We're joined this week by managing editor of Tech Sideline David Cunningham to talk all things Spring Practice. We're discussing how Pry has structured Spring Practice, the focus of the practices and scrimmages, the key position battles, and how a more open Spring has enlivened the fan base.

0:45 Welcome back to the boundary Corner podcast. I'm Curtis Wilson, I'm Brian siglo buddy we kicking it on a Thursday night this week. How you feeling? Man it's Thursday night, we survived some potential for tornadoes here in the r-va. Got about one thing to about three. My wife and son home early from school. I was I was I was working from home today so I was I was stuck in thankfully Have a path. It took for us to kind of went just to the west of where we were kind of like through like Western Mechanicsville and Ashland. So we didn't quite get as much of the, the winds and stuff, some of those other areas got.

1:32 Yeah, I was in the office today, man, and the warning hit. We had to go to the basement and kill the warning was over. And then I had to go get my son from school. They were in shelter in place because the the went just East for those in Richmond. It went through param road. So, I mean, it, you know, I don't think it ever touched down, but it was right there. So, I had to do some cast out of work later, because I left the office kind of abruptly, to do that, wife and other son had to leave school early. So, hectic day, but it's Thursday night. We have a super guest tonight. We are talking a lot of spring football brine in. Let's just go ahead and bring the man on Wellspring David behan managing editor of tech Sidelines. David, how are you?

2:24 I'm doing, well, guys, I'm first of all. I'm glad you guys are safe. How about me silly and Blacksburg? It was very rainy this morning when I went to open practice as I'm sure we'll get to, and then whether kind of cooled down and is pretty nice out. So yeah, pretty pretty well, it's Thursday. Which means we're one day closer to the weekend. And, yes, sir. Thanks for having me on excited to be here. Yeah, we really appreciate you coming on David. You know, you are kind of that text sideline. I feel like the everything man you were in Milwaukee. You were in Brooklyn, you're covering practices, you're covering the team when they're here. So, you know, just so folks who don't know, you haven't read your work, give us A little background on yourself and kind of what you do at Tech sideline.

3:14 Yeah. Well, to put it simply. I'm a lot younger than you guys. I'm 22. I just graduated in May of last year from Virginia Tech. I'm originally from Yorktown Virginia which is just outside Newport News. I went to I was rival high schools with Bruton where Brian Randall went to high school. So there's no some knowledge for you. I live about five minutes from Minutes from where Tyrod Taylor? Michael Vick quite grown up. I you know I came to Virginia Tech. I was a freshman in the fall of 2017 School Communications. Now, School Community formally Department Communications Sports media analytics, major first graduating class, so proud of everything that's going on and in school, communication and shout out to everything, text idling does will Stewart. And, and everybody I text sidelined the fibers. They donated, you know, this is an endowed scholarship that's been going on since August of 2018 and they donated, you know, over 72 thousand dollars to school communication and so because of that, you know, the school and there's always supports me analytics program and textile on a very close relationship.

4:32 So, I got to know will when I was a student and Chris Coleman as well. And you know, when I was Ready to graduate a kind just reached out and I knew they were kind of looking for somebody to kind of expand everything that they were doing. So I reached out, we had a good conversation and can't believe it's not even been a year, but we've gone through football and basketball season and we've gone through a lot. I mean, yeah, consider first year in school on the job and I've gotten to cover a football season that involved a head coaching change, which is only the second one, you know, since 1987 187, since we were kids, second one since 87, and then, of course, basketball and I was at all, but I think two football games this year and I covered 20, I was at 27 and 36 basketball games in person and you got to cover the got to cover women's basketball as well. They have terrific season and, you know, it's been, it's been a very hectic.

5:35 March back on March 22nd. Of course, say is March 31st but back. March 22nd. I told some of my friends who's a 22nd day of the month and I had only been in Blacksburg like wake up to go to bed for five days of the month bullying because I've been in Greensboro covering the women's tournament and then I had been in Brooklyn covering the men's tournament. And I've been Milwaukee traveling all over the place so it's been nice to kind of pass week or so kind of everything settled down. But, but yeah, textile and I kind of, like you mentioned Curtis. I kind of do everything. NG. I'm the football and men's basketball beat writer and I'm the managing editor. So I manage all of our other content.

6:17 So, we've got some students that we employ. We give them a little stipend every month, Chris hirings covers, women's basketball, and baseball for us. Jack brizendine covers wrestling and does some other stuff for us. So I kind of edit and oversee all those guys all of our softball coverage or Olympic sports coverage, pretty much. Okay. So, That's my role. And then on, you know, the rest of it is covering men's basketball football which obviously takes up a big chunk of my time. So it's kept me busy, 100% November and December pretty stressful just with I didn't have much time to think just because of you know, basketball was doing pretty well.

7:01 And then football decides, we're going to hire, you know, got some point, they obviously leaves and you know, football decides. Hey, we're going to hire a head coach the day before Virginia Tech's post. Play at me. Merlin, and then the basketball. So, very, very pretty but, but yeah, it's been a long year, but it's been very fun. I'm very, very grateful for this opportunity I have and, you know, when I'm not working, it's nice because obviously, you know, I was a student when covid hit. So I miss some time because of that, you know, just getting to experience, being a college student Blacksburg, as I'm sure you guys remember your times, very fondly. So, Just just to be able to obviously have money so I'm not exactly like there we go.

7:46 It's a lot more fun when you have the money right now. It's nice. It's nice to be able to go out with friends that are still here and you know, to go out to the Champs Sports Bar, we go grab food itself station. You just just to be able to still experience Blacksburg because I didn't get to experience so much of it as a student because it:. So yeah, shoutouts up. Station because that is the spot. That is that's my go-to. But you know what? Honestly if I if anybody in Blacksburg would sponsor me and probably be substation because it's got the point. I know, Hamid, the owner very well and it's gotten to the point where like I will kind of like walk in the door and they like already know what I want. There you go.

8:32 I kind of want a first name basis. That's a good thing that is. So you. So with all your March travels, like what? He had the best bars like that, that you got to experience. You know what? Milwaukee was really cool? And of course, like I didn't even realize Milwaukee's gotta like, like Wisconsin as a whole as a lot of really good beer. Yes baby. Yes, they do is high, I made sure. So. So of course I got into town on Wednesday on me because the way it works for a NCAA tournament is Tech plate Friday, right. Thursday is all media day. So, you know, the four teams that Played in that first session which was Purdue yell, Virginia Tech Texas, they have media then there was a break and then the four teams have played in later session on Friday.

9:21 They had their meaty stuff on Thursday. So, I spent Thursday pretty much working churning out content, Friday. Obviously Tech played so that kept me busy. And there were a lot of basketball games on. So Saturday was very strange because there's other second round games going on. But I have nothing to do in Milwaukee and I don't have a flight until Monday. So I got to go out and experience. I went to a really good barbecue place and I will tell you about Wisconsin, is the people are just so nice. Yeah. There's so, so great people, I went to a BBQ Place had really good beer. I made sure to have a spotted cow. That's what everybody. That's what everybody told me. I had to have. It was very good, did you get a 12-pack in the airport to take on the plane with you? Hide it?

10:03 Because I'm sure that his home office is. Out of Milwaukee. And every time he flies in there, he says, as I leave, I pick up a 12-pack and take it with me. Honestly. I probably I wasn't even thinking that, that much at that point. I was kind of just like, I'm trying to get home and had a layover. I'd like an hour and a half, layover in Chicago, but but, you know, it Milwaukee was really cool. And I tell you, what, for Brooklyn, Brooklyn was cool, because as I told you guys, before we went on air, you know, just there were a lot of other Virginia Tech people Affiliated me. Dia with Virginia Tech there. A lot of them students and I'm friends with. So we had a ball, we went and found some places and A little sketchy maybe at times. But you know what?

10:50 Like, it was to get to experience that, you know, I mean, it was like, it was like Friday night or Saturday night after Virginia Tech beat Notre Dame in North Carolina duke or whatever. You know, we all go out as a group and, and I will remember those moments, you know, that and the games, obviously. But, but yeah, really, really fun times in March and I can't believe College. All Seasons coming to an end. Really, really, really big for me. By the way, you talk about the sketch level. It's like a certain, it's like a curve. It's like, oh yeah, it's a curve that it's the point where it's like a certain sketches at also more to go to, but if you get on the other side of it, you're like one ball the fight and I've been here, but I walked into the wrong place. I'm gonna do my courtesy beer, and then I'm going to see you guys later.

11:41 Exactly. Yeah, and I will, I'd ever been in Brooklyn before. So it was so and I don't think a lot of the other guys had either. So it was an experience, but the nice thing was just where our hotel was which was like less than a, my hotel was a half, a mile away from the Barclays Center. It was nice because we were able to find places right around within walking distance. So it wasn't like we had to pay for anything so that was cool. Got to go do some sightseeing. So overall fun trip and it turned out well for Virginia Tech. Yeah, yeah, I'm up. I'm actually up there. We were brothers getting married and Long Island. So I'm heading down Thursday so it should be a good time. All right, let's move to it because if we keep going just conversation, we might be here till 2:00 in the morning because David even though you might be a younger Brethren, obviously it's an easy connection with you, man, but let's start off. Let's talk about spring practice. You have got a chance all ready to go to two of the six which is, you know already.

12:45 I don't know how many more Or than what you got to do with the last regime. But let's talk about what print process at the beginning of the spring. Basically, everybody on this team, has a clean slate and no, starting prot is promised. And we look at the quarterback room and all these positions. You know, we're here in Cana Bromwich getting reps. You know, coach said he was one of the best 22 that they had out there. He's also at tight end and wide out. Now, then Brown and Wells are look like, they're getting An equal reps in the first 10 days of Spring ball from you being there. Hearing people talk. What do you think? We're learning about the quarterback position? Why would say first of all, from from practice this morning, you know, counterblow merrik they talked yesterday on Wednesday just about all the different position changes and Connor bore marks.

13:39 One of those guys who they think he's a really, really good athlete. So they're like, okay, well let's try to find where he can impact us the most this morning, he was working out at wide receiver and tight end, he was catching passes and guess what? He's a pretty good athlete and he can catch passes and he's one of the tallest guys out there. There, you know. So so you know if I think that's a a role for him because there I think there's probably better Talent than hitting the quarterback room, Jason Brown and Grant Wells, you know, especially well as I've been impressed with both but I think don't you know, those are the two guys that have really impressed and it really stood apart from everybody else. Obviously God Devon Farrell.

14:20 True freshman Taj Bullock. He'll be, you know he'll red shirt, be a redshirt freshman, but You know, it's those two guys and then the other two guys, but, you know, I really like what I've seen from from Grant Wells and I'm not going to say he's a starter over Jason Brown, but I think both of them have a pretty good arm and both of them have a lot of really good experience. And if indeed Connor blumrich does end up playing at a, you know, wide out at tight end. I think he's going to be a good option out there simply because he's athletic, he's fast and he's got really good hands. I mean, he was I don't want to dis some of the other wide receivers, but like he was making at times better catches then some of the actual wide receivers were so well, you know, I think so far. It's hard to tell obviously because it's it's just quarterback, strong against nobody. It's not like there's anybody.

15:14 The throne again is No Defenders necessarily, but I would say the quarterback has been pretty impressive, what you would expect so far, I think as will get to later. I think the wide Seavers have kind of been questionable at times and it's been more the quarterbacks that, you know, it's what you would expect, okay? Okay. Yeah. When we had looked at some of the tape from some of the games that Tyler, but when it called, they use their quarterbacks in, sometimes they would use a gadget player, they would slide them into quarterback and do some tricks in the back backfield there with that. So that might be something that that Connor ultimately ultimately, does from a tight end position or from a wide receiver.

15:55 Listen, when you can use those, not necessarily trick plays but just ways of misdirection with the the offense in the backfield there. But let me ask this because you talked about Wells already, he won the spring baller award. I think it was for practice, either two or three. When you think that's more indicative of his performance during practice, or if that's something, we're like an attitude and effort type thing that they're giving out at this point, you know, Brent price. Really, preach competitiveness. And that's been the number one. One thing, I think a lot of these awards are all competitive driven and I'm not going to say that I could not tell you for sure that no, it's not because he went out and played, you know, fantastic during practice but I think I think every single award and Tyler, bone, and Chris, Marv offensive and defensive coordinators are releasing these every single day.

16:49 I think almost every single one of these Awards is based on competitiveness based on Leadership skills based on the attributes that make you you know not necessarily make you a good player but make you a good teammate. Okay. That leaves Nets and I think Grant Wells probably showed off some leadership skills. Showed off his toughness, his competitiveness. And that's the stuff that they're trying to see, you know, in in Spring ball in Winter workouts. That's why they did all of the, the winter conditioning and they did. And that would be my, my guess that's my feel of it that every single one, not just Wells, but all the other guys, you know, the ones that win spring boiler works. Yeah.

17:32 I think a lot of it. I think some of it probably has to do with, you know, their performance Wells probably, you know, whether he was at, he had a great accurate day or whatnot. You know, whether it was a wide receiver Dwayne Lofton 11 the other day. You know, whether they're making good catches or whatnot, but I also think it's a mental part of the game, too and physicality and Not just okay can you go out there and make plays its do every other aspect of your game as well? Yeah, that does make a lot of sense that you think about it. It's going to be more of a role in 21, not just performance or not just your rah-rah guy, you're a great teammate. You probably have to do a little bit of both to get on that. Like, you are super leadership today, but you went 147 passing. I can't give you this award, but you had a really good day passing, you're keeping the guys engaged. You're showing your leadership.

18:23 So I think you're I think that's a good way to think about it, that it's probably a little bit of everything you've already mentioned. The name redshirt freshman Taj bullet quarterback, you know, 64 230 pounds, Big Arm. We saw him in the bowl game. Last year, how are you feeling towards his development, you know, kind of early into his second year with the Hokies? Yeah, I think he's I think he's got a lot of talent and he's got a big arm. I think it's and this is not a shot at his previous quarterbacks coach, but I think he just I think he needs time to develop in this system and I think everybody's learning curve is different. But you know, when you look at all the quarterbacks in the room Grant Wells and Jason Brown, have a lot of experience great. Well is already started for two years at Marshall and he come and he comes here, plenty of experience. Jason Brown, obviously started for South Carolina this year. He played plenty at his previous stops. Yeah.

19:20 Devon Farrell and top Taj Buller kind of both in that category where they're freshmen, they're very wrong still. And I'm not sure, I think we'll find will find out more of an indication as Spring ball goes on as we see more Taj Bullock and Devon Farrell but I can't tell you for sure how much he developed as a quarterback under the last regime, you know and I think what what what Brad Glenn is doing to develop Quarterbacks is probably a lot different than what Brad core Nelson was doing to develop quarterbacks and I think it's not going to be instant. Now, the good thing is he doesn't have to be the guy, you know, it's not like there's no pressure on him because he's obviously, he wants to play, but everybody wants to play. But he's got great walls and Jason Brown in front of him, and he's already used his Redshirt year, but I think there's a lot of room for growth.

20:16 There's plenty of room for growth where he can kind of just sit back and learn the ropes from Um some guys who have experience and that's not something. Okay? Yeah Braixen Burmeister came here but he didn't have much experience as a starting quarterback before I came here, it was a room filled with guys who had talent and guys who played at Virginia Tech but not necessarily a guy who who had starting experience before there was not necessarily a guy to look up to. And and I think the other quarterback I think everybody's going to help each other get better in that room. You know, we were talking about it Taj Bullock, he had Couple passes today we're just throwing on the run. You take the snap, you roll your left, you know, you just have to throw on the run, hit a guy in the flat and it's passes or Fallen shorter, you know, weren't hitting the mark.

21:02 And and I think that's just something where, you know, it's just taken him a little while to develop and it's probably tough for a young guy. I mean, I can't even imagine what it's like for a quarterback at a position so crucial where you're trying to learn one Playbook under one coat. Coaching staff, you know, you're doing X drills, and then two months later, different coaching staff, different, Playbook different drills. Yeah, give Leo. You're going to complete different things, so I'm sure it's going to take him some time, I wouldn't lose any hope on him yet. But obviously he don't have any pressure on him and he's got some time to develop and that is yeah. Yeah for unfortunately something like a as you said with the coordinator change, their he probably is going to take Another year.

21:51 And but thankfully we do have a situation. Now with the guys, we picked up in the transfer portal where he doesn't have to be the guy right now. And we're next year and maybe not next year and there's that gives him a little bit of time to come along and pick up the system and get to a point where when he does see the field. He's commanding the offense and not out there just because we had to put a body out. So let's move on to my favorite area. Let's talk. Offensive line, addict, Invincible do this second quarterback. Third. It was kind of a brutal thing, but we go. What can we do? This is an offensive line podcast. It is.

22:34 So, you know, we talked about a little bit. Some of the objectives for spraying were to Grass fundamentals and compete every rep and that all starts in the trenches. Has. So, we're looking at the first team that that's been out there so far with the group of, sylas Angie Jesse Hanson, Johnny, Jordan, Caden, more Parker, comments. How are we feeling about the first team? I think, you know what, it's funny because back in January to December, this was a group that it was what justjust Jesse Hansen, Caden more and Parker Clements like?

23:15 Yeah, we weren't sure of Johnny Jordan was going to come back, we weren't sure if Silas jeans you was gonna come back. So you bring back to guys with with a lot of experience there that you guys have the most experience on the entire line. They did, you know, not Katie Moore, everybody saw how good cake more was last year. Freshman Parker Clement, got another year under his belt. You know, he's learning. I think those two guys are going to be good. I think the question is Jesse handsome, we never really know. He's a redshirt sophomore, never really gotten gotten to see him get a lot of action consistently but but I think overall, you know, it's not a bad line. All things considered, you know, can I mean and I think a lot of its going to come down to what skill put would skill position guys.

23:59 You have in the backfield, you know, like Half of half of running. The ball is based on the running back and quarterback and also based on the offensive line, you know, you can have a okay offensive line but you had a really good running back. You know, those things kind of even out and I think overall this is a pretty good is average above average offensive line. You know what, I think as they continue to get better and get more reps together and get on the same page, I think bill will be even better, but all the guys have experience and I think that's the Biggest thing I think Hansen's the one guy that potentially doesn't have as much experience but Jan z&k to more plate was fantastic last year.

24:41 Johnny Jordan Remember mean he earned Big Ten all-big Ten honors you know he was at Maryland and honestly I don't want to say he's better than Brock Hoffman but I think those two guys were probably on us very Level Playing Field. Often had just you know Hoffman was the incumbent and The way that that works is, you know, Johnny Jordan had slid around and play different positions and stuff but overall I think it's it's a pretty good group and remember who's coaching them? It's Joe Rudolph and he knows how to coach his offensive line, guys, he knows what he's doing and what's really stood out to me is what Jesse Hanson said, you know, a couple I think last week when we got, we got a chance to talk to him.

25:24 He just crazy after praise at their, Praise of Joe Rudolph and Just the skills he had already taught them and for what it sounded to me like I'm sure. Vance advice advice, was a good coach, great recruiter had, great offensive lines at Virginia Tech but I'm sure they're teaching techniques are much different and it's good. It's nice to hear the praise and go, okay, you know, that's interesting because I don't know if I'd ever really heard a virgin that player talk about it coach like that. This regime were last regime so to hear Hanson. Talk about how much Joe Rule and how great he is as a teacher. I think that's really really telling. Yeah he seems like he's really able to break your fundamentals and scheme and things down and teach it in a way that I don't think has been done at Virginia Tech for a while. Do you see anybody on this unit?

26:16 Kind of emerging as a leader, I know you kind of had the last two have went into the into the draft. Is as we've finished out their careers in Virginia Tech. No real seasoned veteran outside of Silas. Maybe he hasn't necessarily been an entrenched starter for multiple years. So who is kind of emerging is that leader on the line so far that you're seeing? Yeah, I would say Silas gnz but I also would say, Johnny Jordan to let me remember when you're the center, you're making all the calls. Yep, he's the guy that that is making the reads chat with the quarterback. Back and Johnny Jordans a very vocal guy and I really I like Johnny Jordans game when he came here to Virginia Tech and I think you know, Brock often wasn't there, I mean obviously would have been the starter all last year, you know?

27:07 And I think Virginia Tech is going to be lucky that he came back because imagine trying to replace a center. You know, new guy, no experience. That's a lot of stress for both a offensive line coach, both offensive. Coordinator Johnny Jordan's a guy that Virginia Tech's can be able to rely on. I think those two guys jeans and Johnny Jordan are going to they're the oldest guys in the room and they're going to be the guys that that kind of keep everybody in line and are those veteran leaders. All right. Yeah, the Rudolph thing. You don't put that many guys in the NFL, you don't have that many all Americans without being a great teacher. And something, you know, I've talked with Brawn, he's been my friend for 20 plus years and our discussion to get deep on it and he's helped me learn.

27:59 So, and when you hear hands and say that because I remember those quotes like he's taught us so much in this short period of time, again, not trying to knock anybody, but it's one of those Those things where maybe the other guy taught you the same stuff. It's just like Brian said, it's the style and it's clicking, which is great. Now, let's talk about the second line. This is what we had from the scrimmage and if you're seeing things different, another scrimmage was, you know, a couple weeks ago, you tell us. But we've got William Jones at, right, tackle. William Jones is an ing, walk on, he was a three-star, Bryce, good earner, the guard out of Tennessee. Connor McClane.

28:40 The true freshman who literally just committed days days before, you know, signing day Nikolai budget. Now, ski couldn't tell you who that is, I think just somebody that's been on the roster, I've noticed the name's Bob shake it left guard, the Juco transfer from Utah and Dimitri Jaguar Dias, who was the iupi Pui basketball transfer at 69, who Who we thought was coming here to play tight end. They've moved him on the line, Brian. Put this on the thing. Death is spooky hours right now on the offensive line and Yeah, I will.

29:22 And I mean compare this to work Tech was shitting a year ago or two years ago, two years ago, just the amount of depth. I mean, and that's what happens when you've got a good offensive line coach and Vance bodies that produces talent that goes on to the NFL. That's just, that's just what happens. And I think that you got to give advance of ice credit because he put guys in the NFL Christian Dara saw ya in injuries last year but Christian darussalam was really, really good. I'm not sure how many of these guys are going to get drafted. Your butt but between the truth is without a doubt going. Oh yeah, I have a feeling that I think whether the guys get dropped or not, I have a feeling, you know, that I think all three guys could have a chance to get drafted, definitely.

30:07 But I think they'll all end up on a team. Brock Hoffman will see his Smith look to new to they're all really talented, guys. And that goes to show you, you know, to new to is the youngest of the group that just goes to show you what kind of Of culture upfront. Vance of I said cultivated. But yeah, I mean the, the depth is very scary. No. Bob shik is kind of the veteran of that group. He's the guy that actually has experience at some level it is Juco, but he has some experience. That's not high school ball for the rest of them. None of those guys have ever really taken any snaps and that's kind of scary. So if you're a Virginia Tech fan, you're praying for no injuries because that would be killer. But also remember this is Is March 31st. There's plenty of time especially late spring, early summer to find eyes in the transfer portal. And you know, Joe Rudolph is going to be sitting there, trying to contact guys trying to get guys in here. Yeah, I think if you can get that bleep maybe seven I think seven would be a good number to have just of guys, you feel very comfortable with starting day one. And this is kind of handsome guy who I don't believe he's ever started a game.

31:21 Before. So it's actually got four guys that have started games before and and climate hasn't even started that money game, but that's not a lot of death. I know Joe Rudolph. You know, he's probably sitting there biting his, fingernails going to make him a little bit nervous because just how little depth there is. But if you're a Virginia Tech fan, you're sitting there looking and it's Joe Rudolph on the offensive line. I'm, I'm probably 10. They're thinking, alright, he's going to figure it out. And I think the bottom line is as long as there is no injuries, and there always seemed to be injuries on the offensive line, so don't call but Like this offensive line, I think we'll be pretty good if everybody stays healthy. All right, let me ask this of the five. I we've mentioned of the six.

32:14 We mentioned on the 2D. Can any of those become that seventh to help out just from what you've seen and what people are saying? That I know. We got a couple more that I think what Jack got some reps with the second team today? Is that technology? Yeah, I think, I think Jack Holyfield's a guy that wasn't on the list, but I think he's rapping there. I don't know how much, but I would say if anybody probably be sik, simply because he has the most experience, but if Hunter Hunter McLean's already practicing It Center, you know, that tells you how far along he's coming. It's tough though. Because so many of these guys, yours He's so dumb that has no experience a lot of just raw talent. I think it's, I think in don't really answer your question, but I think it's too early to tell.

33:02 Okay. Cuz, you know, Rudolph hasn't had enough time with them. I mean, think about it. He had spring practice for what? Six, seven practices, Joe Rudolph, nose, barely had seven practices with deep with these guys. He's still trying to figure out where they play best. If you remember coming Vance vices which I'm sure Rudolph will do. Is he played different guys at different position Do a guy like was seated Smith Wally. Well, he's not great at tackle, he was comfortable out there if needed to be because he practiced their fifth kind of same thing Brock Hoffman when he had to play guard in the West Virginia game. I know we wouldn't great but it's better than throwing a freshman in the fire, you know, true.

33:45 And I know Bob chick was was a tackle before you transfer it in so that that gives him a little bit of you know, position flexibility. Are you might be able to slide out to right tackle say in a pinch even though he may be a better fit at the guard slot and the power 5 level. So I mean you've got already touched on this a little bit but you think we go shopping in the spring once once this practice and spring game wrap up. I mean I think you try whether whether whether you end up buying something, I don't know, but but I think if you're if your jewelry off of your Tyler Boeing, you're sitting there and you're trying to get some experience you want. Experienced guy that can come in everybody, even one you can get to you want to, you know?

34:30 Yes you got to get down this under the scholarship limit but you want talent and you also want guys that are going to fit your culture so they're definitely going to be looking for for some guys that will be able to fill those shoes, if it's the right thing. Before we go any further, we got it. We got a big shout-out here, from Dwight, big for you, David Says, you're killing it. Yeah, very insightful. I've actually rocking the Victory Life. Goodnight, goodnight. Yeah. So, shout out to the way Vic. We appreciate you listening in the night, always, do, I always appreciate the love couple weeks ago. He said, here with us, he mentioned, you said, we try to go shopping so we need to all be looking at the transfer portal tackler guard. What do you think the preference would be? I think tackle probably, okay, because you gotta tackle, you can side janji inside, okay, the Ganges comfortable there but honestly, here's the thing.

35:31 If you get a guard, you can keep Jan's yet and Tackle, you know, like the right side of the lines, pretty solid. Ya got Carter. Coming to tackle Caden, more at Right Guard. Those two guys are very, very solid and jandi solid to. So it's kind of just whatever is available if that makes sense, you know? You got a guy's a good guard, you can slide in. Okay, well Jan Z stays at tackle. If you got a good tackle Jan's. You can slide inside its kind of I guess what fits best got it. All right, let's Roll Along here. Something else. Print process it in the open and pressor that kind of caught my eye and then I kind of laughed and I thought about the next position, he said we've got to have the ability to understand what's important for each position coach.

36:13 When I look at the running back and I think about Steve Holt, I'm sure Stu Holt's. First thought was what's important, how do I get nine guys, meaning for up so I can break them down. That's all I could think about. Because, you know, when Brian broke down the tape on top of the bones, you, no offense, you know, it's usually a three back system, you know, we saw Malachi already went to Spring brawler Ward. We saw him run great last year into the season. Like most freshmen, he ran out of gas. So, let's kind of put Malachi, he's in there. Who else do you think can become the two and three? In this offense from the running back room, currently of 9 and only one of transfer it out?

37:04 Well, I'll tell you what the depths are. I'm sure you guys saw this earlier. I'll tell you what, chart was today, the district today. So today at practice, this is, this is the way they were going through ups at practice. I'll read off the 9u. It was genuine Holston at the 10K, Malachi Thomas to chance. Black three. Okay, Bryce Duke for gaiwan, Hampton five Kenji, Christian six, Marco Lee, Jalen Brunson, and then Keshawn King. So that's soul is now I don't Keshawn King at nine people were asking questions and I think it's I think honestly he's going to be a guy and Prime mentioned it yesterday when talking about position changes.

37:45 I think he's going to be a guy. They're going to look to see. Can you play wide receiver? You know, can we can we get him in space somewhere? Because like you mentioned there to so many guys in the running back room and let me read you. Some of these comments these notes I took from from when we got to sit down and talk. Alternate system coaches, which was really awesome. This was back March 1st. So it's been almost a month. The day of the Louisville men's basketball game. We had the opportunity to sit and chat with all these assistant coaches and meet those guys, and still whole said he wants, he's running back room to be six, guys. He wants chicks. Make sense, which you think, okay that's cutting three guys out and he said you, there are three attributes that That he looks for in a running back and he's never really had a guy that has all three, but he's found plenty of guys that have to a combination of the two and they all turned out to be really, really good. So it's you're tough enough between the tackles, you don't get caught and you have Vision either have that or you don't. And those three guys, he mentioned as guys that have that stood out so far, he mentioned olsztyn and you mentioned Bryce Duke and that was back on March 1st when they hadn't started. I had to bring practice yet.

39:05 Okay. My guess is What you'll see is Holston and Malachi Thomas, share them with Jordi of those reps and I think you'll find chance of Christ yesterday pants black. They have to get him on the field because he's that talented. They want him on the field so whether it's at running back, whether it's a kick returner, you know chance. Blacks going to see the field. I think the other guys Bryce Duke, I think you could. You could honestly, probably potentially Redshirt him be Because you're not necessarily going to need him. Now if the option comes available to play him, obviously he can play up to four games, you know. So I think those right now are the four guys, that's what what it seems like.

39:52 I think Keyshawn Kings a guy that could break into it, but right now, you know, I think he's just been, he's fighting his own battle and where I think heat the coaches coaching staff, trying to figure out. Like I said, before, we're here, You fits best but over all those are the three four guys I think got the top and I'm not saying because because it's too old said he told us, you know, if there's a hot hand we're going to feed the hot hand, you know. So events of Jalen Holston or Malachi. Tom is breaking. Tackles you going off? We're going to give him a ball, you know? But but ideally you'd like to have a six-man rotation and I think as you guys mentioned, Tyler bone would like to have three preferable guys.

40:33 I think those are the three four, you know, with Bryce Duke being the fourth, right there. On the edge that that you'll see. So let's talk about the attrition that could potentially happen there. I know we've talked about you chance, black baby, Keyshawn King potentially you know, being in a different position meeting room, come fall, are there some guys that you think might hit the portal from this group? I know we're looking at probably 223 either switching positions or hitting the portal? Is there is there a name on the list that you think could be one of those guys that's in the portal at the end of spring.

41:13 Yeah, I mean I don't want to speculate and here's the other thing. A lot of those guys are young. Yeah, genuine genuine, Hampton Kenji, Christian. And Jalen Brunson are all really, really young. The one guy that that's not. That's towards the bottom of the group is Marco lie. And, you know, I would not be surprised if anybody kind of five or six down. On ends up transferring because that's just the reality of football or College athletics period to death if you know but it also depends on on their situation. They come to Virginia Tech just play football, or do, they actually like, Virginia Tech, you know? And and I have not had the opportunity unfortunately, to get a chance to talk to all those guys, but I would not be surprised if kind of anybody in that in that lower group, end up transferring out, simply because that's the real.

42:00 Again, that's reality of today. Days College athletics world. If you, if you're a guy and you want to play and you're not playing, why would you not you know hop in the transfer portal and go find somewhere else where you feel value, where you can get those reps. So it would not surprise me if Hampton christianly Brunson even King, depending on what happens with his situation. Yeah, you got to remember, maybe it's not necessarily even a playing time thing. Maybe it's the culture hurt prize creating a culture here. He's trying to cultivate a A competition culture, a hate to lose culture. And if those guys don't fit, you know, he he said there's going to be an attrition. Yes, he did. Weather comes from a very very top of the very, very bottom. I mean there's going to be some I think it's too early. Kind of tell who it might be but I would expect some and you know I think I don't know if they'll get down to the number of six before come summer or fall but I know that's probably what they're shooting for, okay?

42:59 That makes sense. Yeah, it probably guys that don't have that position. Flexibility would be in the potentially guys, as you said like, Marvel, leave it are further along in their collegiate career. That might be guys to watch for that and then with the other guys, you mentioned the to, they are still young. So they're buying into the culture. They could walk in and say coach, I don't want to leave. I love what you do here in. I'm a freshman, I've got, I've got, I can grow and then knowing, you know, Galen, holsten's gone after next year, ya know there is that potential battle for the for one of the three spots. So it's going to be super interesting but I love what Brent price said yesterday about like guys like chance black and Keyshawn being talented guys and saying our job, how did he say it? Exactly it really caught my eye was. When we move you it's I'm kind of add living here, but he said, when we move you, we're trying to do what's best for you to get on the field quicker and by the only, so it's helping us when I hear helping us, it means we're winning games and I love hearing that because that's something and you're younger than us David.

44:11 But we know you followed the program for a while. That was always done with Frank. Beamer always always, if a guy came in as a quarterback A lot of times, they didn't stick it quarterback, but they became Elite safeties came chance tone exim. And when you see that culture coming back, it is about competition. And it is about, Hey, listen, go over here and fight you have the capabilities of being on the field. If you go to this room. Yeah, yeah, I mean, let me get you got tight ends that became quarterbacks of became Titans. Titans, the became All-American tackles In quarterbacks.

44:53 And they had rented is quarterbacks and then became Elite NFL tight ends again. Yeah. Yeah let me read you. Let me read you what he actually said. Yes, this is. This is it's not everything because he said a lot yesterday, but of course, you can go find it. This is part of what you said. Yesterday, the conversation was about strengths and weaknesses. And let's see, let's give this other spot a shot and see if we can't get a little bit better play at you right now. See if we can get you on the field quicker. An Unity to start in the 2D for somebody buried on the depth chart and I breathe are an opportunity to earn some playing time. Somebody that's a backup has a chance to be a starter with another spot. Lots of reasons he said we're giving Connor blumrich an opportunity to catch the ball and see what he can do to me. The spring is the time to do that, and to me, that makes perfect sense.

45:42 You got plenty of time. Why not mess around and see what guys can go. Where? I mean, you got to remember. Well, all these guys are used to Virginia Tech. Besides early enrollees, they know, Virginia Tech the coaching staff is still trying to get to know them that mean, that's why when you see pictures from practice. Every single player, has their name taped on in yell, on a yellow. A yellow tape written in pain, their name, on their helmet. So all the cookie dough, so everybody knows who they are and that's just, you know, they're still trying there. Experimenting. That's essentially what they're doing. They're trying to figure out who can play where and can you blame them?

46:25 I mean, imagine if you find out that wow, Connor blumberg is a really good wide receiver, you know? It's like that's just me, you know spewing but like those kinds of things can only be possible if you experiment, we got like, Bucky Hodges came in as a quarterback but have similar Build back, not quite as well. We're not quite as tall or big is Bucky, but I mean the same type of overall stature, I think. And if he can go out there and catch some balls and create some mismatches on the edge, especially with how Bowen likes to use tight ends that that's something that we should be able to take advantage of wasn't fate, wasn't Faison Odom at Fordham that it's like 67 68. And he was able to make a lot of plays out there. So might be a similar type role for him here, but let's let's move on to the since we're talking about tight ends a little bit.

47:28 Let's talk about the wide receivers and tight ends. Price said that we look at the depth chart. What we'll talk about that in the fall spring is, when you kind of see, see what you got, take every all the depth of the grain of salt. We've seen a lot of different different kind of starting, three wide receivers out there, kind of the first week. You look like it was Jade blue semen, guys. Now Caleb Smith, we've seen Dwayne Lofton and Christian Moss. Working in there, a little bit of Jalen Jones who is in your observations who is lined up in the slot in these groups. Well, it's funny because Jaden blue yesterday when we had a chance to talk to him, first of all, he's an amazing kid and such a resilient kid with what happened.

48:17 I don't want to go into detail about it but but he's such a neat, he's very open and very just, you know, mature. You can tell he's he's been through a lot and obviously transfer Temple, very talented kid and he straight-up told us. Oh I love playing in the slot. So he's He's a slot guy and my guess is that he'll be in the slot and you'll see Caleb Smith in his natural position out. Why it's funny because to fontelle Minds, right before said we're, you know, we're thrown everybody the fire. And this is something I actually wrote about today. I restored by this today where they're the front own minds is throwing everybody at every single position. You know, he wants everybody to know How to run the offense kind of like position 'less football per se. Like look like in basketball, you want everybody to know every single role for every single player. So if you end up having to put somebody in that position, they know what to do.

49:22 If that makes sense. Yeah, but my guess is you'll see blue in the slot and guy like Caleb Smith out wide. But you know as of now everybody is practicing at every single position. That's just the way it's going right now. All right, so we mentioned six, we've heard blumberg out there. Do you, and you'd mention blue, and blue has the production of all these guys on here, blue has the production when he had a good quarterback. Do you think he's the biggest playmaker when it comes to fall? Or do you think someone's going to come out of this group, not named Jayden blue? I think it'll be blue. I think I don't say he's the real deal but I think he can be a very solid option. I think he can put up really good numbers and he even said it he's like the reason I transferred, you know, I wanted to leave Temple was because you know I could I didn't have a consistent quarterback and he said it her, you know, that his numbers dropped.

50:21 Goff and Temple just had a problem with quarterbacks and I think here assuming Brad glein and Tyler Bowen can can get consistent quarterback play, I think Jay Blues a guy, you know, it would help to have other options around them so it's not like you know they're double-teaming him and he's the only guy but I think there are some reliable options, you know, especially at tight end that gal, drink to us or pretty solid viable options to and Caleb Smith. Good. But I think Jaden Blues a guy that will be a standout receiver come fall. You know, he's he's look good in everything I've seen and he kind of talks to talk walks, the walk.

51:06 Like I just that's just the way it goes. And I think from what I've seen so far, I think everybody's gonna be really impressed with him when they see him, you know, in a season, come fall. That's awesome here. Let's put a little bit to somebody a little further down the list. That we didn't necessarily here, right? At the gate. They learn, right? He want to Spring baller, where I think for practice, for how is he coming along so far when we were looking at his tape, for Life, coming in coming, in to Virginia Tech, we were like, oh, okay. I like, I like this kids game. So, how is he looking so far? Well, it's funny. Because he, and he, and all the other guys, in that group, she kind of mentioned.

51:48 It's funny because I actually asked fontelle Minds about this and Um, what he said was essentially that these guys have talent, they just don't have the Reps. Let me read you the exact quote. He said. So I asked him about the young guys in the room. He's like, I've seen progress. I tell them all the time, progress, not Perfection. I'm not seeking Perfection. I'm asking everyone to make progress and for everybody to continue to get better and continue to develop. He said this, I thought down and had a solid week. He had a Ali. Good day early in the week and I challenge immediately after practice, I said, listen, I want to see what you can do. The next practice.

52:29 This one's done, this one's over with, I want to see what you do. The next practice and he's mentioned, Christian mom's, he's a Christian Moss, has a super talented kid and he said, yeah, we can label them as unproven guys, but they haven't gotten an opportunity to prove themselves. They'll get that this spring and fall. So I think for down, right? He's clearly impressed Duane, lost them. Also, when a spring ball or award, I think that group. up of guys, I wrote about this today, Tech needs a couple guys that come out of that group that just helped carry the offense, where there is some depth behind Caleb Smith, Jaden blue, Who's going to be that guy and so far it seems like there have been a lot of guys that have impressed. We obviously haven't gotten the chance a chance to see it. But from what I can tell, you know, fontelle mines, Tyler Boeing everybody's kind of you know, everybody thinks they're moving in the right direction which is the good news. It is about love what you.

53:27 It's great, getting these tidbits from you about some of the quotes especially about progress not Perfection. Because, again, that's a A mentality, you'll need to be perfect. Just continue to get better everyday growth mindset, growth mindset. It's it's definitely they did some corporate training somewhere, but I'm going to flip to this. As you already mentioned, you mentioned Drake, human can Gallo. Gallows already run a spring ball reward Brian's been looking at the tape about you know how Boeing is used as tight ends from what you're seeing in the times you've been at practice. How are they utilizing the tight ends? You know, are they in line? The out and Slaughter, the in HVAC. Where are we seeing them on the field?

54:09 Usually in line or in this slide but it's tough because obviously most of the Reps were seeing its of quarterback throwing routes the tight ends who are just there. So that's not a good answer your question, but I don't think we've seen enough yet. I think honestly, something like a spring game will be more. Telling what I will say is what I will say is all the tight ends, you know, a lot of them. Them a lot of it's been running routes, you know, physically like, you know, whether it's running a post or simple routes to get reps. That's kind of the basis of what we've seen from the tight ends. And I guess it's kind of, its kind of hard when you don't have a Defender to kind of replicate with a Titans going to do it in a game.

54:55 A little bit, not as easy as wide receiver. We're kind of got the sideline to play off of what would so far. I mean, look the tight end position might be The position where you take it, does not have to worry like as a worry about the least because you got Nick Gallo and Drake doing it's two guys that have been here before and they've been here for a while and they're very experienced guys and Tyler Bowen, like you guys said, likes uses tight ends expect to three tight ends sets, you know, I like everything we've seen in practice just the way they've, they've caught the ball as it pretty good. Now, I think there is a question. And not necessarily pertains to this year.

55:37 But what happens when do we assess in Galilee who's behind? What where's the depth behind? But obviously that's not necessarily a question that has to be answered this year. Yeah let's talk about that a little bit because we're curious about you Benji guys now is he out there? Is he getting a lot of scrimmage reps and practice reps or is he still limited from his injury? Yeah, he's still rehabbing and he's doing some light work right now and I think he'll probably be like full go. If that's what you want to put it more. Like July August, kind of around around summer ball. He still rehabbing Is st. Germain in. You'll see an early enrollee.

56:22 He is. Yes, he actually, you know, he was, I don't want to, I'm trying to remember where exactly they were today and Reps, and obviously, like not every single position group where people are repping, pertains to where they are on the depth chart. But, but yeah, I mean, he was, one of the guys, we got to see a practice today, and, of course, he's probably the youngest tight end in that room. But but, you know, Catching the ball. Well, that's what I tend does, you know, besides block. So that's good news. That's a good sign. It's not and you can, we can't see that much blocking and any sort of practices you know, rules and obviously you don't you want to hold that back for some of the scrimmages and obviously the spring game. All right, so we just put a bow on the offense here with Dave and coming Cunningham of text outline before we go to the defensive side of the ball.

57:16 We are going to take a quick pause for the message from our digital partners. As 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. Now back to the episode All right, and we are back different types, different house. I know you're going to report that event. Well, we'll have to be right. Well, I mean you don't have to but yeah, it is what it is. It'll be, it'll be, it'll be less awkward continuity issues. All right, so let's flip now defensive side and something that prop talked about obviously, is there going to be people who are missing and limited this spring? And I feel like the defense Of line is a spot that no one needed to miss, because we're already thin there and it's already made us, you know, the three deep was I. So Nigel sentence.

58:29 God bless the kids Soul. God bless his heart. He was on the too deep for the opening scrimmage. Now, looking Rudolph and Gunner, Givens, both got moved the downsizing effect as Brent price said, the other day, How is this, helping with the depth? There we know Mario. Kendrick is pretty much not going to be playing, but how are those two guys moving over going to help with folks getting reps? Well, I think Rudolph helps to ends obviously and Gunner given to move from end to tackle. I don't know if it necessarily helps in terms of a reps perspective because They're not moving the guys because of reps, they're moving the guys because that's where they think, you know, but keep Rudolph's. 240 pounds. Holy Jay-Z, you know he's gained that much. What?

59:21 He'd yeah I heard he put on another like 15 pounds since that's what JC price you know told us yesterday. This is where they fit the best and this is where they think they can get the most potential and they won't speed as close to the ball as possible. And It's kind of tough because essentially you're moving a guy from end. You have one more number at tackle and I guess one last number, a linebacker and the number n kind of been really change. I don't know if fraps numbers really, really change really make much of a difference there, but overall, just the adjustments, you know.

1:00:12 It's because that's where the staff thinks these guys fit the best. And as we mentioned before, yeah, it's probably a little A bit tough to scrimmage or to run through stuff at times. But, you know, in all honesty, would you rather not be able to do that? Be a little bit short in some areas. Or would you rather put guys at the right position to succeed? Yeah, you definitely want them at the right position, the position that you think they're going to have the best success come fall. And that's best to get out of the way in spring when you have, you know, less steaks at They're so I'm definitely with that thinking.

1:00:54 Also looking at the fall, you know, you're getting some some young guys, some reps here. Cole's stretch, we're getting gunner in there with some rap stuff with the move to d-tackle, you know, it's causing a pain point now, a little bit in terms of the debt but is that something that you think might pay some dividends in Fall with getting a lot of these younger guys? Some of those key reps against you to the second team or the third team versus being varied further on the depth chart. Yeah I think so. I think that you definitely I think I mean one of the reasons why JC price mention it you know Gunner he said Gunner Givens moving from end to tackle like that gives him a better chance to play right away you know and well Nelson is a guy on the defensive end. We got a chance to talk to him yesterday. Great kid and He's a guy that really got a lot of reps last year probably when he shouldn't have simply because like just attrition wise, you know, that's why he ended up getting the Reps and it's going to pay off this year. I think you're going to see a lot of those guys. Cold Nelson will open a those guys that either got a little bit of reps last year or have come a long, this spring, get some reps.

1:02:10 I'm not sure how much because obviously, I think a lot of it will depend on injuries and attrition. But but I do think it will help further down the line because imagine worst case scenario you have a tackle or end get hurt. Well, now it's kind of next man up and you know I think it helps a lot of cases where if you've had a guy that's been practicing you know Gunner Givens been practicing a tackle now, he's got a chance to actually be prepared if you need to be using that scenario. I agree with that. And our buddy could probably come to makes a good point here. You know, you get smaller and faster, they give guards a lot more problems in one-on-one situations of the pass rush.

1:02:54 So that that's another thing to think about with Gunnar moving in there. You know, we've shown that he has good footwork. He's been a tight end. He's worked. Summit tackle. He's done other things in the defensive line in high school. So moving a guy like that that's able to keep the way to keep that. That Ben And that speed that's going to cause some guards problems in those one-on-one situations. Absolutely. So obviously you know last week got a portal transfer and for Darius pain from the 757 was out of Nebraska comes home. Everything we're seeing is he was an outside linebacker there but it makes more sense if he plays in that. Obviously Shores up the defensive end up even more even with the move of Gunner inside and the more we're position, where he's probably going to, you know, succeed more, do you think we get in the market in the port?

1:03:47 Oil for a d-tackle or with Kendricks hopefully coming back healthy and with Pollard and with fuga and with the Nay planted three technique. Do you do we dive in there? Or do you think we're done on the line on the d-line? I will say this. I think you want like I don't know if it sounds good or bad, but but as a coach and this you can probably tribute this basketball to you want to hit the portal and like, get as much talent on the portal as you can, you know, because because guess what, if they bring in another end, that's really, really good. That's more competition. That's more guys in that room. That can back each other up.

1:04:29 So I think if you're a coach, you're sitting there going, you know who like they're trying to bring in the best talent possible, whether it's out of the Or obviously the recruiting class close for the window. But but just across the board you want to bring in the best talent to create the best competition to get everybody to make everybody else better. And I think in this case, yes, you want to go after defensive tackles but it wouldn't hurt to have another defensive end either, you know, to create some depth. Maybe you know, it obviously all varies depending on what guys are in the portal. You know what talent is available. But I think if you're JC price, you're sitting there going, who can we get?

1:05:12 What can I, what guys can I bring in to make this team better and in all honesty? Attrition, like I mentioned before is going to happen. Guys are going to leave in the program, whether it's because of playing time reasons, whether it's because of then just not flowing and enjoying the culture, whether it just not, maybe it's not their thing that's going to happen. You want to bring guys in that fit, the culture and guys that helped make your team better, so, you know, to answer your question. But yeah, you want to Target atom. Tackle. But if you can get an end, you know, if you can bring in a guy that said, here's the other thing, who's to say, you bring an end and he knew playing tackle because that's where JC price thinks.

1:05:59 He, he fits the best. Like this is the type of scenario were in. We're looking Rudolph had been practicing at linebacker. He's now, defensive end, you know? So your I think it's recruiting the you try to get the best talent to come and then saying. Alright, let's see where you fit best in our system. Yeah. And there's guys that are like either big in or tweener that you might be able to slide in there. And to detect leaving the other, they've been a DNA at their previous school or what we do, whatever it may be. So that that's definitely an opportunity that I hope we explore because I definitely feel like even DND tackle, any any depth you can get on that line because ideally you want, you know, your third line be able to give you 10 plus solid steps again want to be able to go three deep. If you can to get fresh bodies out there. So, you know, you're not you're not winded, you're not going to give that 100 percent every step, but let's turn over to linebackers here a little bit when Coach, Brown was talking in these, in these presser he was talking about you don't want to see guys that aren't panicking.

1:07:05 Aren't in a hurry understand their fundamentals and then follow those and make the right play. And one of the key positions in this defense is going to be that that's a more that that field linebacker. When spring practice open it look like the McDonald's McDonald's Twins or kind of alternating there. I know they both change position since their then 11 style that will back or the other in defensive end who were some of the key players at that, that feel Li back in position at this point? Well, you know, it's tough because it's I tell you what, it's tough to keep track of who's who's practicing. We're like, it's easy with with Some of the other positions like tackle and Ender easier but like a linebacker, you know, cry mentioned yesterday that a guy like you like Jr. Walker.

1:07:58 This was a week ago. I think, you know, Alan just do said Jr. Walker's playing you know, practicing it Sam but he also said Tyler Matheny and been Skinner there too. But like, Brent, prior yesterday, mentioned the Tyler Matheny is Yeah, he's practicing in the mic to so like they're they're all energy, you know, they're all moving around and I guess that's the beauty of it. I would expect a guy. Here's what I would expect. I would expect it to be kind of a hybrid guy. I mentioned Jr. Walker. You have the key on to Jenkins, got moved to Jenkins is a guy.

1:08:43 Temari like not necessarily tomorrow. Connor put somebody in that mole where they got a little bit. Experienced a linebacker but can also play safety because that's kind of what you're You're Expecting. I don't really have a good answer for you just because you guys are just moving in out, moving in and out. And it's hard for me to keep up with with who's practicing their because honestly, I don't even know if the coach is knows practicing there. But this is a good thing for us on a podcast. You you know, podcast with TSL writing because It seems like Brent price potentially giving you guys a new article every day just from the linebacker. Rotations, I'm even getting. All right, so let's talk about this Dax. Hollifield Alan Tisdale entrance starters for multiple years, since you know what 19, excuse me, since 20 and 19. How have they looked in the prime, our system? Does it look comfortable?

1:09:44 Because this is my first thought Brent price system is essentially a modern day Bud. Foster system, Tisdale and Dax recruited to a Bud, Foster system, no, knock on J Hamm, but his was different. How are they looking so far? And I know it's difficult with linebacker but that's observations. Yeah, from everything. I've I've heard, you know, I think we had an opportunity to talk with Dax couple weeks ago and Seeing their looking fine. And, and a guy like Dax was a, I remember, talking to him, not in Marge, but back in like, February January, he was, he was stoked to have Brent prize head coach, because he's a linebackers guy, you know? And that is that excites him?

1:10:31 And yeah, I think the transition, I don't want to say, it's been easy or hard for them, but from everything, I've noticed, they've transitioned pretty well and it's been Almost a seamless transition and I think it's cool and practice last week. It was cool watching Sean Quinn and Chris Marv. Get after those linebackers, you know and really kind of rough them up a little bit, you know, and make them make them dive on the ground for balls or, you know, do whatever. Go through these intense drills and, you know, from everything I noticed, you know, Tisdale Jill and Holly field of both look pretty good.

1:11:15 So you know, Brian mentioned. It just because you started for three or four years doesn't necessarily mean you're going to, you know, just because he started three years initially when you restart for a fourth, however, I would expect guys like Dax and Alan, Tisdale just because there's one there's not necessarily buddy behind them but to also because they have been for the most part, pretty solid. Both of those positions. I would expect those guys to be the headliners. At those spots, you know, come fall, okay, okay. And and probably I'd say if there's one thing that might could shake that up a little bit, will probably be a player like Keyshawn artist and pride mention his he has position versatility, he could probably play, the will play the mic, they said they tried him Summit.

1:12:03 Mike mentioned, you know, he has to get more vocal if that's going to Mike's going to be a spot for him. Does he have the ability to to go after a starting spot at Mike, if he improves that vocal leadership this offseason I think potentially and you think about it when you're at Mike, he's probably Vine with Dax hollifield for a position, you know? So that's the head-to-head battle, but I do think I thought it was interesting. The way probably talked about it, Brian because you kind of mentioned like, you know, he's got the talent, he's got the leadership skills to play Mike, you know, he just isn't as vocal as we need him to be and he's also got the talent to play will if needed. So, you know, I think I think you could definitely challenge for that starting spot with hollifield, you know, but I think again, it all goes back to leadership skills and can he be the vocal leader?

1:13:00 Because you don't even need to watch for jeans at football. You know, the defense play, 45 minutes to know the Dax. How I feel is the most vocal ground feel. Yeah, you know, that's just, that's just the way it jumps off. Yeah, it's so you know, your In a sense vying with the guy who's the most vocal leader on that defense, in a lot of ways for a starting spot, but I definitely think it's a possibility. I think, you know, it's not necessarily on-field Talent, it comes back to know who is he as a, as a leader, as a player you know, when he's just standing there you know, in a huddle per se, you know.

1:13:40 Yeah, he is. He is he a leader or is he, you know, not that he's not a leader. When he's at a different position, but when you like probably said, you've got to be vocal in that spot. We all know again, how vocal Dax is in. A lot of with the mic to is your barking out. Calls your Balkan out calls to the lon your linebacking partners. You're hugging communicate with the backend at who whichever safety is, you know, making the coverage adjustments. And if you're not vocal, if you're not loud, if you're not energetic, you have to be because there's calls coming in from the sideline. You know, there's a Shift. Okay. You gotta tame for that. Somebody needs to come up and you know, the boundary safety of the field.

1:14:21 Safety has to come up and play man on it and if your not being vocal, that's not going to last long because people aren't going to be in the right spot to doing the right job. So I hope for him, he can over the next few months game that because he still has eligibility of a couple years left in. Maybe that's what this year is is he gets he finds his voice and if he can if he goes out there and wins the Mike great If not, hopefully, he finds it during the year, where next spring, we're sitting here talking with you, David? It's like, he's Sean. Oddest is vocal. He is a dog. He's barking at people. He's telling them where to go. That's what I hope happens because Pride, mention how good his instincts were.

1:15:02 Oh yeah. And we've seen that jump off on tape and some of the games where he's had some significant time especially towards the end of the year. When you some guys were out they were mixing things up a little bit of Defense. Keyshawn, had a couple, really big games and some, some big stops getting in there from the mic position. Getting in there when he was playing back or as well. So I'd like to see him, come along, any opportunity, get him on the field because I think the intent for us. Hopefully, you can come along, if the mic has issue, whether that's this year, or next year, All right, what's roll here? Last positional unit we're not going to cover special teams. I think Peter Lee.

1:15:45 We skipped a few sessions on that because of this trying to add others down and weather and everything else. So yeah we don't want anybody out there on special teams when it's a snowstorm in Blacksburg know. We can do that during a game. The last game we attended was a was the pits game in 2019 when it was an absolute Monsoon. And that was fun. All right, let's go to defensive back room and do something Pride mention was talking about building blocks approaching practice then installing And I hear installing, and then I start seeing for the first five Spring ball or Awards, go to defensive back, both start and safeties two corners. I mean, do you think this group is just clicking the fastest because it's the deepest?

1:16:29 Because there are a lot of guys whose had a ton of reps or is it something else in play of why they're standing out so much? I think partially that and also partially Derrick Jones, I think he's probably just a really good corner, you know, quarterback coach him a, a, a Lou and safety. I think those, I think that was probably the spot you'd say outside of maybe tight end, where you can probably even more. So, just defensive backs as a whole, most returning talent and experience. Like, that's a spot where it, you know, if you want to, if I want to sit here and read down the list on the roster. Stir, you know, on many Chapman Jamari. Connor DJ Harvey has played a little bit Gionta Jenkins, Nike Johnson, Breann Marine this year, people's Jalen strowman, Dorian strong and dear Thompson. I mean that's like almost ten guys that have played. Yeah, and that's what happens when a lot of those guys are right corner, but that's what happens when your got, you know, Ryan Smith as the corners coach had so many injuries. You know what?

1:17:36 And so much stuff happened because a covid and whatnot guys. End up playing positions and Justin Hamilton and Ryan Smith always talked about it last year about how this group is really, really good. You know, it's kind of just finding the best combination and that does not surprise me at all. Because I think a lot of guys know, for example, Shamari Connor and Armani Chapman. You know, we've seen them in a Virginia Tech uniform for so long now. Yes, you know, they they They are our veterans of this program and it does not surprise me one. Bit that a guy that goes guys like that of stood out and then you think of guy like Dorian strong, really, really good first.

1:18:18 Two years in Blacksburg, you know, crazy. Think he's, he's already played two years but he's played at a lot of times. He's played like a veteran. Yeah, you know, he's played really well at corner so, you know, I think it doesn't really surprise me because of the experience because How do I would fontelle mindset earlier? But in terms of defensive backs, those guys were thrown into the fire right away. Cody, couldn't your yes? There were no other option and invite to your question is, it does not surprise me whatsoever. That those guys are, are the ones earning it because yes, there's some depth at other positions. But you go, you can go down the list and there are more Multiple guys on there that have started and played in real games that mattered.

1:19:12 And you can't match that know, you can't I call it all. And you mentioned up here, some Prelude. As you're going through with the safeties there and of the depth, this is his first major coaching gig from your observations, how active is he during scrimmage sessions and position work and what's his Rapport like with that safety unit, so far? I tell you what, he's really vocal everything here's Ambrose really vocal. And and it tell you what, one of the most entertaining things, and one of the things I enjoy the most about watching practice is seeing coaches, be vocal with their youth and be teachers whether it's JC price.

1:19:54 I think I got it in a video I tweeted out earlier of hymns and their chat with CJ McRae. You know defensive end after CJ McRae. Did some Joe Rudolph chat with his off? The line Tyler ball. I mean the list goes on. All those guys seeing a coach talked with his player and explore, put his arm around her to the guy's shoulder, and just sit there and explain something or just belt out orders, you know, and make sure they understand it. That's Pearson Prelude. I mean, it easily noticeable when you go to a practice because he's I don't say, he's always yelling because that sounds bad but he's a very vocal No guy, and from everything I can tell, you know, his guys have responded very well to it.

1:20:39 And, yes, he doesn't necessarily have the D1 coaching experience for. Remember, this is a guy who played for a long time, he won a Super Bowl, you know, he's got, he's got plenty of experience, and I think so far, his guys have really taken very well to everything. He's tried to kind of implement, and I've really enjoyed kind of wandering around. Practice in know. You looking at that group, you know, it's funny because last week's practice, it was the safety is right next to the linebackers and all three of those coaches. Pray, Lou, Marv. Quinn are all just yelling at their dog. You'll build your guys.

1:21:24 Yeah. And hopefully, that's the fun of watching practice seeing these guys learn from the coaches who are teaching them and I think that's exactly. What Pearson Prelude embody so far. It's awesome to hear and the guy who came on mention here that will calm a little while ago. Our buddy coach Robbie comes and he's a huge Washington fan Redskins commanders, whatever you want to call them. And he said he remembered when he was on the Skins, he read some articles talking about how piercing legitimately was already a coach. He was a coach on the field getting guys in the right spot. So is one of those he doesn't have title as a safeties coach, but like you mentioned all those Those years of playing getting a Super Bowl ring, he's been a coach for a long time.

1:22:08 Now, Pearson was also a leader, not only back in the 90s, but obviously with those stops from the what we've said here. But now Jermaine Walter's gone, probably going to get drafted in a few weeks here. We hope he does. There's no leader in that corner back room. If you like the safety room with your Mari coming over? He's the vet. He's played. He's been a good player. He's like that down. Who do you think in this is what we're going to call it hashtag this who do you think is going to be the alpha cheetah when it comes to fall camp and we got David giggling over here, the alpha cheetah, you know, I will give you but here's what I would expect, my three options would be Armani Chapman.

1:22:56 The most veteran, the tenured I of the group has the most wraps, a guy like Dorian strong already mentioned him. And then, honestly Marie on Marie's a guy that would not surprise me whatsoever. I think he's come a long way. And we know we were talking about this before before we went on some of the Social Media stuff, seems like Brie on Marie's, always, like been posted by the coaches, like that's mine. I've always seen the coaches kind of post about, how well he's been one of the guys. It's doing well, so far. So I think those three guys, the first two. Chapman has been here, he's a veteran, strong, he's really good.

1:23:38 He's don't, you know, he's only played two years and I think bring on Marie's a guy who, you know, was kind of in between good at times, you had his moment, but wasn't necessarily in that first group he wasn't necessarily a go-to starter. He just got a lot of playing time. I think he's a guy that would not surprise me to stand out, but but if I had to guess, I think it would come from from one of those first two guys. And You know, that's definitely not just in the corner back room, but, but across the board, like, those kinds of things when I, as many member have the chance to watch practice, those are the kinds of things that are cool to look for. Just, just who's being vocal, you know, who's who's barking out signals, who's sitting there and patting the other guy on the back and giving them advice, when something doesn't go their way, you know, those are in, and it's tough to pick up on those things.

1:24:31 Necessarily 25 30 minute, period. AIDS. But it helps. And of course you notice those during the games too, but I think one of those first two guys, maybe, maybe that third guy, those are probably the guys if I had to guess, would probably be be the alpha cheetah, you know. There we go. When everything is said and done, Awesome, awesome. So I know we crowd was talking about after you every practice they're talking Personnel, Personnel, shifts and things like that. On the defense in this is probably going to. I think Circle back to where we were just talking, but what groups do you think are looking the most fluid and practice in terms of either? The starting Personnel or the Personnel, groupings altogether? Well, both sides of the ball.

1:25:21 I would say you have to go with the group's a most experienced, right? Like that's just what makes the most sense? I think offensively, you could maybe say quarterbacks, but my guess would be tied hands just because of the veterans in that room. You know, you got two guys in yellow and Dooley has that have been here before. Grant Wells and Jason Brown while their experience. You know, they've only been in Virginia Tech since they enrolled in the spring defensively I think it's got to be the DBS, whether it's corner or safety, you know it's it's funny because there hasn't really been much attrition there besides your main water leaving like that's the same group that's been here.

1:26:01 So you know I would guess tight end and defensive backs. Those are probably the two groups that they probably just the most consistent throughout fluid as As you said, and I think it probably goes back to those are the groups that had the less amount of changes, obviously tight end group lost James Mitchell with her, which hurts. But but it wasn't, it's not like gallo and do is weren't doing the same thing they're doing now. Before, you know, they've been here before, same with the DVDs, that they play, pretty much 10 games without him last year. You do the injury so that they, they've been, you know, we've had to count on them as The 1A 1B whatever you want to call it in terms of your depth at the tight end position.

1:26:47 So I'm with that. What are some of the groups that seem to be more in flux? I know we talked about defensive line and some guys moving around is there a spot on the offense? It's kind of similar to that or is it more just on that defensive side kind of at deep in Savannah needs to tackle running back? I mean I mean here's what I would say this is again this is a time period. And where they're trying to figure out who fits where, you know, so they sit there and write Prime mention that their scrimmaging up until spring game, their scrimmaging every Saturday and then on Sunday and Monday. They're sitting there and they're talking with the different coaches and then one day they'll make the decisions and kind of talk with the players about it about who could potentially move to a different position and We know how many running backs are in the room. It would not surprise me.

1:27:43 If some of those guys end up testing your talented. Different position wide receiver would make sense simply because they want you, where can we utilize your skill set to Moe's like if chance black started catching passes out of the backfield maybe maybe not him because he's a little high up on the list but a guy like Kenji Christian or Keshawn King potentially catching passes out a wide receiver unit depending on where their skill set. And with everybody else in that wide receiver room that would not surprise me at all. And on the other side I think the linebackers I think the Sam linebacker them trying to figure out because you know, that's the dynamic linebacker. If you want to call it, that's the one that has kind of be that hybrid.

1:28:27 I think that would probably be the one that's in flux. But at this point, you can probably say besides like quarterback and like line offensive line. Everybody's pretty much in flux. I mean they seem to just be moving everybody all over the place and again, this is Spring ball and they, that's kind of the luxury of it. We're imagine. If you, again, imagine if you find out that, oh my God, this guy's amazing, it Sam linebacker. And he was playing safety before. You know, those are the kind of things that you only will be able to find in if you test it in Spring ball. Yeah, something else, I have a question with. Obviously, we have noticed Really since printer I got here, we knew it was coming at the beginning. You know, at the beginning middle of last year, is it noticeable around merriment at the practices, the support staff and how many additional people are now that have been hired? Yeah, I mean, here's what I will say, there are always a lot of people in football practices because that's the way football practices go.

1:29:34 But, but you can kind of like feel the vibe that makes sense, okay? Like look, it's a you can feel the culture. I was impressed at pro day when I win. Not now, not everybody has to be there, you know, because it's pro day. It's just for the guys that are trying to go to the church, you know, go to the NFL. Yeah. And the amount of support staff, you know, whether it's just people that work behind the scenes, other other staff members that are there, helping out doing things.

1:30:15 I'm impressed. And I think One of the one of the parts that is probably overlooked. And, you know, you don't necessarily always get the best look at this because it's all behind the scenes. But from what I can tell, Brooke prize done, a really good job. And I think credits got to go to Mike filigrana who's kind of in that role overseeing kind of all the operations below him. I think they've done a really good job of creating this culture not just within the football program, but everybody else is Staff and everybody being on the same page. And I could feel it when I went to, you know, when I went to pro day which you know, was a little kind of all over the place but you're also kind of giving like you're letting the NFL Scouts kind of run the show so that's just the way it goes.

1:31:06 Well I got practice you can you can sense that you know that there is a culture in that the support staff like there was a there's a lot of supports that just come out. You know, I can notice that there's on the side I'm watching practiced, you know, like I can tell that that there's a good culture being cultivated if that makes sense. Make perfect sense, makes perfect sense. One more thing we want to hit on I don't know. Do you, do you monitor the textile on board? Sometimes is that what? If not, it's not in my duties. Okay, that is not that that is one of Chris Coleman's.

1:31:49 Main duties. Christian will monitor the board's because okay, always we always post stuff on there like I post my articles and share them, but I'm on there occasionally, but sometimes that place can be a mess if you guys are like, oh yes. Like would us when it was announced that you have to pay five dollars to get into the spring game. Oh, I don't know. See, those are, that's one of the times. I don't get on it. Are you going to avoid this that this point. Here's what I will say. I think it's, I think it's a good idea. Yeah. Like now what I wish if from a fan perspective and to give you guys more information about me, so I'm the oldest of three children and my sister is currently a sophomore at Virginia Tech.

1:32:43 And my brother is going to be a freshman here in the fall. And I almost I have a good amount of family that's coming up for the spring game, you know, make a weekend out of it. 3.24 32, lots of great stuff going on in the community. Yep. And they're not going to be hampered by a five dollar charge from spring game but they're also, you know, not the oldest of the old generation that that likes to go to these things. And what I think would have been better. Is one announce it like, I don't know, back in December or January when you announced it hey we're going to charge and because the fact that you're making people pay ahead of time for it, when it's just find out that you're telling me. I can't walk up and give you.

1:33:30 It doesn't matter to me because I get to. Yeah, you know, I have a press pass. I'm going to be watching it anyway. Yeah. But like if I'm a fan, I'm walking up to the gate. You're telling me I can't just give somebody five dollars in get in you. No. And I think it's I think it's going to help the program. I mean it's not going to be like a huge money generator but it if you can if you get x amount of people to come, if you can generate like a hundred thousand dollars you know, just from a spring game that's another that's another potential support staffs but yeah you're paying a salary right there yet. What? What? Hold on. It's going to be higher than that when we went in 1624. Sure. Yours 43,000.

1:34:12 Yeah, and the buzz going around right now with prai, I think it's like the white Vic said, he thinks if they open up the stadium full, it could be a full house. And I like your point though. They did do it late in the process, if they had done this January 16th, when they, when they, when they drop the date, they will they drop the date. They should've dropped this as well. I think it will help. Though is there's going to be people like Brian. And like you like myself. I'm not going unfortunately whoo-hoo, but I'd go in there and I'm getting ready to pay five bucks. I haven't seen the link, but if there's a link to donate more money, there's going to be people sitting there saying, you know what? I'm going to go ahead and give my big donation right now. Here's 5 bucks, here's 200.

1:35:04 Here's my 25 for the year and then the next thing you know, it's this process of when the spring game happens is when I give my annual donation it's a ritual and and I don't know, can you buy up to the day of the game or is it weird that you can if you can buy on on the day you just have to do it on your own the moment within that and you know that all the all the tickets will be on the mobile any day. Yeah. I think it's for the other thing I would say is I actually talked to some people in athletics about this. If you're going to do it, When you release it, say where the money's going, yeah, that would help a lot of people. If you just say, look, it's being, it's going back into the football program.

1:35:49 Like they are going to use the money on whether its staff or whatever. Yes. Just even say like, it's just going back to Virginia Tech football instead of so people don't. You know, so random guy who just wants to go to a spring in because he's in town and never keeps up with 14 SEC, football pays five bucks and is good, where's it going? Well, if you put it in a release, it's very simple. Just put in the really say, the money's going to Virginia Tech football because that's what I was told. I talk to people in athletics, they were like, it's going to Virginia Tech football. I'm like put it in the release man. Then people won't have to ask me questions about, where to Yeah, I love those points.

1:36:35 David love that you're for it, but also love that you've already seen the opportunities. Yeah. There's like we can do this better. And that should be a gold next year. And hey, maybe next year is the thought process of five to come into the game. Maybe the alumni stuff's going good paid 25 meet and greet. Alumni pay 100 tailgate with the alumni out at the Hokie Village in the next thing you know you're going from You know, if there's even just a thousand people that will say I'll throw a hundred bucks to go to a tailgate with some of the alumni, the profits go up one last thing before we close everything out here because this has been awesome. I feel like we could probably go another 30 or 40 minutes but it's late.

1:37:25 We have things to do. We have to all get to sleep. But, you know, you already mentioned the men in the women's basketball teams this year. You talked about rustling, I'll have Jack brizendine, who covers it? That following, he definitely is great at keeping up with the matches. If you can't see them, they finished seventh at Nationals. Indoor track has two national champions finish his 10th. Do you think this athletic department is in the best spot potentially in the history of the school as a whole, and then you can make a really good case. Yeah. And now what's interesting is Will it'll be better to judge, and this is not me pushing to question. It will be better to judge when the Directors Cup stuff comes out which is which will be sometime. It will probably be some time.

1:38:19 Late summer kind of like like july-august just where everything comes out and it just all the numbers, all the standings for for every sport and I think Tex highest ever finishes like 24th or 25th and I think the probably be but 15, maybe 16. I mean, like here's the here's don't take my word for it but like I think this is probably one of the best years in Virginia Tech Athletics, when you've got the men, Ends. Somebody asked me was is the best ever a year for the men's and women's basketball team and I'm like at the same year Mike this is only the second year ever that they go into the tournament the same here. Yeah, and the managers will the ACC tournament and the women, you know, we're right on the doorstep.

1:39:06 They finished fifth in the ACC, technically the finish in a tie for third, you know, like like there's that there's track and field couple national champions wrestling's doing really well. Mykhailo has had a chance to win a National. Asheville Championship. I screwed out of it. We're all just going to put that thing. You got screwed out of me, and don't even discount baseball's playing pretty well right now. Softballs. I'm roll. 14 game win. Streak number five in the country. I mean, look, everything's coming together. Now, the question is football ever going to get back, you know. Yeah, we like but what I think but I think overall and I actually wrote this story. I wrote it back kind of in between the NCAA tournament and bases.

1:39:54 He tournaments this kind of writing about how the men's and women's basketball programs, both came together and I kind of Praise with that guy said, look, like you got to acknowledge that. He's done a really good job. Now maybe the Justin Fuente higher didn't work out, but at the time it was pretty good higher and not every higher is going to work out. And that's just the way it happened, but across the board. I mean, he's knocked it without God's, not it out of the park in just so many different areas and what he's building it each. As he's building foundations for donations for each of those Sports where the goal is over time. The foot the the indoor track team, the wrestling team is almost there, I think.

1:40:45 They're supporting themselves because there are so many people involved in so many alumni coming out and have such a strong feel, they're supporting them. And what happens in the long run is football. Reach those dividends because instead of having the right to three million dollar check to the other sports, it writes a 1 million dollar check portal. Yeah. And I think in the end, it'll be, here's the thing. You get football back on the right track and then you essentially have Me to be, you know, I like volleyball right now. Volleyball, did not have a great season but it was also the first year of Mercy buyers. Yeah. You know like like there are very few sports that are not in a good place right now and you can still go back on the right track, everybody's going to be looking around going, we're in a pretty good spot.

1:41:32 Not what I will say is and IL is going to play a huge factor in everything and I always come around and Nal was going to play a huge role in everything that happens in the future because I'll give you an example. This isn't public knowledge yet but we will Stewart has promoted on the message boards but in the next couple days it's going to be announced that text. Sideline has n IL deal with Justin mutts and it's we are basically getting Prince of the the awesome picture, my guy Liam's. Liam took of his posterization of Paulo Bank arrow and what's going to happen is Justin's going to sign it. X amount of them and we're going to sell at least 250 of them and Justin's going to get.

1:42:28 X amount of money Justin could potentially make you know doesn't could make thousands of dollars just by simple poster deal. No. And this is, this has nothing to do with even getting him to stay. This is just a simple. And I only reason I'm telling you guys is because I know it's going to be announced soon. We got a release written up, already about it and Justin's already signed the contract and everything. It's just a waiting on whether to be announced, but those are the types of things. That the Virginia Tech fans are going to have to buy into in the future and I know it's not easy and I know it's different, very different like put it simply a simple donation, a simple and IL deal could potentially get a student athlete to stay or get a student athlete that wasn't considering coming to your school. Consider to come to your school percent. Again, this has no indication on whether Johnston who ended up staying or not, but because of, you know, He has potential to make x amount of money because we're, I think we're going to end up selling like signed copies of his poster for like, a hundred bucks, you know.

1:43:40 And you can pre-order pre-ordered copies, you know, and if we end up selling 500 of these posters, he's making money. He's like, 70. 80 percent of that money is going to him. Yes. And that is an awesome opportunity for student housing. And what's one student athletes? He's a happening. Everybody else is going to want to get on that tree. Exactly. And this is where the donors is where everybody else has to come into play. Yeah and it's and you it's going to get to the point where you're not going to be able to overlook it and say well it doesn't matter. You know, that doesn't apply to us, it's gonna happen. It's gonna happen. And this is kind of just the start so that I like this kind of all those in the same conversation with Babcock's at that. Yeah, like Department in a fantastic spot. So many of these sports are excelling, would not surprise me if softball ends up going to the College World Series this year. They're that good good?

1:44:38 Really that good, you know, imagine what happens if you know Keely Richard. You know, a softball player is kind of in the same situation where there's a sight you know, Virginia Tech softball ends up going to all the way and there's a picture or photo or something. Like give those girls goes to give those You're napping Zen IL deals, you know, that's going to recruit more players to your program, better players and Inter. It's just going to keep cycling, cycling cycling. So I think that's kind of the next wave and it helps a lot at Virginia Tech. Athletics is in a really good position right now.

1:45:19 It really is, man. Well, David, it has been an absolute pleasure tonight. Are you joining us? I thank you for, you know, taking the time out of your evening to sit here and talk with us to Old heads, for all you guys out there. Check textile on.com for all of David's articles also follow him. He is a great follow. If you love to exports on Twitter, the real David Gonna See You in na. Brian, we got anything else, man. I think we're good, man. All right. Well, that is going to wrap up this episode of the Boundary Corner podcast, along with David Cunningham. I'm Curtis Wilson. I'm Brian Sigler.

1:46:01 Visit our website, boundary Corner D t.com to listen, to all of our episodes. And while you're there, don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube account and your favorite podcast Source including Spotify Amazon and apple podcast is always we. Let our buddy Jason long place. In play us out, Jason told us the other night. He's got some new music on the way. So hopefully, we'll To play that here in just a few weeks. Catch him on Spotify and apple music. We thank you for listening. And as always let's go. Okay.

David Cunningham

Managing Editor Tech Sideline

Managing Editor at Tech Sideline. Virginia Tech School of Communications Alum, Class of 2021.

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