Ford in Tyler Bowen Landing Ting wall she'd Walker. That's that area. How big a boost do you think the Hokies are going to see from the DMV, you know, somewhere that's been good to the Hokies? If you're, if you're a hockey fan is old as we are. You know, it was a certain running backs coach back in the 80s 90s and 2000 that basically made a pipeline from DeMatha to Blacksburg.

28:51 Could we see that form again from that area with these guys? I think absolutely I think when you look at and it's funny to when you look specifically at some of the Maryland powerhouses, like how many guys will be rated for stars? How many guys have ended up going to Alabama, Michigan, Penn State, even, you know, Marilyn has gone a few and you know, they've done a good job with those four stars but yeah, I mean, especially Bowen Pry. Even JC. I mean, they have, they're really going to make that a destination for Virginia Tech. And I think it's crucial that it's them because so many, I feel will go to Penn State and, and it's been tough to win any of those battles.

29:39 It's almost like, as soon as Penn State steps on campus, it's their battle to win and Virginia Tech really never had a chance at least, you know, under the last regime and a bit. Or but now, I feel like there's a fair chance. I feel like it's still going to be an uphill battle, but when you're looking at the top end talent year in and year out, I think a lot of them are going to come from that area and I think it's crucial that you have guys that are so proven and have really, really great relationships with a lot of the coaches. They're like, really, really established relationships. I think it's going to go a long way. And I think, yeah, just what I said, like the star power of the classes, We'll come from that area. So in with those with those battles that we were looking at before with the previous regime was that something that kind of, as soon as they enter the table that we backed off, or was that more of a Penn State, but just between their program, Prestige, and the staff, they had, the things that they were doing if they were in the game and they had a committable offer on the table, it was kind of a done deal. It was kind of a done deal, and you got to think that these are, these are places that are welcoming the top-tier power 5 programs.

30:53 And at, you know, at least like once a week at, it feels like. But, you know, I think Virginia Tech really never got a seat at the table and never felt that way. I felt like they were able to kind of get some of the guys that maybe fizzled out or that, you know, some of the top programs overlooked. But never really had a fair shot with some of the top guys, and I feel like the relationships especially of Tyler bow, Owen like there's going to be some dividends in the future. I don't know specifically for the 23 class but I know down the line there's there's going to be you know they're going to be in the conversation with a lot of these guys. Okay that's good.

31:38 So let's pivot a little bit. So we talked about kind of the more media footprint. Let's talk about some of the larger footprint guys and some of the coaches on staff that have some experience there. Like cheetah hope, Glen bow, And Rudolph and Quinn, I know you talked about Rudolph a little bit already with the Ohio and and some of the relationships you guys there but how can those kind of larger footprint guys? Be a benefit on the on the recruiting Trail for us? Yeah I think they'll be good. I think especially when you look at like a state like Georgia I think there's a lot of ties there. Now, you know, whole North Carolina cheetah also in North Carolina and a lot of Virginia as well. I think.

32:23 You know the six hour radius is a big thing for this class, getting guys that are closed and you know, like I mentioned before that a lot of these coaches have experience in the area outside of the area and kind of what has become the regional footprint for Virginia Tech. So I think a lot of these guys with their experience have, you know, will will fit in nicely and seamlessly identifying the guys that they want to bring into the class. Let me ask This when the initial press conference with Brent pry, in the big hammer, home of we're going to recruit Virginia. We all heard that, but when he said, like that, six hour radius, and he really, you know, he liked it was like an inflection point. They're like, if you can drive to get here, we're coming after you.

33:15 When you hear that, and then kind of knowing the the previous regime in, they did go out some of our normal boundaries. What did that make you think? Do you think that coaches in that six hour radius who maybe had forgotten about Virginia Tech, did you think that maybe their ears perk a little bit? Yeah, absolutely. And I think that when your, when your footprint is too wide when you're casting your net, too wide and you know, there was never a Consolidated effort, I felt like in the past six years where, you know, whether it was North Carolina to VT Texas 2vt there was never like a Inserted effort to make something permanent for Virginia Tech.

33:59 It was like this class is good people from Texas. We know these people were going to try to get them and then you know that ultimately didn't work out, you know, the one year with Trey Turner and Dax hollifield like that was great. But then, you know, dividends in future years didn't really come out of North Carolina. So I think it's important to not only state that Virginia is the priority and the six hour radius, which is very real, by the way. But also to make it your mission, not only for this class but for future classes as well, like it's not just to build the pipeline for Virginia to get a couple guys to come in and sign for 23. You know, this is this is about Shoring up the program not just for this recruiting cycle coming up but that in you know, five six years you're getting all the top guys from Virginia. That that's the first choice on the minds of these guys, not Florida, State, not pens.

34:55 State not Michigan. They want it to be Virginia Tech and I think they truly believe that and sharing that direction, you know, as far as I know everything that they're doing right now is back in that up, so they really believe in that and they want that to be the mission. Yeah, it's like almost having a marketing strategy in in occasionally, just getting off kilter of who your best clients are like, oh, they're our best clients, we can just go to them whenever we need them, and we'll get what we need. But we're going to try to go over here and over here and over here and eventually people, you know, they remember like, you know, we had a couple kids that could have came to you guys.

35:36 That could have been contributors but because they weren't The move was known kids or have the best tape. You chose to try to chase other folks. So it's interesting to see that they it seems Brent pride and his staff have a true recruiting strategy and it's not just going to be off with him and you know what you've got to say Ron also say it's just it doesn't seem as scattershot. It seems like there is a focus and they're like, here's our primary focus. Here is our secondary focus and they're building out from that. At and and it's shown how they Blitz Virginia out the gate and then they've kind of spread the net a little bit wider. As things have opened up further into the recruiting cycle for 23 and it didn't seem like that previously, it definitely seemed like he was kind of flavor of the month whatever, whatever they thought might work.

36:31 This cycle was was kind of the plan instead of having a master plan that they can apply across multiple cycles that builds those Relationships to kind of build that foundation for that long term success on the recruiting Trail 100%. And just to clarify one thing like the six out, the six hour radius is very real, but like if someone comes at me in a few weeks and they say, oh, they just offered this guy. Like I know there's someone out of Alabama, TJ Metcalf that's like six hours and 25 minutes that they offered, but don't come at me for that. Like, there's yes, it is mr. Every rule, right? But like the person still going to be in Jacksonville. Together. These, you know, those things happen.

37:16 And, of course, if you, if you're in the driver's seat for a guy in Florida, that's, you know, an unbelievable talent that fits exactly the criteria or looking for you. Bring them in. I think the difference is that's not your primary, you know? Hashtag that's not your primary focus. Obviously when they come up when you leverage your relationships that you've established, those are the guys you're going to go after, and sometimes they're going to, you know? Be a little further, but if they want to be a hokie who's to say, no. 1000% and it's kind of funny you talk about the Florida thing with like you had Devin Alva's. You know the late signing, no one like no one saw coming and it was one of those. It was a relationship.

37:58 He had with that beliefs to hold and you know, down at Melbourne and next thing you know they've got a six 285-pound defensive back that you know, like most people sit and think it's like oh he's from Florida and he's that size and his table looks good. Okay. Come on down, speaking of Florida, let's turn to this just a little bit away from what we talked about the footprint and let's talk about the defensive coordinator. Chris Marv. Obviously star pupil of Brent pry when they were down, when Coach Brown was down at Vanderbilt, you know, all-sec guy, he is got his foot in the door coaching, he's starting to get accolades and, you know, starting to build the reputation as a great on field coach.

38:45 His recruiting record, you know, it does have some okay hits, you know, he got both orgy kids out of Texas, you know. Alex orgies Brothers to come to Vanderbilt and a couple three stars at Mississippi State, and Florida State, you know, which, you know, these guys are pretty new. They were price of 19 glasses or class of 20, class of 22, but How can he be an asset on the recruiting Trail? Because he doesn't have that long-running thing like a lot of these guys do. Yeah. And and you know, I upon his hire I sought out a lot of advice information from some of the Florida State guys at 24/7.

39:31 And I know there's a lot of stories out there about how he's a bad recruiter and, you know, couldn't build relationships and I think a lot of that is overblown It's not like, this is a guy that won't talk to anyone that's too shy, but I think in terms of going out and and seeking those relationships, I think that's where he struggled at Florida State. And I think, you know, his role at Virginia Tech is a lot different. You know, he's going to be primarily focused on game planning and whatnot but you know, the way I would say it is this you have a bunch of guys on staff that are good at creating relationships. You do. It's their bread and butter, they can establish them. When you have an event at Virginia Tech where you're bringing guys in, and you have a guy that's highly interested in Virginia Tech wants to play on the defensive side. If you bring him into Marv's office and you're just talking about X's and O's.

40:29 I mean that's that's an area where he can Excel you know he can break down the defense, tell them step by step. This is what it's going to look like in year one. This is what it's going to look like in year 2 and And not only that, but like he, you know, he once the relationship is established, she's going to be fine. You know, I think again, like a lot of those stores were overblown, and I think he'll be fine on the recruiting Trail. I wouldn't expect him to be, you know, an ace by any means. But in terms of getting guys in the boat, I think he'll be absolutely fine. And I think that, you know, his main perk in recruiting will be just kind of detailing.

41:09 The defense has Talking about, you know, his experience and especially as a young guy that's you know as a defensive coordinator that's going to bring a lot of guys in I think. Yeah, and I know you talked about talked to a lot of guys with the the flip his time at Florida State, they're in. We talked about recruiting most of the time he spent in Florida State were under the covid, protocols? Right. Yeah, so, did you think that had any impact on the way he was able to develop those relationships during his time at Florida? State, definitely couldn't couldn't necessarily, you know, be face-to-face or a lot of that one-on-one that normally would get in a typical recruiting cycle.

41:54 Yeah, I definitely think so. And I think, you know, even some of the some of the guys that have come in in the 22 class of said, nothing, but positive, things about talking with him and his plan for the defense. And obviously a lot of that comes from Brent pry. So, you know, it's not just about Marv it's about Pride as well. And, you know, they have that Vision in store. I think covid-19 fully big part of it. I mean obviously I I don't really have the room to talk too much about what happened at Florida State, but, you know, I think I'll be absolutely fine. I think it's a little overblown again. Don't expect them to be like, you know, the ace recruiter. But I think he doesn't have to be with the staff. And I think that's fine.

42:37 You know, you have to know your role and how you fit into the equation. So let's let's kind of pivot than a little bit to back to the 22 class. Were you impressed by the way that pride and especially JC and Pearson that were, you know, working a lot more on the road there how they were able to keep the kind of the 22 class, more or less intact is things closed out after the regime change? Yeah, I definitely was. I think you know, when you look at Gunner, Givens, I think for such a long time, I mean, it was obvious, he wanted to go to Virginia Tech and I think towards The end there was a little bit of uncertainty and I think you know, schools like North Carolina really came into the mix came after him hard and you know look at North Carolina's track record in the last two years.

43:25 They're pretty much getting whoever they want and you know price was a big one there. Benji Gosnell was another one that I think they had to fight hard for you know getting guys like Brody, Meadows, Keyshawn Burgos, Xavier Chaplin. Was another one that I know he took a while but that was a One to keep in the boat Daquan, right? Was another one that took a bit of time but eventually came to Virginia Tech because he believed in the staff and then, you know, guys like zaevion Bradshaw like that was such a huge one for the class. So not only did he keep the class intact, but I felt like he added substantial value to the class as well, to really round it out and get them proven, guys, you know, that may have been looked or didn't fit the criteria of the old regime. He said, you know what, these are good players. We want them in the fold, will figure out a home for them. We'll make it work and to be able to do that with such little time is definitely impressive.

44:31 Yeah, it's funny. You mentioned Xavier and Bradshaw because it was really, really storied of how Louisville and Michigan were pushing hard till the end on him. But you mentioned Daquan right where there are other schools trying to push day. On. Yeah. So yeah. After he kind of rose up the rankings, you know, in the latter months. Yeah. So there is a point in time where I really thought that he was going to end up going to Georgia Tech. Yeah. And you know, luckily for Virginia Tech he stayed. I think he's going to be an exceptional ball player when it's all said and done. But you know, there was a time I think he was wavering a little bit, there is a time where, you know, communication kind of shot down and I think that's when we started to get a little worried, but then, you know, things even doubt and, you know, obviously ended up signing so Yes, that was a big one for us.

45:26 We've been kind of talking about Daquan right on this program for a while since since the day he committed. Yeah, baby go. I saw his tape I was like oh Is severely under a 24/7, has him right at a four-star, right? He's an 88, you know I don't know what maybe it was. The he what is he going to be in college? And he never gave me that pole star he's Greener. But who else in this 2022 class is kind of flying a little bit under the radar in your opinion. There's a couple, I would say definitely zaevion Bradshaw, I think he's going to be a stud, you know, he obviously got that at the last minute, a late high-ranking. I think he's an 86.

46:27 If I'm not mistaken, unless they changed it and made him like an 87 or 88. But he's someone that I think can play Early Mansoor d'Alene, he is like a prototypical, big ten type of like hybrid safety almost I think. He could play corner or safety. He's a hard hitter, you know, I he was another one. I thought that could have gone to Michigan State, but ended up sticking out. What's Virginia Tech Bryce Duke? He's someone that put up video game numbers in high school and you kind of Wonder. Okay, well, this guy really translate to the college level, like, we haven't really seen it before, at least at Virginia Tech with these guys that are, you know, scoring 50.

47:13 Touchdowns in a year. But he's someone that early on is really standing out. I think he could have a role really early on and then Braylon more brilliant more I think will be really good for Virginia Tech obviously, carrying on the Legacy. I don't think he's going to stick at defensive line or wherever they're trying to play him. I think Joe Rudolph is going to make one quick phone call get him on the offensive line. He's going to be a writer left guard and he's going to make a living there. So what you're saying is about a week from today, when they get into the room with spring practice, he's just going to walk to j.c. and be like, this is, he's not bad. He's coming over here with us.

47:55 I mean, he's probably in the d-line room right now, just because of the deficiency, we have at the be tackle in terms of death. Yeah. All by the way, you asked Bradshaw 8787. Yeah. So, and we discussed just a few about a month. Ago. After official Signing Day about Bryce, do you? And I think people are he is being overlooked in the video game numbers and its northern Virginia. It's not Downs average on the 75, but when you look at the division, he played, and he played in for a that's not lightweight division. Now that's not five or six here in Virginia, but he was playing some solid teams and, you know, and you kind of look he looks like he's had Some success in The Hunger Games, which has been some awesome footage to see.

48:48 And obviously essentially crowning guys every week for their performance, which is a great thing in my opinion because I'm sure those guys get to walk around, you know, like peacocks in the new training center in new performance center when they win that, I don't know if they get anything special but you know, Morel d'Alene was Michigan State, making a push lady at him because he seemed pretty solid all the way through after he committed back in the summer. Yeah, I was talking to some guys at Michigan State and I think, you know, at one point they thought that he was, you know, Signed Sealed Delivered. So, you know, there's a lot of stories that, you know, some recruits have where, you know, there's there's turmoil in the program, they don't know what.

49:43 It's going on, you start to doubt it and you know, other schools will seize the opportunity to use that and you know, he saw things out, he didn't make any rash decisions and you know, he couldn't be happier to be a hokie today, but yeah, he was definitely one that whether or not like, you know, sometimes there's a recruit where the coach says, look, I know you don't want to go here. I know you're locked in. Just let's take this visit. Let's see what it's about. About maybe it's a good option if things don't pan out at the school, you're committed to and, you know, more times than not they'll lead to flips. And, you know, he was a case where he said, okay, I'll go check it out, I'll listen to what they have to offer. But in the end stayed true to his commitment. And the better for us because like like you said I'd looking at his tape he looks like he's somebody that could be a definite studying the future.

50:41 But let's talk about what potentially could be happening in the in the 22 season for the Hokies. You know, we're one week away from the start of Spring ball and we had a big crop of early enrollees from the class of 22 half are there aliens? Yeah. If are there? Yeah, that's that's that's bananas. Has but are there any of those early enrollees that had the potential to get in there for the 2D if they have a solid effort in the spring and then in Fall Camp? Yeah, I mean, it's tough to say without knowing the true vision of what Virginia Tech's going to look like, you know, both offensively and defensively right now. But you know, like I mentioned Braylon Moore's, a guy that I'm really looking at.

51:25 I think he could play early, and I know it's tough, sometimes on the offense of line, but I think he's going to get in there and Ending on, you know, how solid he is. He could see time in the too deep. Benji Gosnell is another guy. I know he's coming off injury but you know, absolutely looks the part plays the part. I think he could really make an impact there, and I think he'd be a welcomed addition. And then, I guess the last name, I'll give you is Bryce Duke. I think, you know, I understand again, like the hesitation like we've seen guys like Colton Beck the Before that everyone's like oh track speed video game numbers in high school, you know, maybe he won't like everyone wants to see him pan out right away and then all of a sudden he switches to track I think Bryce Duke is a guy that could definitely see reps on kick return specifically so I'd be excited for him. I think, you know, and again, like running back is wide open so you never know.

52:28 And I think that's the one one of the most Natural positions in football, where you either have it or you don't and, you know, it's dependent on more than you and he has a skill set so I'd be interested to see what ends up happening with Bryce. Do if he stays at running back, they put them, you know, as kind of a hybrid guy on the offense, but I definitely think he'll get a chance at the very least to be on kick return if he wins that. I don't know but he'll get a chance. Yeah, Brian three weeks ago, we did some film breakdown on and Brian hit the offense and he said something that he noticed about Tyler bones offense is, there's a lot of carries to go around. And would you say Brian that?

53:14 It wouldn't shock you that if there were three guys getting 10 12, a game, I think there's going to be a lot of games where there's going to be three guys. Getting about 10 carries or more. So just just based on what I've seen from the games that That Boeing is called and kind of cross referencing that with some of the tape from games that Jim Moorhead is called and trying to see if if that's going to be more or less what Tyler's going to do if there's going to be some some variations from that. But if he holds true to what how he called games, With Joe Boar Head, then it's going to be a lot of carries for about two to three, guys and a lot of opportunities for it out. Yeah, so I don't think that Bryce do is out of the question. And again, I don't think Brethren Wars out of the question because I think having guys like I think just having a new coaching staff, you just feel like the slates wiped clean, right?

54:14 Like you know, there are no favorites and prizes said that a few times. Times about how we're creating a new depth chart. It's what you do on that field in February and early March in these conditionings. And, and that's to me, I guess, it's refreshing, right? Because you feel, like, if anybody had been hiding back for whatever reason, it's not anymore. Go out there bust your ass and show the coaches, what you can do. All right, so kind of last. Question for Wii. Jump off the recruiting stuff here but you know, let's take three years from now.

54:57 We have you back on this 2025, what's going to be your measuring stick for success in these initial classes. Really 23 and 24 for Coach pry. You know with these classic commits? Yeah, I think when you look at these first classes that are going to come in, I think what you want to see by that time, Is retention because we've seen so much turnover and previous classes, but not just keeping the guys on campus and having them buried on the depth chart. But guys, that are going to develop and become players for Virginia Tech and as much as we talk about like this might, you know, the support staff budget went up, you know, exponentially. And that's because you want to get guys with ton of experience a ton of recruiters, you want to change the image of the program. But the These are guys that their best traits as coaches are.

55:55 Developing, guys, getting guys to stay and and finding players in recruiting cycles that are going to not just make an impact for a year, but be starters for multiple years to be the identity that these coaches want. So, you know, whether that's an offensive tackle, that's, you know, a multi-year starter that's, you know, hit the weight room hard and, you know, now you're talking about a guy that's a All ACC guy, you know, that's that's the vision for a lot of these guys and you know most importantly, I think representing Virginia. I think that's going to be a big one that I think they're making calculated moves. Right now that this class is about Virginia they're going to want someone to shine and prove to the rest of the state that hey, I came from Virginia. I'm playing at Virginia Tech.

56:46 We're winning football games. This is the place to be and I think you need to have all those those things get guys from the state, keep them happy at Virginia Tech. And not only that, but have success on the field, it's not just about getting there. It's about staying there and proving that, you know, you're one of the best in the conference. Yeah, I love hearing that and I think that's that's kind of what we were thinking as well in terms of success. The big thing that you said that really kind of stands out to me and something I hadn't really necessarily considered but as you said having someone from the state that whether it's a top 10 in the state or whether it's somebody that was even further, further down that list on the on the recruiting Trail. There that comes to Virginia, Tech multi-year, starter and and starts winning some big Names on the field for us. I think that that would be something that we can point to and say, Here's what you can be when you come to Virginia Tech. Yeah, absolutely.

57:50 And obviously, like winning is the barometer, right? Like you have to win games, like there may not be a pride 25. If there's not a lot of wins on the board but it's going to start it in Virginia and it's going to stay in Virginia and I think, you know, that has to be the focus. Yeah, I'm with you because I think if you start winning that state again or your state again, it's sort of like it's the ripple effect. Because if kids come from Virginia and they start having success, then if the kids from Carolina, that hear about it and the kids from Maryland and Pennsylvania and it goes outward much as it did, you know, 25 years ago. You know, a lot of people will go back and look at class in 95 that want all those games.

58:41 You know, you start going through it, you did have a lot of Virginia, guys, don't get me wrong but you had, you know, George, do Rico and JC from Maryland. You had some Florida, guys, you had Pearson from South Carolina, you know? Yeah, it wasn't like, everyone was from Virginia, not a cop know. The things Brent prize discussing is essentially What made this program, what it was for close to 20 years? Focus on your state and then let the Ripple happy because when the Ripple happens, you're going to get that Pearson, pray that you're going to get that poor Ian gray, you're going to give you that Kevin Jones after the national James y'all trip.

59:22 So I think it what they have in place is unbelievable. I think you know the things that you're hearing also, something else I love is hearing you talk about how you feel like you're getting more access your hearing more in. And I know this is your job and but we know you're a fan of you because you went to the school and you love the school and we're fans. This is what we want. We want to hear things about what's going on. You don't have to show us everything you don't but like what they're doing? Next weekend is unbelievable. Under or somebody had something like this. And at least six years. And I know I was going to say, even when we're talking about like the too deep, you know, when when we would talk about, okay, what are we getting?

1:00:12 How are we evaluating these new guys coming in? You would hear like Justin Fuente say oh this guys doing well and all of a sudden everyone's like oh is he going to start is you know what's going on? And now it's like you feel like there's a bit more transparency in terms of. Okay. These Guys, these early enrollees are doing well and, you know, they have a real shot and it's like you trust that word, you know. So I think I like, based on Flint a I thought that Jade pay you was going to be all-acc for the last few years. I think we all did that we have that 145 yard reception from the bowl game to look at all summer. So yeah, let's build on that. Let's get one 45 yard, reception /. A game.

1:00:59 He just does one 45, yard reception per game. Next year, I think it'll open up the entire file. All right, matej is going to hang out with us, guys. We got some more things we want to hit before we close up shop tonight. But before we get to those, we are going to take a quick pause for a message from our digital partners. Because we take a quick break, we'd like to tell you about getting your free website report from our digital partner, Grassroots, digital marketing Studio. They'll tell you how your website ranks on Google on-site, SEO and social media. No commitment to buy anything. You can get your free report by visiting. Grassroots digital studio.com forward slash free Dash website, Dash report.

1:01:44 Now back to the episode All right, got a few more topics. We want to hit tonight and a few more things. It, but we will start with this is completely away from football field and onto the Hoops. Court, Elizabeth Kitt, Lee wins. ACC Player of the Year, obviously, Virginia Tech women tube, having one of their best seasons ever. It was just really cool to see. a Virginia Tech player when that Player of the Year, guys, Yeah, seeing that. And seeing what came out? Look, what earlier today. What? Second-team All-American for her. Oh wow.

1:02:25 Yeah, yeah. So we're accolades keep coming out. So seeing that program kind of take the, the steps towards building on something big and they got a really chance hopefully that you know they can stay healthy throughout the the NCAA tournament and maybe make a run here but you know, gut it out. Out that Victory after kitley went down. That was, that was really big. And just I think all around nothing to say, but good things about the way, this team is kind of fought and clawed through this year and and really made made the fans in the school. Proud to have specially how like engaged all the fans have been like I feel like it's almost like a Renaissance in terms of the women's basketball program that you saw in the final home game.

1:03:16 Everyone come out, you know, truly a sight to behold and, you know, fans are coming out because of the success of the program. So like you said, only nothing but good things to say about that program. Yeah and I tell you I think the Hokies looked up to that the women's tournament is essentially two weeks before the big tournament with kitley getting hurt and act. It doesn't count remember the other girl the other starting to get hurt. Because now essentially what they've got right at foot 16 days to get healthy, actually more than 16 days to get healthy for the tournament run.

1:03:56 We've already seen the team multiple times. Take NC State, one of the best teams in the country to the Limit. Have some big wins this year so I mean it can happen but just seeing them have the success clearly helps. And like you said, seeing the support throughout the year. For the program is awesome. All right, Braun. One of your favorite events of the Year. Bride loves the combine and you don't like, without whilst it will sit and eat his breakfast. Watching the in this year, I mean, the Hokies even a 6 and 16 since six guys to the combine you know, let's see the Smith James Mitchell. They're obviously for the interviews and to get weighed and measured Trey Turner Jermaine Waller, Luke tenuto But we're either of you watching live when I'm Mari bar. No ran, I was eating breakfast.

1:04:59 I was watching live and right out the gate. I think it was the first 40 of the defensive line group if I recall correctly, and he just goes out there and bust it out for 37 was The Unofficial, 436, the official, I think the best part about it, as you go down the list of like, and by the way, there are some fast people at the combine this year. Like they're, I've never seen as many sub four fours as this year, but when you look at the big list of everyone that ran and then you're looking and you're seeing running back wide receiver wide receiver and then all of a sudden you know safety defensive back and then you see Edge, you see the 250-pound edge, right? For 36.

1:05:49 I mean it's unbelievable. I mean that's I know that you know it's just a Ford you're running an underwear whatever you want to say about it but like get that is done nothing but Skyrocket his stock ahead of the drafts. Oh well yeah we were talking earlier we were like alright well you know some some and mocked him kind of a late-day to before the combine Summit had a mentor lead. A three I think he probably improved his stock by bat around and a half depending on wherever you had him mock before 100%. So he might be, you know, mid-second rounders probably the high-end probably late fourth. Probably is the back end of that. Yeah.

1:06:35 But the other piece too is now you know people are looking at the stats and say well he didn't have any sex after the UNC game but there are some plays out there. You know, he does need refining on the edge now. Also, I think this year after what he had done the previous year, the eyes were on him, the defense shifted to his side. He got chipped but ran out of him or they did run at him. But the one thing that his that that's going to flash on tape after seeing that 40 his Pursuit, his backside Pursuits and downfield, Pursuits. I know it didn't take long after that 436 as I had a buddy I was out I think getting our cul-de-sac you know everybody playing having funds as a beautiful weekend here in my guy texted me and I'm like yep that's what he does and he found a picture of that UNC game where he went from the 35. To the 40 and he's getting blocked and gets off the block takes off down field and makes the tackle that's motor that's effort and that's unbelievable speed from a guy of that size that essentially defensive coordinators who are looking at and probably pushing their scouting department and their GM to say, Hey listen.

1:07:52 Yeah, we can work on his Edge moves. That's what we're here for. That's what we do every day. We teach these guys but that effort in getting from here to there to stop a potential touchdown. There's not many guys that can do that. And another thing he does well that doesn't get talked about is that he's a pretty sure tackler. So he may not you may not be the best at the point of contact. If he's getting either double-teamed or having to having the shed or having to work a move that started Edge Rush. But when he gets his arms to you, he's going to get you down those times and you couple that with his Pursuit and just overall athleticism. If they can find a system that kind of either uses an outside backer in space, a lot or to rush the passer or a 34 system that's going to use him as a as an outside linebacker that's going to be a really good fit for him and should be able to take advantage of the the tools that he Has especially if he's able to put another five or ten pounds of weight on his body. Yeah, that's what I was just about to say that. There's a lot of 34 schemes out in the NFL and I think he would fit seamlessly into that.

1:09:05 And, you know, I'm a Packers fan admittedly and, you know, I think I think there's there is, you know, I'm a big Preston Smith fan and I could see similarities between the two. I think obviously bar knows a lot more athletic but I You know, if you get them in the right system and you know the bulks up a bit, you know is his mind matches his moves. I mean the sky's the limit for him. I mean he's one of the most athletic guys that you know and he's really an affair. Any NFL GM's dream really to have if you can mold them into something. If you've got a year where you can just use him sparingly or try to hide it as much as you can to where he can kind of come along, With that NFL coaching and with that you fully immersed Pro experience. I think that that's going to be good for him because he really has all the tools and traits that could really make a really good NFL player.

1:10:07 Especially like we said in those systems that take advantage of those longer athletic guys, either on the outside, linebacker in a 3-4 or that kind of 43 system where they use that backer as a as a kind of a We're rusher a lot. Yeah, well we were talking earlier, you talked about the Packers system, I'm a Niners fan. He's a Colts fan. Essentially, we're rowing a covered three with wide Nines in a guy like him is like it's like get him out on the 9, aim at the quarterback and just run as fast as you can. So he fits a few places one other guy, I think, let's see the Smith solid combine outing. He ranked top 10 in a few things I think he's probably I think we'll see. This is going to go in the first in the second day. I think I think you definitely improved his stock from where he was, he wasn't the big jump that we saw from bar know just being you know, but that type of physical specimen out there in a scenario where being a physical specimen really good. You know, earns you the the Kudos there but I think he's solidified, everything that was being talked about him ahead of the combine and sometimes showing up and not not hurting your This can help your case.

1:11:27 And I hope for all the other guys to that, you know, left early, I wish them nothing but the best. I hope they get drafted lands on teams and continue to do great thing elsewhere. All right. We've seen Trey, what mock would you say you saw him with fourth or fifth like fourth and fifth Summit? Six, you know, I think what's going to help tray is believe it or not. This is my opinion. And you y'all can say, if I'm right or wrong, I think some of the stuff. If they did with tray on the Jet, Sweep is going to help us stop. The NFL is getting a lot more line of scrimmage tight passes. They're looking for guys to get the ball in their hands to make moves like that. And that's something he definitely can do but you know it's so weird.

1:12:20 We see it every year you see like guys you expect to get drafted in the first three rounds and next thing you know, your team in the sixth round And is trapped in him and you're like we just stole the guy and you're like super Jack for it. All right, I want to go to this next because this is something we want to bring you in on really deep because I think it I think this is going to affect the recruiting game when it happens. So you know it's been a little over a month now. But college football, playoff basically says they're staying at for until 2025. And we're in the mindset, it needs to get bigger. We want to go to 12. Is my question for you, okay?

1:13:02 How much of an impact do you think when it goes to 12? Will it have on recruiting? And when I say that right now, we feel like the biggest recruiting. It's Georgia. It's Clemson, it's Alabama, it's Ohio State, it's Oklahoma. And it's like, LSU, essentially eight teams seen again, it's six to eight teams in a given Year. Have a chance of making the playoffs is that by default helping them on the recruiting Trail. And by extension, if you add more Players or teams to the playoff? Will that have a trickle-down effect on the recruiting front? We're now and you got 18 to 20 teams competing for 12 spots instead of six to eight competing for, for, you know, I would definitely hope so.

1:13:52 And I think, when you look at, you know, some of the top programs that at least in the college football, playoff era, it's almost like an arms race that not only, are you making so much money because you're in those big games but you're getting more of your fans engaged. I mean there are recruits There that only want to play for teams that are contending for the national championship. So if you're expanding that field, all of a sudden you're pulling in new guys and I think it's definitely beneficial. I think for any fan that's kind of getting tired of, you know, this monotonous fourteen. Playoff that's always seems to be Bama Clemson, Ohio State, and you know, insert a fourth team that doesn't have a chance. But yeah, I think it will definitely be beneficial and specifically.

1:14:37 Only when you expand it and you're looking at some of the teams that have a realistic shot to make it. I mean, Virginia Tech, North Carolina, Miami are screaming at you. I mean, you're in one of, you know, one of the most unstable divisions within the power, 5 with the ability to make an ACC Championship game. And, you know, if you're up to 12 teams, who's to say that the loser of the ACC Championship game doesn't make it, you know, depending on what your record is, and everything that comes That, you know, you're one of the most of, you know, all the five games, the power five games, you're one of the most competitive teams so it would definitely improve teams like that. And not only that, but it would bring more fans into it. You're not just tuning out once your team loses two games, you know, there's a realistic chance and I think, you know, that would kind of spread the wealth a little bit. I still think, you know, some of the top teams I think am is another sleeper that just a giant Texas. Isis as well.

1:15:39 But you know the the Blue Bloods, the rich Schools. They're going to stay rich but there will be some some wealth spreading going on, if they expend the playoffs and I think that's what everyone wants. Even even if you're the 12th team and you know there's no shot at winning the whole thing, but you just made it. I mean, that's already going to improve your stock tremendously. Yeah. So you know, I'm very much in favor for that. I don't know what that looks like in terms of the Everything and the buys and whatnot but I think that would make that would that would just be so much fun for college football. Yeah we've talked about it. We said you know if you're a 12 seed in a 12 team playoff you know whatever game you play your first game is going to be a higher profile game.

1:16:25 Then whatever non-playoff New Year's six bowl, you could be going to right now in the current format. Yep. So it's only going to benefit those type of teams that are just outside of that. At that current format and how that exposure looks and how that, you know, ultimately impacts on the recruiting Trail. I think can be speculated, but I think there will be some impact how much of an impact is probably where, where we kind of have to wait and see, and, I mean, obviously, this is nice money. Grab for all the other people that are counting coins in this whole thing because the more games you play, the more money, you're going to make Especially when those games matter more towards the end of the year.

1:17:12 Whereas, right now you've only got the three big ones and, you know, that's kind of devalued in a lot of ways. Some of those other New Year's six bowls that before. We're had a little bit more Prestige to them. Yep, but something you mentioned Brian you mentioned like the 12 seed. Getting in if you're 12 seed and you get in Intimate a Point. Virginia Tech goes 11. And 1 goes to the ACC title game loses to Clemson and a thriller circuit 2016. They get the toilet seat and they play a, you know, number five LSU, they lose, you know, 35. Twenty-seven, whatever.

1:17:55 The extra money from that game in general because, you know, there's money coming down. But then to get able to get on the trail and go to some four or five, start kid and say we're getting there, we need you we get more players like you. We're not going to be 12 sees any more. We're going to be in the top four. We're going to win a National Title in the thing is right now because Brian like you said there's four to eight schools. That can say that every year unfortunately Virginia. Tech can't say that as most hundred twenty schools can, but if you open up that gate and you get to 12, and then, the next year, you win the ACC in your six.

1:18:36 And then the next year you go. The next thing, you know, you can probably, you know, say this just from your job watching these boards. Lot easier to sell a program that's winning and getting to the chance, right? 100%, I think just the chance is so huge right? That changes everything. And I think, you know, a lot of the recruiting pitches have been, okay. We're going to win championships. Well, what championships, you know, the ACC Championship the coastal Championship, the Commonwealth cop, like what is the championship that this program is striving for? And I think, you know it's a bit lazy to say, okay, just expand it so that everyone comes in but it's it's 12 Premier teams.

1:19:19 You know what I mean? So, So 10%, it's the exactly 10%. Exactly. So I think it does nothing, but help, I think there still is going to be a little bit of disparity that's going to take, you know, at least a decade or maybe even more to kind of bridge that Gap. But but, you know, you have to start somewhere because the way things are going, you know, the rich get richer and everyone else is just trying to keep up. So, you know, there has to be a method to kind of evening the playing field or just giving ask Cool. A chance. You know whether it's one in every four years that they make it in or once in a blue moon, you know, it's going to totally reinvigorate college football which I think is getting a little stale.

1:20:06 Yeah, especially the postseason in particular. Yeah, you know I think the regular season is is good but I don't think a 12 team playoff devalues the regular season at all. Oh of course know what my face it you if you lose two games. Now, if you're two and two after September, well, National Championship gone, where depending on the two games, you lose a lot of times. It's Well shit. Now the now a chance to go to a new year. 6 volt has gone after two losses in. That's what makes the regular season.

1:20:46 So much fun is seeing the team's fall. But if you're saying If you're saying like, we're going to get to November. and when they do that cfp ranking, which I think they still will have If you're sitting at like 20, you're sitting like we can do this. If we can win out beat our rival, get into a cup, we can get in And that's what you want. Hope. if you have hope, if you have 20 teams have an open November, Money for everybody and also having these Auto bids.

1:21:26 I mean you occasionally have those upsets in those conference championships those upsets now matter. Yes they do like before it didn't matter. You know, if if you had lost three games and then you like George a few years back, you know, they had like two or three losses and, you know, might go and be tab a more be to Auburn in the SEC Championship game. You know all of a sudden that matters now now we lost him again anyway yeah yeah. So a game like that now matters because if they win that conference Championship game, they're getting an automatic bid into the playoff. Now that team that was either undefeated or one loss, they're still getting that at-large bid and then we can debate how we want to Rach Rach.

1:22:08 The rank the teams in the playoff later. That's something that is probably a discussion that you know other people are having right now in terms. Whether you know your conference winners, get the the higher seeds or whether it's based on you know some sort of ranking from a committee or whatever, but you're going to automatically get in. If you win that power five conference and that's a big thing. And then most of the models that we're seeing, you know, one of those high rank G5 programs is getting in as well, so that can shake things up a little bit. And at least bring probably a degree of do blood in every year and And keep some of those, those G5 conferences in the discussion, you know, Cincinnati's really, you know, made some noise of late.

1:22:56 We had UCF a few years back that had a good squad that didn't quite get it done at the end there. But yeah, I think that's only going to help them as well, because they now get a seat at the big table, not just at the okay, when you get to play in a pretty good Bowl table, right? I think if you can keep the regular season, the way it is, and I just hope that If you're, if you're kind of diluting the playoff process, that it wouldn't take too much away. And I know like I agree with Curtis like giving hope is so important to every fan base, like, I hope like there's something so special about knowing that it's like like every weekend matters in college football every single weekend matters and I hope that isn't lost.

1:23:42 If you're like we're all into like we still have a chance, you know, like you should be panicking. But But if you can get the regular season, how it is now, steaks are still high as ever. You know, it's only 12 teams, ten percent. I just I agree with with the both of you that it's like the postseason is getting stale, you need to spice it up somehow. If you can put more stakes in there, see some upsets you know, something new. I think it only improves the product of college football. Yeah. Because I mean, you're still, you're still playing for your conference Championship game ever. You're so like I said, I don't think the regular season game is is going to really get impacted because more than likely, if you're a power 5 team, you want one of those at large has or the automatic qualifier.

1:24:28 You're going to need to be playing in your conference Championship game and you're going to be the been again, that matters more now because the winner of that gets that automatic bid, right? By the way, you talk about the Owen to team, that would be the best fan base to watch. They start owing to like real got it, I can do this. Gotta win 11 and got out of it. Speaking of fire, I tell you, you mentioned it earlier the money, they drained into the support staff. I mean, you've had, you know, couple higher since we last talked run, the op staff has gotten bigger. Travis Taylor taken over director colleges in ski assistant in Jake shell option analytics along with higher and more analyst, Jeff Carpenter, and karrie Webb Prime just say it, you say it all the time, we have went from Mom and Kyle longer, a mom and pop operation, we're running things. Like we've gotta got a business plan and a hierarchy and we knew who reports to who and who's doing, what and we don't have one or two guys in the recruiting department in operations Department that are wearing like four or five different hats anymore, People have jobs and they take care of the business now.

1:25:46 And it seems like that, that's what we've been missing in the off the field apartment. So I'm it's nice to see them. Put the money into a number one, to get it done. But also to get these hires in there and have a organizational structure, that makes sense. Yeah, absolutely. And I remember, you know, back when I was on campus and going to the press conferences, I would stop by the recruiting department and I would see four guys sitting in chairs in this. Massive room, just doing all the work for the class and I'm sitting there, like, have you guys slept, like, I see like four cups of coffee on everyone's desk and you're wondering how things are getting done. And you not only have that within recruiting, but just Hops and general guys to bounce ideas.

1:26:30 Off of you now have analytics guys that can tell you whether to go for it on fourth down or not, you know, down to like the very specific minutiae of everything. So it does nothing. But Open, you know, this is this is long-awaited and I'm so excited for for everyone. It just makes everyone's life easier. And ultimately that's what you need. If you want to be a program of a very high stature, you need to have like all everything accounted for and it seems like they have that right now. Do these analytics help with whether or not to call timeouts for 54-yard field goals. Yes. And in state opponent. Let's hope that doesn't happen again.

1:27:11 Never Well, you know, something else, cool, though, in thing about like, this is already happening and to me, it's telling you that Brent price hiring and keeping quality, guys. You know, Keyshawn Jarrett was going to go to a g, a position essentially wanted to coach. He stayed there all of two weeks and he got hired by Howard, you know, that's the S, which is awesome for him and then the same with dyrell Roberts, dyrell Roberts and an FCS who comes to an analyst job and within what 20 days. He's at a G5 job of at Eastern Michigan. That tells you a lot about to about what the staff is looking like that. It didn't take long for these two guys to already be moving on, which is great.

1:27:55 Yeah, and I think, you know, with this price staff I think he has a lot of connections and because he's bringing in so many people and I know a lot of people have Penn State backgrounds, but you know, everyone talks. Everyone knows each other and that's kind of the culture at Penn State that you build up this large staff. And like Penn State, there's gonna be people that move on. There's going to be people that turn over but they're always looking for Quality to replace them and I think that's kind of going to be a constant at least with the support staff, you know. I know a lot of guys are under contract for multiple years and will stay a long time. But, you know, they're always going to find people to fill the holes and I think they have a really good Network in terms of what they're looking for and it's no surprise the people.

1:28:42 They're Getting are wanted by other people and that's the telling sign that you're hiring the right person. If a lot of people want them, It's the truth. I mean, there's no more to say that is the true that people want people on your staff is the best thing. Again, I'm going to the NFL, the Niners are losing everybody. I love it because it tells you that they're wanted and it tells you that they know how to interview it tells you to know what they're doing. And usually when you have in these cases you're going to have guys go, you're probably going to have some good replacements come to it's like you know, This guy went from here to there, I want to do that.

1:29:23 I'm going there because I know he's going to prep me for. Absolutely, when you present that, you create opportunities for other people, that's going to be attractive to other hires that are looking to do that same thing. Thousand percent. All right, matej. Again, we really appreciate you joining us tonight. We're going 90 minutes now. It has been awesome. Just we just feel like we're just talking to a fellow hokey. You know what? You are into friend. Don't forget, guys check him out, VT scoop for 24/7.com his articles, you know, anything dropped them soon. We should have a Blacksburg big. Word coming out soon, which kind of detailed it's for our VIP subscribers, I should mention, but it will detail exactly what the staff is looking for within this recruiting class. I would just say stay posted to VT scoop because we should have some good news in the next 10 days. So, yeah, keep an eye out on that. Oh, he teased it well to taste well together. All right.

1:30:35 Next two, Today's we're going to all Mark our calendars for that. And again would say we really appreciate you joining us here on the boundary Corner podcast and that's going to wrap it up. I'm Curtis Wilson. I'm Brian Sigler. Visit our website. Boundary corner be t.com to listen to all of our episodes while you're there. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, subscribe to our YouTube account. Thank you. Listeners are YouTube with our coach Robbie. Then where we had some tape over 100 views, our biggest YouTube ever. We got jacked about that, so go check it out. If you haven't Brian, Robbie, breaking down tape and your favorite podcast Source including Spotify, Amazon Apple podcast, we always let our buddy Jason long, he plays Us in, he plays this out, catch him on Spotify, and apple music, and his YouTube cover Channel.

1:31:33 I'm trying to think he got a new Telecaster. He's really excited about it so go give him some of yous. So maybe he could pay for his wife won't kill him because I think he had to tell her the total the other day. Oh man he had to finally come clean. I think he did sure the credit card receipt. Well, I'm sure she probably saw that. At least he didn't buy the other one. He showed us because he had one that was like almost 2000 and he really was almost going to buy that. But he's a married man, he got smarter so you know but we thank you all for listening. and as always, let's go Hokies