V for Vicktory

0:46 Welcome back to the boundary Corner podcast with my partner bronzy glow, I am Curtis Wilson. Run tonight, we have a very special guest 1994 to 1998. This gentleman played offensive lineman, he was a second-team all-big East team. Captain also part of to Big East championships of Hampton High School in Hampton, Virginia, poke great. The white Vic Dwight. How are you tonight? Oh man, it's awesome. And I'm glad to be on this is going to be a lot of fun and I'm doing great. I'm going to pin the 703 Nova snowed in well more, so I can, but I'm only down, you know, I'm I'm ready to talk everything Tech and whatever comes about, that's awesome.

1:36 Do I? Yeah. Appreciate you jumping on with us. You know, we were iced in as well. I was lucky enough to get today and tomorrow off. From work. So it's kind of been some bonus long weekend for me. So I'm loving it even though I'm not really traveling that much so it's all good. I don't even want that man. Right now, I'm here in the 804 with Ron and I've got to wake up and work in the morning from the house so he can sleep in and everything 8 the way before we kick into, you know, Virginia Tech. You know the question we have for you, the stories you have for us you know obviously Victory Life. It's You, it's such a big part of you.

2:17 So, you know, go ahead, tell us what you guys are doing with that about your podcast. Yeah I appreciate man the opportunity to speak. I'll be brief man but I created Victory life. Now about three years ago, Victory Life, LLC VI C KT, o Ry n just for your listeners and followers of your great podcast. I'm not an egomaniac. I just went with Victory life because I really like the name and I'll put my last name in it because it embodies everything I'm about. Plus if you Google Victory like they're a lot of churches and nonprofits so I was like well I'm not changing my name so there There has to be IC K and it. But essentially, man, you know, we have my organization, I have a Victory Life LLC, which is high school, internship program, life skills, groups outpatient counseling and I am believe it or not a licensed therapist.

3:08 And you know I also do mentoring for kids in Prince William Fairfax, County fall Carroll County and even in surrounding areas in Northern Virginia and also help kids with Ladies as far as mental health diagnosis and anxiety and depression, you know, kids who have Oppositional Defiant disorders and just hope people young men and young women and their families, get back to function at a high level and just getting back to where it needs to be. So something I'm very proud of something and I am body growing up and especially tighten my skills up at Virginia Tech. When I was there, you know, I Montreal model, you know, that I may serve.

3:51 So And then I have my nonprofit Victory like you Sports, which I had three, a, you organizations under. But it's not just more so about basketball, it's more so about helping students reach their full potential academically and athletically through community service competition and also giving back and paying it forward near local community. So the last several years, I've been really blessed to be part of something special and build my brand and then obviously I have to podcast which You know, it's funny, I'm not I don't ever view it as if I'm trying to get, you know, a bunch of listeners and followers. I just like to run my mouth. So I have a podcast called the Victory Life.

4:36 Legacy podcast with Danny noakes my co-host. He's down in Richmond and 80 for. Shout out to my brother, Danny, who I met through my longtime friend? Kyle Bailey, he introduced us. Funny thing is, when I did the 2013 spring broadcast spring, I'm broadcast. Always the color analyst up in the booth up in Lane Stadium. He is peeing. 3 did, and I was the color analyst and Danny knows who's the producer my first time meeting him. And then later on, we end up doing the pregame show and now we have the podcast and I have my more popular podcast which is the Victory. Life Legacy Spotlight, where I interview some great people, not just athletes but cancer survivors, I had the great Lisa weather. Going on, the Virginia Tech, women's basketball. Great.

5:24 Who's in The Sports Hall of Fame, Ace custis. And Rouse DJ Parker, of course, my cousin, Michael Vick's, been on there for UVA followers. I had Terry Kirby on. There's a great session, you know, a mod Hawkins Marques Hagan's, who's a wide receiver coach at UVA and a lot of High School coaches here in Virginia, you know, Troy man's, the form of Virginia Tech guard, who was a standout? Great Lauren Johnson has been on there. I can't name anybody but we got a YouTube channel so you can check it out. Subscribe to it please. I don't get any money. I just like the legacies of the people that come on. They're very inspiring stories and interviews so you can follow us that Victory Life YouTube, just go to YouTube and type in Victory Life and you'll see it.

6:10 And of course, the podcast I do with Danny, I post on Twitter, we're only on Soundcloud. Like I said, I just like being able to talk sports talk. Like one thing we doing Legacy Spotlight, is we allow other people to Showcase their Journey, their story, knowing that one thing I do with Danny, on the one we do is we highlight people in the community who Inspire and make make the world a better place. Man. I know it sounds corny like a Whitney Houston love song, but really I'm here to inspire make people smile and have great conversations. That's what I live to do. So Victory Life, to those people who bought hoodies and t-shirts, I State the support.

6:54 I come from humble beginnings. And I just want to give back, I had a great career. Now, I'm just trying to finish off and have a great life. You are an inspiration and what you do with Victory Life, things I've read and like you say helping the kids, I, you know, you've got your Master's in counseling, you do great things, man, and for us to have you on tonight, we are humbly humbly honored to have you, someone who does such make a difference in the community. So, One who does do all this stuff but someone who we got to see play as kids. You know, when you started playing at, Tech is about the time we started watching, so in obviously the name Vic and a few years, you know, Michael comes along and Marcus. And then you start looking back.

7:38 As I know I did and I'm a nerd of Virginia Tech football the white. Don't follow me on Twitter and you know, seeing you make comments and stuff. Now before we get into being text, I've got one personal thing. I want to hit on, okay, because I know, And please Hoops for Patriot High School. I know they made it to States. Well no. Do they help you ship? They would have went to States but this year because the covid only the ones who the winner went normally do. Okay. So yeah. Should have been in the States but pink but your son is a freshman, I'm young. How did that was the Freshman, obviously, on a varsity team force first year? You know, that's a great question. And I have three kids morons, my youngest she's a Cars. 10 years old, she can she can run for days. She does the 400 200 Otis is Sydney, and Sydney, is up here in Northern Virginia.

8:31 They're going, it's interesting. She goes to a different hospital, not saying because of zoning and when we moved and she didn't want to transfer the Patriots. So she's at Unity read, high school, he plays ball Club head at her school and she's she's you know, she wants to play collegiately and she got some interest from some schools. She Virginia Tech's on her wish list or school. She wants to get an offer from so So and then, but Isaiah man, he's my only son, he's my middle child and he's a freshman and he made varsity as a freshman just like Sydney didn't just like I did when I was in high school football, but Isaiah played football growing up man. As far as you know, 8 7 9, 10 years, old 11 but he also played basketball and ran track but basketball. His body is, he's got my height but he's got my old metabolism. Though he is, if you see him on TV or you watching playing look, he's built like Kevin Durant or more. So Brandon e.

9:29 He's like right now it's about 62 and a half, six threes, 14 will be 15 in May of this year, and he plays for a great great coach. Who I love to death? Coach Sherman Rivers, who is the head coach at Patriots built. A great program. That's been there about five years. When a district four years in a row, been two states themselves, he's been closed and He played ball that Potomac, High School in Northern Virginia, he also went to women, marrying play collegiately there and he played overseas. So my son is very blessed. And I think when it's all said and done between Sherman, his coach and my son and his hard work ethic and his skill set, he's gonna have a chance to play collegiately.

10:10 If, you know, of course, you guys. Stay on top of his grave stay healthy, but he's long athletic. You know, it's interested, man. You know, having no Vic in basketball, Would be kind of a change of pace because we've all kind of picked up the pigskin. Although, there is another Vic at Tech right now. She is a cousin of mine. She's on the women's track team kaliesha Vic, you know, people forget about, but, you know, Isaiah could be a next one up, man. And I had a follower, I wish I could remember, his name was really cool. I don't know who it was, but he said, can you imagine a vig Jersey on campus or another Vic at Virginia Tech? And I don't normally get all nostalgic.

10:52 Eric. I'm a patient person that comes to appreciating the journey and you never know how things work out, but I am spiritual. And I do believe things happen for a reason. He even how I ended up at Tech and how I recruited Mike and Marcus. But, you know, my daughter and Isaiah, my two oldest went there. That would that would make me emotional. That would be crazy and you know, I am a huge Lord knows. I love Mi kyung. Gosh, I mean, how do you not like him? I if I hope I'm perfect. Like I'm not just talk is amazing. I just and I want to call them up and say, hey I got a son, you know, can you get it? Oh but I mean nepotism is a good thing but the same time he's got to earn that specially Tech is not just, you know, some doormat program. I mean, you know, he's he's built on buzzes done. So yeah, my son is, you know, having a son is and having kids is a blessing and having my son who, Wants to be great and I I purposely have exposed him to a lot of Grace. He's been very fortunate.

11:59 You know, I for years until recently I have been to the spring game, like 18 years to 16 years straight or whatever. Can going back to played and he's got pictures. And he's been around, you know, Mike and my cousin and Marcus and DeSean Jackson, and he's, you know, throwing the ball with Tyrod Taylor and he's been around a lot of great. Guys, from Virginia Tech and even other colleges and other professionals. So him and my children, my other two children, all they know is greatness and scholarship athletes in Pro. So he doesn't really get Starstruck. He's been around Beamer. He's been around Foster and Cavanaugh and he's been around other great culture. So for him, the expectation is always been like okay, you know, my dad went here.

12:47 Now I'm going to go here, but you mentioned when I played, I think it's funny too because Cuz he doesn't. He just now understanding the Legacy that Mike and I and Marcus had and also he's starting to give me a little credit for being good. Like he used to be like you because we didn't have Twitter and Instagram. So my stuff is now being converted, you know, I have to pull out the VCR tapes and get them converted digitally. So like he's looking like, yeah. You know, you really weren't that good. But then we go back to campus or when he sees my followers. And then, you know how they react and you know how I interact and how I do so much stuff and their reaction when we go back to Blacksburg leaving here in Northern Virginia and when I'm back home in Hampton people come up to me and take pictures or I'll sign some.

13:36 He's like bro. Wait what? I've got two sons. I got a baby girl on the way in about a month. Awesome. My man Brian's got a son as well. So we are Fathers as well and it is it is it is being a father is nothing like it. It's a special referee. Congratulations. Yes that's awesome.

14:18 And I wanted real quick and we got to talk But I wanted. What's so funny? Is, I wanted a girl first. So I have three kids want to girls want some of. I remember when I was pregnant, everyone's I all I know you on this and I was like, nope, they were like what she wanted, a boy first cuz she did want to do here and I wanted it because, I mean, I daughter because I, you know, women are intelligent. And I knew my daughter she was spoiled me when I get older and I needed somebody to make sure I was take care of. My so I seen adored his love for her father. You know, my son and I to but you know, sometimes he'll make breakfast and say, well, you know, you can make something put in the microwave like, you'll forget, you know.

15:02 I'm so let me ask this. Getting back to your playing days, you know it's let's say it's 1994 covid hips. You've signed your letter of intent to play for Tech but there's going to be a spring season there guys right now have to make this decision. Would you have played? Oh man y'all coming out the gate with some hay maker questions. Listen.

15:51 Who, you know what? Not knowing any better. I don't know. Wow, that is a tough question. My gut reaction just off the off. The rip is I'm going to play Because when you're I was 17, you know, it's funny, looking back. I probably should have started the following year. I was 8:47 grade. But I was 17 my first year at Tech and I turned 18 late. So I had that September birthday. Where wife is my wife, my mom is an educated. She's been teaching collegially. In high school wise for 40-plus years. So, I mean, she was like, you know, all into all that get him in school or whatever. So, but for me, I would covid scary. I lost a few people to it, but and I respect, what caliph Ali did.

16:39 Even though, God, I love watching him play but knowing me as a freshman that was a real was a redshirt 94. I probably would have went anyway, you got to understand something. I know you guys. Been following Tech since I played and you follow the state. When we hear from where I'm from in Hampton and Newport News, Virginia in the Tidewater area. If you've been to places on the south side of Richmond, if you've been the Eastern, Newport News, or South Norfolk Youngs Park, or you've been other places in the Commonwealth, even, you know, rural places like, you know, parts of Southwest Virginia. I mean, we always talk about the urban, but when you come up and I had a great life, great mom and dad, but as far as what is scholarship, Any means you don't take that for.

17:23 Granted so knowing their minds that I had, you know, I had tunnel vision. Yeah, I was and you know Hampton, I knew you know, night, grab me harshly. I was a backup intent grass started and I started getting letters from Pittsburgh and Nebraska and Syracuse and Oklahoma. I was like wow! This is what I knew it I was like I'm going to go to college, I'm going to go pro. So even though covid came if hypothetically speaking, I probably would have went anyway because I don't even like you I can't stay home because if I stay home you know nothing's going to be popping off here but drama not that I was involved anything - but you know we don't have a path or a goal unit up getting complacent. Next thing you know, you get get caught up so I probably would have just went and cross my fingers and pray and hope that everything worked out because I loved I just wanted to be in college. God knows with all this responsibility I have. Now sometimes I wish I can go back but But I probably would have went, you know, I like that answer. I really, yeah, I think sometimes looking looking past, as you said, getting complacent, I don't hands can can get you in trouble from time to time.

18:35 So, yeah, I definitely see where you're coming from. From that perspective. No, doubt, I wanted to ask you this next, you had tweeted out a while back. Talking about, who was recruiting the 757 back when you were being recruited. I mean, he talked about guys like Calves high beam or Stein spring What was their pitch to get recruits to come to VT back then? Oh, great question. Um, it was really about building something and going against the grain, you know, because UVA at the time was still the Pre-Med program, protect was on their heels and it wasn't manufactured height and you know, Beamer in height and even guys like stiney and calves.

19:21 They weren't Salesman like, you felt like it was authentic and what was really good as they had relationship. So I've talked about this numerous times and I'm in business and, you know, I work a lot of principles and psychologists and psychiatrists and coaches across the state and well-respected, and it's all sincere, it's give and take, but it's a lot of respect and that's what you felt like. When you saw those coaches walking your school, you saw how the other High School coaches, the custodians, the Death. Dad was like, Hey and get up and hug them, you like, oh wow, it's not just like I'm some bigwig from this, you can, you felt like whoa, these guys really know.

20:01 My, my administrators and high school assistant coaches in basketball coaches. So it was really cool and their pitch was more so we are trying to build something and you know what's funny? This is not to pick on UVA. When London was there, I've been of you might London, he's a great guy, but I tease my UVA friends. I said You guys fix a too much on Tech. You know, we got a bill, somebody got to take the cup back, I get it I get it. That streak is crazy and looks like another one that be getting re started again but at the same time it was never about UVA when I was being recruited. You know it might have come up but it was more so about we're trying to build our own brand. We want you to be part of something and it was a lot of State pride and it was really just about Their relationships with your High School coaches and also the fact that, you know, to be honest, I just mentioned a few minutes ago about where I'm from.

20:58 I didn't grow up, you know, it wasn't South Central and bang bang and people, but it was some rough spots and there was some stuff I saw in there was some trauma, you know, when you're in certain parts of my area, and I knew a lot of guys that didn't make it, and I knew people who were killed, I knew drug dealers, but you know, what was crazy and I tell people, I hope you're listening is understand. This is respectful statement being And high and cab and Stein spring, when they recruited the Commonwealth and some of those rough spots that people that other universities wouldn't go in. They went to and they went to without fear without judgment. Obviously, they were to get talent and they were there to recruit us to their University, to get an education and to play college football. But you could tell they were there and they weren't like, oh my God, there's hurry up.

21:47 Like, they stayed if you watch the interview, I do it. Ano Whitaker he grew up in Youngs Park. It's a very rare rough spot in Norfolk and time spring was in there and went there religiously to recruit him and sat down and hung out. And you know, the thing about Beamer, I remember when I got home and my younger sister, he's three years younger than me and I got home from basketball practice. And it was my senior year and I came and had my batter drop along. She was like hold on one, she's like Dwight there's a dude here. Some old dude, with another dude, I was like what are you talking about? Is it then a living with Mom and Dad? I don't know.

22:28 But I you know again I'm being on she's like I think they're rich because they had own suits and some big boom. And she said it looked like you know those Mafia you know and I was like Kim what do you think? So cuz he's Point anyway so then I Gordon and Bemis it's up and he's like hey how you doing and just shakes my hand and I'm like you could feel the energy him and height and hide have been recruiting me. That was the only year highly recruited the Hampton Roads area because they were going through a transition and he end up going back to the Maryland area because you know he's a DeMatha guy so I was fortunate height was a great recruiter and he is still even now just so authentic and I don't know if I'm answering your question fully but I think sometimes people on Twitter and on these message boys, think it's this, you know, because of social media you know, it's a lot of mail and balloons and girls with long legs and pretty skirt.

23:19 It's that young Yeah, that's going to be part of the pitch when you get on campus. Yeah, but the foundation with great recruiters are laid doing those phone calls and text messages. And when they come as I mentioned, when you saw how they were in the building and how they talk to your mom and Dima man, was just so cool. And one last point about that, I met you, my mom was an educator, my both, my parents have their masters. My dad is a doctor. Yes, his doctor dr. Norman Vic. Both of them being college-educated when Beamer and Heights that down in my living room. Once I came in there, they surprised me at home. They did a surprise home.

23:59 Visit my mom pulled out a list. Yeah, 20 questions. And she asked coach Beamer and Coach height and many of the questions was about race relations on campus security supervision, academic support crisis management accountability. Leti fund, and I was sitting like, Mom, why you ask mom was right? He was but Beamer without any admin, you know, without anybody prompting him, he answered every question. Like a g, and he knew what he was talking about and only one, he didn't know. He was like I'll make sure I get back to you on that, which he did.

24:39 He got actually called her the next day. I'm telling you, man. I know it's old school but the principles are I'm discussing right now with relationships are still relevant. Now, I think that's where some programs fall short is that you got to have the right people in the right regions, but you got to make sure what they're authentic. Doesn't mean going to get every standout recruit, but it's going to give you that blueprint now Foundation where you see, right now with what's the kid's name, Jordan Williams? He returned to Tech, right? He's the grant transfer because he knew he really liked tag. You know, those are the things that we don't think about but I just feel like that's what start spring.

25:20 What's the ice cream, man? Tech fans were always, never give him his full credit. He's always the subject of the memes and jokes because he's an offensive coordinator text love-hate relationships or offensive coordinator is forever. Going to be a give love hate relationship, but God spring. If you do what y'all do a podcast one day only. His recruits and who he landed from tap to Kam Chancellor and so on and so on, it's ridiculous and Stein. Spring is loved. I interviewed him he was on my show and Rabe like commented. He was like, I love this, man. And Tech was my second School, my second choice, but he wanted to go to Carolina, and he loves times, you know, me guys, come up to me.

26:07 I mean, out of after my Mike and Mike, Vick interview star Springs interview on between Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Is gotten thousands of in looks and interview. I mean, it got shared twenty thirty seven times on Facebook. I mean he is that's and that's what he is. He's genuine. That's why I used to laugh when people wanted him gone because I don't think they understood and I don't blame some fans because, you know, we have knowledgeable fan but it's not spring is another guy, man, he's going to be love these genuine, he gets it. I just think that relationship piece is essential in any line of business, especially The spores write something. So let me ask this then you actually kind of pivoting perfectly to my the next thing I want to bring up what's the difference right now between Virginia kids 1990s, when you were coming up and we were growing up in kids.

27:02 Now, you know what sort of the make sure I put this right, what's the perspective on text from Virginia kids parents, 20 years ago? They know more, they're more knowledgeable and social media has helped with them knowing more about other schools. I got my letter from Notre Dame one time and I was a big Irish fan and I Had a nortre Dame jacket because they know I was, I love Tony Rice and the rocket and that is sand bets and all those different guys. They had taught fight, you know, you just like another name you know and I'm living in Hampton Virginia and I mean I wore that jacket, you know I'm walking around Hampton and Newport News looking like a super-sized wash. With a low on.

27:43 And and I remember my dad said, you like them, don't you? He was like, you know what, it located? I was like, nah, man. But I'm going, you know, and he was like, nah, I'm in 10th or 11th grade. And he pulls out for those listening, they're going to laugh at our old school, the old G's listener, and encyclopedia, and he blows the dust off, and he opens it up, and it's like, this is a map. You live here in Virginia Notre. Dame is in Indiana and You know you start back then do it now you get those media guys and the media got, you know, you saw how they had a lot of white Vic's, you know, a lot of Dwight VIXX, you know, on their roster and long story short, man.

28:30 These guys now are just more knowledgeable. They are more aware and I don't think, especially with the dip in wins with Virginia Tech, you know, eight, when In 75 and six it's two folds in the 90s we were we were not we were the best kept secret. The Tidewater area was producing tons of talent and now you see the benefits between all the great players and the great colleges now that come down there, you know, Virginia guys have been leaving on the State Fair. Ever, you know, Ron Springs went to Ohio State know, maybe, you know, I forgot where Ron Springs is, but he's Shawn Springs, Dad, but he went out of state, he went to Lafayette High School, Lawrence Taylor who went to Lafayette High School from the Tidewater area.

29:27 Went to UNC obviously and Dre blah, who went to UNC and you had romaker who was the only player to win national Gatorade Player of the Year and all in football and basketball and he The McDonald's All-American in basketball. He won three state championships at Hampton High one, national championship in football and one state championship in basketball. So this notion that, oh my God, Virginia players. Always leave that now, they've been leaving. The difference, is the Virginia that we know, compared to what we grew up and is no longer. The best kept secret, Ohio state, Alabama, Clemson the bigwigs they stay down there. Now, Penn State.

30:10 They live down there. Every now and then. I pluck a player from my area now and it's not just Tidewater it's Loudoun County. You see a lot of those guys, go to Stanford. The West Coast, Northern Virginia. Kids are going out of state. And the other thing is, there's some other layers to it. The state of Virginia has improved dramatically. You look with LJ's doing Lauren Johnson and Holly Springs Veronica. The Richmond area was always known for basketball but now that's not the case anymore. There's some suburbs of Richmond. The Chester Chester feels the surrounding areas have Dramatically Northern Virginia, Westfield one. The state's three years in a row, used to be the Tidewater Richmond, show, and football and basketball, that is changed as well. All that combines with unfortunate, Virginia Tech and UVA picked their worst times to fall off. Yep, they did its best to you.

31:00 Yeah. I mean, it UVA has been rebuilding for years and for years Tech benefit, you know, Tech benefited for years because they're, you know, you look at that. Five team, I believe their entire defense starters, that were ranked number one in the nation or maybe that was 07-08, but pretty much most their stars were from the Commonwealth and 2005 and 06 07. 08 Virginia Tech was signing and getting commitments from the some of the best players in the state. And then when you have Allen Iverson's the place, the code versus the moniker is a Tyrod, Taylor's and all these guys, Mike Vick they start to emerge.

31:42 Crews have become household names, all the sudden it's the perfect storm and what makes things bad. If your Virginia Tech fan is, you know, as the transition took place from bheema to Fuente people pick on Fuente that you know the cynics and critics but at the end of the day the last three or four years of being his tenure weren't the best. You had a lot of six and six seasons. You had that one 85 season where they got blasted in the Sun Bowl against UCLA. Yep. And It's just not a good look. It's the worst time. Consider this during that time frame before. If Wednesday took over, you had a lot of guys that would have kept Tech afloat in that National brand.

32:25 Peace. If they had chose Tech, but Tech kept finishing second, you had the Devon Forbes and the Ricky Slade unions. But you also had to Sean hand, Derek naughty daily homes, and all those guys pick Now, the school and Tech was always second. Even your boy that went to Florida State the tall defensive end. I forget His Name. Escapes me, that went to Florida State. Yeah, yeah. Do your worst. Mistake of his life was going on there. Oh, I'm sure I'm sure because they told me he was going to win number two and I'm like yo and your body wearing Dion's number, what they say come on. Detective rain coming home, you know wearing number two. No sir.

33:19 You know I'm saying. So like I visited, you know. But I give Florida State and Ohio, State and Alabama, and all the schools Credit, you know, Dasani and I was with him, people don't realize this, his first unofficial visit or visit to any University. He followed my wife, and I are down with his high school coach at Virginia Tech I introduced introduced. To can Chancellor and Tyrod Taylor. I interviewed him on cowbell. He's radio show at the spring game. The same day, Chuck Clark committed. Tim said, oh, was that my football camp? You know, I used to do football camps. So I was doing a lot of high school subject in homes. There's a picture on the internet with me, him and Mike, he was at my Symposium. I did all those guys I mentioned were at my football camps. The only one we got was Tim settled and look what Tim said I was doing for the Virginia Tech brand and also look what he's doing.

34:12 For the Washington football team. Now, just imagine Tech gets the rest of those guys even gets three more of those guys with Bud. Foster still in his prime, the perception of Virginia. The perception changes, you're going to win more games obviously. But the perception changes because to finally answer your question when I walk around now with my Bowl rings and my Virginia Tech gear on, I'm, you know, I still get how you played a tech but it's not like it was 19 years ago, okay? Because Really cares about is 6 and 16 people now are looking at, you know, the January 6, Bowls the New Year day, whatever. The, I don't know what day they cuss, like they keep coming on later and later, but the point I'm getting at is if you're not relevant relevant and if you're not in the mix outside of your fan base, it's pretty hard to make an argument.

35:05 While you know, you're not meet, you know, we are dead team now and people walk by, you know, I know covid. The the sports bar scene is different. Different. But we are that gang when people say, why are they showing that game? That's what we've become. Yeah, and it's okay. Huh? What you saying is? If you have the album Davis mentality, it's just win baby. You start winning exception changes. Boom, absolutely look. And this is not me being critical. This is just me being honest. I deal with a lot of people and I don't want that to be the case. So, for everyone, listen, I wanted to be what it used to be, but better, I want I want, I'm you think I don't get excited when I see Khalil Herbert or these lineman that a little first round draft.

35:54 I want, I don't have a pile of seeing why. It's why I tell her was that my can I know why it, you know, he wore 57. You know why I tell us my God. Like you think I'll take it personal that, he's better than me. I want the program to win the championship, I'm not the old head that's like, oh, we were so much. Tougher. No, no. I want, I mean, but at the same time, when you're part of a program in which you built, you know, and you made the standard what it is when you were there, when the lunch pail was established when you are, you know what it took. And, you know, now the expectations have dropped because of, you know, variety of reasons. You just wanted to get back and become better. You wanted to get back to where it was and then become better and That's the part like I told you guys Offline that hurts because, you know, that's my program. That's my University.

36:49 I invest in him emotionally financially, I care about them. I don't want to see anybody fall off, but I think when you are a Virginian kid man, Virginia Tech still Virginia Tech, still holds wait, it's still a, you know, hey, a great University and to school people check for like, oh yeah, text in here. That, you know, then, but it's not sometimes what we think it is. And I think, Daddy only changes if you start like for example, this morning I did I probably have about 60 games DVR. I mean I got it this morning you know, you know, I don't do it just to analyze them break down tape. I just sometimes watch because you missed stuff. And today, I had on the Virginia Tech. Wake Forest game, Virginia Tech was three and one Wake Forest was to and to last year, Virginia Tech, be the rank Wake Forest team that It was really good. They weren't great.

37:44 Yeah. But Virginia Tech expose them and it just looks good. When you beat a ranked team this year Tech was three point three in one in law, said, the empty wakes that Wake Forest, you Stadium. You can't you can't lose those games, you can't lose. That's the type of stuff. I mean when you know perception it's like the acc's week it all it is is Clemson, you know. And Virginia Tech used to be that team. And what makes me upset sometimes is Why Clemson was getting their stuff together with that bow? You know going for back from Bowden Tommy Bowden to devil when he was the interim and try it out and Bobby Bowden was in the same situation as Frank Beamer.

38:25 And Jimbo was a coaching waiting Virginia Tech for several years. Carried the torch and the banner for the ACC. Yep. They were the big hair didn't win the conference. They were going to BCS bowls, and they were the standard, and then a game in, which I was at 2011. And Tech going for back-to-back. ACC Championship Games, Clemson limped into that game having lost four out of five or three out of four and therefore, they smoke Tech. I was there. I if I heard the fans for like Clemson, one more time I was going to jump off the ledge. That's how much, you know, we know what? Clemson go CLE and they spell it out. Yeah.

39:08 It was raining and then we'll maybe even worse is Tech goes and plays in a bowl game and Clemson goes and plays in The Ballgame and they lost that year. I think West Virginia or was it? They lost 70 35? Yep. They got their doors off 73rd and be a year. Virginia Tech that year was 11 and 2 and they only to record and losses was to Clemson. One at home, LED bulbs, that by my brother, Tajh Boyd and the ACC team. The game and coming off that, I just knew Tech was going to win because they are just beat one of uva's. Best teams in program history.

39:49 38 did nothing. Yeah. And you know what, this on hand told me who was in the NFL, who was an All-American played at Alabama? You know, we talked all the time, he loved, but Foster this on hand told me out of his mouth, he's he laughed because the next week London and his staff, we're at Woodbridge, senior high school to recruit him and he was like, coach, I really respect. You are showing them after that shellacking. You know what? Great. You know, a little jab at them. Yeah but the perception to your question. Deshawn hand who was rated top five in the nation, Derek, naughty Jalen homes Josh where that'll and I'm probably forgetting some my all those guys were that was a legendary defensive line class, right? I think Joshua came the but the point I'm getting at, is they all knew about Virginia Tech all wondering wanted to go there and were considered Virginia.

40:53 Tech means the perception is not that way anymore. That's how far are we from? That's not this on hand had Tech is his number one choice and and said Bill Bud. Foster was his favorite coach and recruiter. That is to show you. And remember that's not that long ago. Thats 2014. I'm Excuse me. 2011 sorry 2011 it's not that long ago at all. Like I remember the hand thing and everybody talked about Bud Paul auster and this is I'm going a little tangent here and the white if you need to tell me, step down, tell me step down. Are you Brooke?

41:34 Basically, he told Deshawn hand, you're going to play inside and somebody said, saving, I don't know if this is true or not, but apparently they negatively recruited and said, you're an end, Sean hands in the league right now, where's he at? He's playing on the inside right now and I mean, do I don't know if you recall that but I could you, I remember seeing hands body and Like yeah, he's a bond. What technique would have been? And you probably talked about it 10 years ago. Are you brave enough free Tech. Well, here's the deal. Both Foster's honest coach. And before, you know it, did it a day I work just on hand out, he was at my me.

42:15 And the guy by name is Keenan, Carter, who's a defensive line coach at women? Married, with Mike London, played at UVA. After I played a tech was a great player for them. He coaches collegially. He also coached at Howard University, Him. And I used to have afternoon/evening workouts up in Northern Virginia and Patriot High School and also Potomac High School where he went Deshawn hand Tim settle and if you are the local guys, Greg Stroman, was there a lot of guys that went to ODU and other schools that were from Northern Virginia? Would be the Ricky Slade was there? I know his dad very well. My point being is all those guys love Tech. They used to have textured so and stuff like that their trainer I know very well. Well, he trained to shine.

43:00 I'm not gonna get into specifics about what saving did. I'm not about to put that out there and have allegations flowing but I know what I know saving did the same thing that Jimbo did the night before Josh sweat committed. They played the game. They just, they know again coaches. These guys played the game and they played upon Beamers age, and the fact that Virginia Tech was slipping and wasn't the same dominant program. And they played that with a more sexy program and they just told those guys what they wanted to hear. People don't realize, it's on hand didn't start until his senior, at Alabama, he did win a couple national championships and he had, he still contributed those previous Seasons but he didn't start to see here. I told John great up when he asked me, what made might choose tech.

43:49 I told him, why? And I said, dude, you know, if you go to Virginia Tech, man, you are going to build a statue of you. I mean, you, you know, He loved Foster's defense, he loved but Falls, he he like brought buds, you know, realness his Charisma, he like Bud. But you know, Alabama came in and did what they had to do and you know he is inside and you know, it's just it's but I, you know, fans come to me all the time on Twitter. You know what this Tech need to do. We got to get this guy from Stanford. He's a great recruiter. Look at it. I'm like, listen. I'm I going to dismiss or debate, anybody on this to recruiting argument, everyone has different theories, whatever.

44:34 The one thing I look at every year is peeing, 24/7, and Rivals list their commitment list and whatever, with the exception of Miami who gives great talent and they will get Talent until you. And I are we're all dead and gone. All right? Because that's the, you won't. Yep. But when else is winning every no listen, everything else is when you're nine and one and ranked 12. So you were playing for Conference Championship and your own, in Prime Time games, those tenth and ninth graders who yet to get offers, but they're, you know, they're going to be top, prospects are watching. They're looking at a certain point, I believe you. And I used to write actively for 24/7 Sports. I've been of you guys like, Tyrod Taylor Marshawn Williams, Ricky Ricky Slade, Junior, Ricky Walker and even all them.

45:22 I'm for my calling back in the day and they all talk about watching, Brandon Flowers, and Um, Chancellor and Chris Ellis, they paid attention because Tech was ranked in the top 10, top 12. Yep, you know, and that's, that's the correlation, Virginia kids haven't changed that much. Yes, social media to stay is grown. Northern Virginia is busting at the seams Richmond area is growing Short. Pump and Chester those great place Charlottesville is growing new. Can't all that. You can talk at the state's, Virginia is a beautiful state but the one thing that hasn't changed people want to be relevant, kids want to be relevant. You know, that's why everyone was shocked. Oh yeah. One year, when UVA was able to land, Quin Blanding smoke mizzell and Andrew Brown, you know?

46:06 Because they were like, hold up man. You guys aren't even going to bowl games, you know? But I know, but I will say, this is my guy and his brother, Paul is my guy to my London to this day has great relationships with people. He's got great relationships. He's at, that's a great. He's charismatic. That you can talk. He's funny. He's, you know, you feel like you can trust him. Whatever it is, we did that. And I told people that and, you know, it's funny those guys, I mentioned smoke mizzell he was high on Tech and you brown was attacked leans. He again he was part of that class with this on hand and all those guys and we missed on all of them except for Timmy, you know but at the same time $20 guys.

46:57 New about Virginia Tech is Virginia Tech was relevant that kind of says it. All right, there with with the perception, you know, winning definitely helps. But we've also seems like we've kind of step back a little bit on some of the relationships. We have especially getting guys in the high schools at the consistent level. Especially the relationships that you were talking about that, you know, beaner and height and stiney. We're doing when you were getting recruited, but we lately, we did get some news with like, some preferred Walk-Ons from some Some schools that we had in necessarily had a lot of success with lately, particularly Jabari Parker with Holland Springs there with ya Johnson is stuff like that is that something that can really help kind of heal.

47:39 Some of those those areas of strife, they would kind of popped up with with the high school relationships for us. Absolutely listen. If I wasn't tight with Lauren Johnson, he's the best high school coach in the state of Virginia, okay? You know, I'm saying? So like this guy, Lauren, you get a couple of Holland spring, guys, because here's the funny thing about it. Perception again to guys, I know, Lauren Johnson his players. Greg Dortch and Kevon Wallace wanted to be Hokies and look what they did on the Collegiate level. Just look. I remember only when I remember when Kevon got the call from Clemson, he was like, no, I want, I want to go.

48:24 I'm all about today. Trust me, trust me. I know. This for the be Lauren Johnson and I are tight. He dated my sister only football player of my teammate, I let date my sister that's all he's married. Now to another girl named Kim and they had a beautiful family including a son who took offered me first off. Yeah, so did the date it was he got to do that like tech tech. You got to get those guys that want to be Hokies that maybe the had three stars and get them in the building and eventually you create momentum and Pipelines. You saw in the late 90s and early 2000s. Those pipelines from Western Branch from Deep Creek, from Phoebus, from Hampton, from Bethel, you know, from Western Branch. You know, the Holly Springs the Hopkins Brothers Macho because they saw their older teen years in juniors going there and they say, wow, they're playing, they're happy. I'm gonna go there too.

49:21 And then, then what happens is, you're winning. Text already going to kill it when it comes to food lodging presentation. Because it's a beautiful campus, that sells itself. You don't the crowd Hokie Nation, the loved a show. Now, you got a formula for success, and I think that's that's the relationships right now. And I think to be fair to Fuente and his staff, the Dead period covid. You know, tap who would had a plan who I know he did. I talk to tap? That's my guy. I think they were going to be some great things done, but the Dead period has killed not just A lot of colleges that need to get guys on campus versus a program, like Clemson in Ohio state that can sell itself. Yeah, but I think you get those guys in your walk on. You get these guys are even commit or guy, like Jordan Williams.

50:13 You get those guys and playing well and they keep advocating because when they go back to the game when they go home for Thanksgiving and Christmas break and they go back home, they going to recruit and soda program for you because when they're walking around the mall there at the basket. Ball court in the waiting room and you're like that's Jordan Williams and he's got the tech tank top and shorts on. He's liftings like yeah, that's what happens. Nice to go back home and I mean, no, me and Mike will go back home. Will you be at the old Coliseum? All a new market Mall here in the barbershop you walk in with your Virginia Tech. Bowl game, sweat suit on your fitted cock to the side, your Bullring gleaming and your bag. You like yo y'all get like that. Yo, what's good?

50:56 And all seven people like me? It is you for it for the fans and the kids who are up next. That's how you create the connection that dynasty. That, that whole, I want to be a part of it. It can't just be a coach. It's got to be your perception, your players who are currently there, who would like, yo, like look at Oscar Smith, another pipeline, JC Coleman. He was on my on my, on my show and he talked about how he would come back and he got a lot of guys there they come. To Tech from Oscar Smith, you know. Yeah. And you know he talked about covid and I feel like for a school like Virginia Tech for a team like Virginia Tech that's really trying to recapture some of that momentum on the recruiting Trail covid. Just was like the worst possible time because like I said, getting kids on campus is like it's part of the battle and being able to put tax plan in place for getting back in the high schools, the way it was done before. The, all of that was something that could Help with that perception with that momentum going into 21. And now, you know, we've got a dead period this now extended, what through the end of May.

52:06 So yeah, I don't even understand that. I don't. Yeah, that dead parrot thing is good. I mean, I don't know, it's weird. I do think though, if we can hopefully have this spring game, I don't even know if that's going to happen or some type of showcase. This or something where Tech and get in front of somebody kids or vice versa. So I think you're going to get some more kids. I just love the changes, they've been doing in the offseason, I don't really get hype about a lot of stuff in the offseason because you never know. I mean, you never know with attrition DUIs in eligibility academics, you just never know. I mean, it's the that's what makes it beautiful the unknown, the unexpected.

52:52 That's also, sometimes when makes it painful and detrimental because they are known. We don't know what we can build. Which is why Vegas has so much money. But at the end of the day, I guess I do like the higher, like the people who are in blacks were right now. Because I think, you know, when that day period is they know, from what I know and talking to people Pearson pray those on that staff. We played together for years at Tech. That's my brother. Justin Hamilton is my guy. I know they won and went and they get it and they were there. They know what it takes but their hand Cuff right now to some degree with covid. It's a it's it's a tough situation and make no mistake about it. You know.

53:34 I lost some clothes people to covid and I'm sure you guys know some stories as well. And may have lost a few, it is serious. I'm not going to get political, I don't know. It's it's real. You can feel like it's whatever hopes. I know, it's real and small businesses and a lot of people have been affected and I'm just praying it eventually gets contained and we get back to some normalcy because for me, just, you know, football and sports, especially Virginia Tech Spring Game, all that stuff for therapeutic for me and so many other people and hopefully, you know, we can get over this hump and get back to, you know, getting guys in that stadium and seeing that place where I can again, 100%.

54:16 We got to attend that first spring game, the first year of Jetson valente's 10 year and it was great me and this guy we drove up we drove back down. Hit all the spots. I'm going to say a couple things while I jump to my next question, you mentioned Jordan Williams a lot of people get on to Wednesday like he doesn't have personality yada yada, whatever Jordan Williams said something. When he came back he basically he said Tech was the runner-up. He's like the relationship I forged with coach for Entei was it held a lot to me and it was almost like the way he said and when I saw the opportunity you know Clemson's bringing people in and I'm seeing less opportunity. I still have the relationship with the head coach.

54:57 So as you said before it matters and the perception our head coaches getting, maybe it's, maybe it shouldn't be that way because of those words from Jordan Williams, but you mentioned tap. Now, he's going to the NFL of my 49ers Speed him, but man, let me tell you, Um they brought in your teammate. Somebody you have interviewed on Victory Life JC price. Yes sir. How do you feel about him coming in and you know I'm assuming he's going to probably pick up the reins of a lot of what Darryl was going to do. Jason price is a man's man, he's your defensive line Mommy, I can tell you right now. JC price is a guy you want to play for and you know they upgraded because tap was energetic.

55:42 Take knowledgeable, insightful and was with it. You see the 49ers grab them so he knows what he's doing but to be fair he actually probably is in that same position and probably more knowledgeable and experienced because he's been coaching longer, he was on the staff and he led the way when JMU gave took one of the biggest upsets in college football history of the Year Tech won the ACC in 2010 led by Ryan and Ryan Williams. So at the end of the day, the guy knows tank and he can coach and you know, You don't you looking you, people say oh you know, he was at a mid, you know, made Marshall. Look, you don't make Marshall in JMU relevant by not knowing the landscape of his State and getting players that wanted and some should have gone to.

56:28 Okay God do your homework. When you talk about these guys on Twitter, JC price was it was definitely a great hire when it comes down to it, man. No Fuente. You know we all be critical man because it's tough on. On a ledger and he, you know, the timeout is past year against Liberty. Oh my gosh, I felt for him. I was pissed. But I fell for, you know, I made mistakes. Yeah. Oops. I made mistakes as a player. I mean, how many times you know, it has allowed me to feel bad when he got called for holding and they gave the winning touchdown. I mean, or lll go. Shayne Graham talked about the do Mi, so he missed a field goal that would have wanted to beat us in Miami beat Miami and Miami Linden winning in overtime, but he felt awful that whole week.

57:13 Edited a man, you know. Listen it happens. I think the whole personality thing is tough because went a, when you he doesn't he doesn't come across well on TV the same way dabble does you know dabble. You know to sometimes can be corny. That's me. He is you know, you know but his players love them and they'll you know, they're go to bat for him and they fight for him. And he's able to convince guys that shouldn't come back to come back and pursue a national champions. Ship and and that and Fuente is just got to be him. And to be fair, you know, the Beamer you guys saw a late in his career when he was turning his head and dab it and dancing and dancing in the locker room and UVA that Beamer didn't exist when I was at tank. If you remember what he looked like, he would kill somebody on the sidelines.

58:12 Same word as JC Coleman and Brandon Flowers and Chris Ellis. God was not to be. We were there when he was building when he was on the hot seat, when he couldn't afford a laws, you gotta understand something. That's what I'm saying looking for into now and if he stays and keeps winning, he'll be a lot different. Then you got to be careful when you compare because Beamer doesn't come across as man. This guy's killing a room. You know, if that's not Beamer but the same time you Seeing now with his little dog, Frank, Hank, whatever, and he's walking around, he's cracking jokes and he's always been a funny guy that would roast you on the low and he's always been, you know, highly respected and just someone you want to be around and he was all, he's always been funny but you know, early in his career which I was there for, it wasn't fun and games.

59:02 You know, after big wins. He might let's go and throw the fist in the air and hug, guys, whatever. I mean, we beat Miami for the fourth year in a row, in the old Orange Bowl went before Became Pro Player Stadium or whatever it's called. Now, I don't think name and Pizza Hut RS. I don't know what it's called but you know, we beat them back. Then I remember in a locker when I was elated and I'll hug them and I was just like cause we won. He was like, Hey, great when you know, I was like, okay, you know, like he was, he was, he was different. You get older become a grand dad and Shane's now, a man and doing it. You your looser, you know, your job secure, you can run, you can let your guard down a bit. You know, he wasn't doing the Nae Nae Ane. All that dough, Millie WAP, and all that stuff, you know, when we would are.

59:47 So In fairness of Wednesday, he's not going to be doing all that right now. He's not going to come on TV and crack jokes because In fairness to him everything now on Twitter and social media is used against him even if he slips up whether it's a timeout or he missed says someone's name or you know he's guarded about who he's going to start. You know, it's just going to be his, everything's, you know, we're on edge, because Hokie Nation. If there's a fan base, that deserves a national championship and deserves answers and deserves wins, its Hokie Nation. I mean, you look at the Red Sox before they got over the hump that Cubs the Cavaliers and basketball.

1:00:31 Virginia Tech has suffered Decades of. We almost had them like the dollar and that insurance commercial. We have almost had it so many times the Matt Ryan You know, go back to my years, the temple game on the goal line, we're ranked 14th, we win that game. We jump in the top eight, you know, the laws against Kansas, you know, in the Orange Bowl and Brandon Brandon or sit out the first half because of Team violation, rules Tech has been on the doorstep for years and now with the offense of talent and the offensive scheme, whether we want to admit it or not, we made it up in our mind that we're going to be in this National Championship especially when we come out the gate. Eight in 2016 and take Clemson to The Verge and we get down there. If what they said after the game he's going to go for two and you got Bucky and Isaiah for you like man, Clemson is Clemson and we won the coastal in his first year and we did it to myself with the expectations.

1:01:29 So now, you know, I don't think Jordan Williams is lying, you know? Ask me. I don't think Ashley's line Richard Ashby. I don't think Pablo's. I don't think Stan Rogers a line. That's their coach. I think he's just guarded, I think he's just going to get, you know, be who he is. And I don't really care if he, you know, didn't speak. And just talk in Sign Language. I just need wins. Okay. They, you know, I, you know, I mean, you know, do I want a more personal for? Yeah, but there's a lot of guys who are great and press conferences and they haven't won anything in four years and got fired. Yeah, you know, the fine line. Between being charismatic, but still losing in the fourth quarter.

1:02:14 I don't care. Oh my God. I just don't want you going out there and losing the weight and getting blown out of pit. Boom. And look at this, do you think do you think savings trying to be around? We don't know. I mean his pressure is he looks like he hates the fact, the sun is shining, but at the end of the day, his players love them. And the fact is he's win. So he can kind of be like that. It's funny because Belichick now when he was winning so much I know that Pros, but everything was gray. He could be that way. Now you start losing. You know, it's viewed differently because losing does that. I said this one time on another show. Maybe. I think I tell you say that to you too. You know, losing ages. You everything looks bad.

1:02:56 You look worse, winning, we Cuban eight. You everything looks better food, taste better. The Outlook is brighter. And you know, Forte just, you know, him and his staff of got to win and it's the what have you done for me lately world. And as far as his personality, you know my guys in the burger told me they loved them but false or not talk one time. He said, Vicki if you ever met him you know you would like him a lot, you know, he told me, he reminds me a lot of Frank. So I trust both Foster. I just think right now we combine our frustrations with the losing or inconsistencies and then it's human nature for anyone when something's not going, right?

1:03:40 We all need to find Someone or something to blame. And I think that's what happens especially in sports. And there are too many variables just to blame one guy. But when you're the head coach, that's the way it works. And especially when in people's mind, you make enough money where you should be doing better and it sucks but it's the way it is but hopefully things change. I know. That's a contingency of fans that think it won't and there's some that would think it will. I'm a wait-and-see guy. I choose to be optimistic mostly Time. I'm a realist though. I think right now we got to play better and we got to have a better football like you and it better identity during the season. Yeah, absolutely. Yeah.

1:04:21 During the season, there were points in time last year where you know, there were certain parts like in the UNC game and then there were certain ways we play defense against Clinton that me, and Brian literally said that team showed up on both sides of the ball every week. We would be running for the national championship. It was the consistency. Distance eut in consistencies back and forth. I'm gonna ask one more about a coach. Well, coach analyst whatever. Any thoughts on John tenuta? I don't know if you know him, you know. He's got a son playing down there, he's been everywhere. It seems as a DC or as a football coach and he relationship with him. And if so what do you think of the higher? I don't know to know her personally but I think it's a great hire.

1:05:10 I say this, you know, people that, you know, again want to find criticism. Well, he's at UVA guy. Well, here's the thing, but Foster when he was trying to be a coach he interviewed for the UVA job. Okay. So, calm down, you know, day, you know, people don't people don't need to understand something in the offseason. This whole robbery stuff that we have on Twitter with the means and the people getting personal into fights in the parking lot at tailgates. These coaches hang out together golf together, they talk during the season. They text each other. They talk about players. They consult one of this of business. And if you know anything about old-school listeners, listen to this show. Google fill our nation. And what he did, he was the same person before to neuter. He came to Tech and help bhima create his Mantra on defense. He helped create the lunch pail defense for Bud Foster, right? So, at the end of the day, Phil H, I'll Mason was a Ernie man to, but he came in and created that eight-man front that Boston could but coach, but Foster took to the next level and made it the lunch pail D, which is legendary in the history of college football, right?

1:06:17 So to neuter, is another guy and not only do they do great work in Cincinnati. He did great work wherever he went because he's a great coach to be honest with you, man. I'm already hearing. His impact is being felt in the locker room, not a locker room, but in the office is the coaches meanings. Justin Hamilton. The right guy for the job. I think he heard him speak. We saw when he was able to get his hands on the defense, they got better to statistically. And with the eye test as the season went along late in the season I think you got to give somebody like that a chance, you know, to learn from someone like to neuter because I'm here because I learned from people that, you know, when my predecessors and mentored me, I don't care what line of business and you got to have somebody to consult and leads you and teach you.

1:07:02 So there's nothing wrong with That and I'll just add that at the end of the day, it's a great high for Tech man, you throw him in there JC price those guys on winners then winners and they can coach. They can coach their asses off. And on top of it, they know the game. And you got to have people like that in your building, but I don't know him personally, but I saw that. And that's one of those hires man, you know, when you sign certain players, so you hire certain coaches We live in the world where you know if it's not impactful as far as like at that moment. I oh my gosh, man. You know, that is that's a great higher and then you know, months later a year, you know, turns out it wasn't what we thought, right? Like when Dwayne Lawson was the quarterback of the future. We were so hype and that never panned out, you know? I'm saying you use.

1:07:56 There's a lot of guys like that. They'll Juju Clayton aware that there's all these guys. Oh my gosh. But then all of a sudden, quietly, a guy commence or coach comes On board and years later, you're like, wow, how big was that? Like even when we signed the kid that you kogai Jerrod Evans that really wasn't calibrated, that wasn't people, didn't go crazy with that commitment. And then look what he did in the record books for Tech, and the Coastal Division title. So I think to notice the same kind of higher, I think you look at what he does. I mean, I think there was more talk about him being a UVA guy and what he said about tech when he was on UVA staff. But here's the thing, how many fans that listen to the podcast or get on Twitter say I'm never watching Tech again.

1:08:41 They will never get a dollar for me just team is trash fire everybody. And then next we did like oh great, wind Hokies are love you Hokie Nation, great win over Miami, we do, we do that. We're emotional history of most, we are we do, the noodle was a UVA guy that season. He was talking trash bash, and it is what it is. You think with my son being a basketball, Prospect of UVA offered him and take, didn't I would be singing while who all day during basketball season and I like, you know, it's it is what it is. But I mean I hope that calls but anyway but like y'all you know just answer your question guys.

1:09:25 That was a great hire. I like that a lot. I did I actually that's probably the most excited. I've been besides JC joining the staff. That's awesome. Yeah I was looking at was like, yeah, this this guy. Can I feel like can do what I think. Tracy claeys was originally brought in to do, but never really seemed to have success with. I feel like, you know, to nude his role is going to be kind of that guy to, you know, hold the mirror up and maybe even find blind spots that Justin Hamilton doesn't see and kind of fill in those areas and make him a better coach in the long run. So yeah, I definitely didn't run. Yeah, and to your point about those blind spots. I'll tell you one that, you know, I think Justin was, she could have back, I never asked him about it. But like, that Liberty game, many people talk about that, time out, that coach Fuente burn for the Personnel lineups, everything like that.

1:10:16 But prior to that, you know, the defensive alignment where Justin backed off everybody. And then they got that quick first down, and they made the kick, much easier. Yeah, but it was almost like Tech wasn't supposed to win that game. Anyway, because I saw that kicker Or and after he played Tech and he was absolutely garbage. He couldn't kick but he you know that's that's you know, Liberty Liberty made a great wind, I think, you know, you know, back to your point about to new to, you know, fill in the gaps and those blind spots, I think that's the fine line between winning and losing, not just for Virginia Tech but a lot of programs because, you know, the Liberty game, the Wake Forest game just a lot of games, just the last two seasons. The game against Kentucky, where they had it converted wide receiver playing quarterback that was false as last year. But there were a lot of games and if we went to his tenure, when he gets Milan and criticized for a variety of reasons more, so losing the game. But there were times within a game where I felt like the staff was just a little bit off with their coaching decisions and I think sometimes it's a matter of adjustments. And sometimes it's a matter of being lucky who's the gentleman Brought in a few years ago from Minnesota, he's a journeyman to the offensive consultant that left heel who dare Kill. Ya, Jerry kill saw what he did for our program that year. We made the run one in the end

1:11:46 of the season. Went out of five out of six or whatever, after the Duke debacle, and they doing Hendon hooker as a starter bench Ryan. Well, let's put offensive ly along with Buzz, shutout defenses, and things like that. I really felt like that was a great guy to bring in because he's going To do with the nude. Again there's going to do. Excuse me. Yeah, yeah, definitely wouldn't kill came in. It felt like almost like the offense. Had more Direction. Didn't put players and as many bad spots so yeah, I definitely think you have to do to can do something similar with the defense that's going to be good for us. Uh-huh. I'll say that. I wanted to ask you this question. We saw a tweet come through the other day from you regarding like transfer portal and stuff like that.

1:12:31 I'll read it to you and I'll let you kind of respond to it a little bit. Here. Okay, believe me. I know everyone has a reason but breath some of you guys are just running. You know, and take things forget, I talk about other programs to and people like, oh, Quincy Patterson. And I'm like, first of all, Quincy, definitely you knew he was leaving. That was inevitable hooker. Actually he I think he made the right decision by leaving because I felt like and again I'm not now locker room. I'm not in the quarterback meeting room, I felt like with him having to health issues in the beginning and you know them throwing him in the Mix and late in that game against you and see where he just was on fire. I'm sure he was uncertain about his future, so that makes sense. But just same time, there are some Tech players and some other players across the country where they got to learn how to fight, man.

1:13:32 You gotta learn how to snap that. And I'm not talking about Floyd Mayweather Tyson. I mean, you know, because people two words, yeah, I'm talking about fighting adversity, people don't realize, it's almost transfer from Tech. I was a redshirt sophomore. And this is back when Tech the Golden Era of their offensive. Lineman, you know, when you know, I was there. DiNapoli Derrick, Derrick Smith tied Washington, Chris Malone, Bill Conti Jim Pine some of the best ever. Yeah. Jay hey good TJ Washington. Mike by an shit you talkin about some great matte layer, David Candela you know. Anthony Davis came behind me that was the golden are. I think this year you had a snapshot Of what it could be if they keep getting guys like what they had their today. I mean this season, but I'm playing but, you know, you're 18, 19 years are I'm like, why am I not starting? I mean, I lettered as a redshirt freshman, I'm playing a lot as a redshirt sophomore and I'm playing in the important parts of the game, but you want to play more and I'm like, I'm just as good a Janeiro and Janeiro and I are brothers, that's my guy, so it's not personal.

1:14:44 So To be fair, I did talk to my dad about transferring to Hampton University. I was looking at JMU has some of my friends that left and I called them and they were like, absolutely. Now that coach know you're interested but my dad was like, you shouldn't leave. What are you doing? You're playing. You guys are going to the Orange Bowl e with ten in one. You know, you're playing, you're contributing, you're in the mix. And you're, you're going to start next year as a junior and it kind of was a smack in the face over. Oh, the phone like, yeah. Wake up, snap out of it. And then we're got back to coach height and Coach Grimes and Beamer and different coaches talked to me, and they were like, you're not doing anything wrong, which is very talented and you just got to keep fighting.

1:15:30 And there were some things I needed to do better, and the ego is very powerful because it addresses, your conscious and subconscious. He when you don't think it does and the ego is the manipulator to, because your start, Analyzing bad decisions. Yeah, yeah. Well I should I should have done this. I should have lead, they don't respect you, you know it's like that angel devil on your shoulder and the devil was like you got to go, you're not appreciating you, you know, you you were from Hampton. You you were fourth in the nation by sporting news and you were ranked and you only playing 27 snaps. You need to start, thank God, I didn't. Listen man, I stayed and I fought End up meeting my wife, the following year, my future wife and was part of some great wins, be Alabama.

1:16:18 My senior year, you know, as you guys mentioned, I'm one of the, you know, one of the best players to play there and that's me know, William Boatwright. So many guys why I tell her, you know, I feel like I'm honored just to be mentioned. So at the same time, some of these guys have been lied to by their trainers and 707 coaches in their High School coaches. They're being lied to. I mean, think about all the greats that stay. Fade and fall. I mean, look at the guy, like, Greg, Boone who I saw in high school at Oscar Smith and he was an animal and they put him at Tech at tight end. And he was a quarterback in high school and they were reading that wild turkey with him, which is the text version in the Wildcat and he had some great runs in the Red Zone but didn't really pass the ball to him that much. He wasn't utilized like Bucky Hodges and rightfully so him. Bucky are two different types of body, builds and different types of tight ends but Greg Boone.

1:17:09 And the Lesser College could have been missed In his own, right? But here's the thing. You talk to tech fans. He was a stud, you know, it's just it's your perspective, he was a, he was a great blocker, he was reliable. He has some key catches. He was a great and short yardage. He had to let you know, some great runs in the red zone and he was reliable. Like I said, you know, it's just sometimes you don't realize that you are in a good position. I do think some of these guys are being misled and I think some of these guys are are making bad. Decisions. I think some of these guys are running and I have no problem, I'll say it again, like Samuel L Jackson, I'll tweet lie again. You know I'm saying like, you know, at the end of the day I think guys have to learn how to compete, man. I mean, Brandon Flowers.

1:18:00 Shout out to the OG when the best that do it, the goat. In my opinion, Brandon Flowers, today's his birthday. He was sitting behind Jimmy Williams. Who was a unanimous All-American? You know now Brandon Flowers is that Tech. You know, I'm not saying he would Brandon but the kind of player that that like him wouldn't go and wake behind Jimmy Williams. He said I'm saying, is that making sense? Absolutely, you know, some of these guys are premature and you know what? I'm not going to do this but I'll say it. I won't get on Twitter and then people because I don't like, I don't want to make it personal, but I'll say this, there's a strong track record of a lot of guys leaving and not doing well.

1:18:44 And you guys, you probably know some you thinking about right now who were premature and them leaving, and they left. And again, some guys leave and you like, hey, you need to go closer to home or, you know, their position coach laughs, and, you know what? However, it is or but I mean like, for example. All right, I'm going to say a name and I get it. I still maybe you guys got the scoop on what happened? Why it is? My gosh, I'm bad with names today. The kid he was he did it go to Missouri. The receiver that dude was there last year that with opposite side? Trey Turner the receiver Hazleton. Yeah.

1:19:27 Yeah, you know, I don't know him don't know his story but Dude, you had what 10 touchdowns last year? What's the? I don't get it, you go to Missouri, I know, text regnum it, come on now. I mean again, maybe there's something going on, maybe he's got a girlfriend there, maybe they got the education department that I don't know, but some of these guys I don't get it. It's what I mean, it's not just about to transform Porter, it's just like some of these guys just like, you know, it's a different mindset, it's kind of like a me. You, we were all hanging out. And I was like, you know what, tonight, I feel like Papa John's. I've had enough of, you know, Domino's, you know why I want to Gumby's Pizza, you know, I just you know what was wrong with? Not just, you know, I just feel like you know, I want to travel now I want to go check out New York. You know, you just that's why I feel like some of these guys are doing.

1:20:17 Yeah. You know, like I want to. Yeah. Hey yeah. Check it out. As soon as the first sign of trouble, it's like all right. Well, I'm gonna try something different. Yeah. Yeah. There's some of them that make sense. Don't get me wrong, because in this is numerous schools, because I look at the portal. 47. All the time that I was here about guys transferring some of them you look and it's like they're like seventh on the death truck but they're talented. Their goal is in their mind is I need to get on the field so people can see me play and you get that and then but then there's guys like Hazleton who's going to be on the field and it's like to your point. Well is Damon. We don't know the store but could the backstory be, he's got his degree, they have a good master's program and he's thinking I'm gonna probably try to chase my enough. L dream.

1:21:05 But I want to get my masters and that universities really good. So there's a different reason then I think to your point. Some guys are like, man, I'm I'm third on the time thirst ring on the depth chart man and coaches. Always riding me and man. I'm tired of it to your point. Is you make it bleep. You make a great point but I'll just add, you know, I don't know if you saw it yet but he was on my show to Vontae Beckett. All right. Stay back behind move the top it will cry. Can't say his name. The kids from sailing with all the hair and also Jalen. Yeah, and the Edmonds brother, right? He was telling me this and he got into the trouble, which everything later was dismissed but he ended up being Conference USA. Deep is the played a year and Bud Foster actually ironically JC price reached out to him after a recommendation from both Foster and it was a marriage made in heaven and he was happy but he told me about her.

1:22:04 How he was going to stay at even though he was behind those guys I mean in Edmonds is a stud you see what he's doing for the Buffalo Bills but he wasn't talking about transferring. I mean, I just think, you know, at the end of the day, you know, they are legit reasons. And I say all this, who knows what my son may happen when he may get somewhere and have to transfer. And I think the transfer portal has been good to Virginia, Tech people Overlook that sometimes because we look at who we lose but looking for We've gotten Khalil her. Bernie other guys back the same time. I stand by what I tweet. I think some of these guys are premature and their decisions, their emotional, I tell kids all the time when I'm entering found to them, be careful getting directions on your journey from people who've never left their home.

1:22:54 You know, you got to be careful getting advice from people who have to two credits at Strayer who trying to tell you what Universe you should go play ball lat. Yeah. Heh Be careful. Yeah be careful because these guys don't know they haven't been on the depth chart and injuries happen, you know? And I just think sometimes it's okay. Like my son was on Varsity this year, he played and maybe seven games but he was you know, behind Juniors and seniors and he was a true. He true, he was a freshman on the varsity and I said, man just stay ready to keep working hard, you know, learn pay attention when you get in the game you know, be coachable and but you believe it or not?

1:23:34 Today's world we live in is some freshmen. Who would like man? I'm not going to stay here next year. I need to be starting now going to transfer to this school, to go to this private school because it's coach saw my mixtape and I got it and and, and that's what's happening. I'm just, I'm just over it man. Like when I stole that tweet, not what I tweeted but the tweet I retweeted. I stole that from a Divan Morgan. Yeah, and I was like this number is ridiculous. I mean there. Kids just sitting there, you know, and I get it. We lost the kid, Virginia Tech and the transfer portal. The receiver out of Lafayette, not Hazleton.

1:24:18 He was the Partridge with Hezekiah. Yeah. Now he's a he's a player that I thought should have because I used to tweak, can we get him some balls but then again, Trey Turner in Hazelton and Robinson today. But David Robinson was just just phenomenal Trio receivers, how you going to get on the field with them, you know. So it works both ways. Um, and I just, you know, but I do know some of these guys, you know, they get on here with these subtweet. So these Cryptid Twigs, you know, time to explore my options or, you know, it's been good Blacksburg.

1:25:00 Yeah, Brett. Just stop it, you know, come on, you know, I'm saying, you know, just Just make a decision and and and fight through some adversity. Yes, I think some absolute. I know it was like this for me, even even playing D3. Like going from being your big man on campus in high school to Blake, everybody being good is kind of a shock to the system and you gotta you gotta work through a whole lot and you're not going to necessarily climb you know to the 2D just because you know you were good back in high school. So you gotta you had a fight through that and when you Get on the field. You got to make sure you make most of that opportunity and not not worry about what my snap count was only 10 in this game or whatever it is make the most of those opportunities.

1:25:44 Yeah, absolutely man. And and I'm not that old head on your show right now. Who is like, oh man, these guys are so soft. And we didn't have that many uniform combos. Like I said earlier, man, I want all these guys to be successful. I want X to be relevant. I wanted to be winning, and I want, you know, Even with hinging hooker, man, I don't really care for Tennessee football, but I want him to sign it Tennessee, but they seem like they're going through their own since they in my last point on that man. And I'm not gonna be long on this point, but I don't know. I don't know these young guys and I said it's because I did know this, I don't know if they realize, man, you're going to many, many of them will go and get a shot and many of them. Some of them, not many will get a chance to stay or have a career like, Nick Source in who's now coaching and league. But he was a special teams captain and played at Seattle and got some reps and had a good career as a contributor and that's fine.

1:26:54 Like, but did you get a degree in you come back or you cold sore? Start a family. But I don't know if all these guys realize that it's not just about the football, like I get it because I knew like, people don't realize I had a shot and I got a call and, you know, I went to the Ravens minicamp and the Patriots called might go forth for my tape and I mean, but they took Damien Woody and why wouldn't he was great and he did great and New England. He was great at BC he played at Patrick Henry Ashland, but I did it today. A man, like, I got two degrees met my wife and I was all-conference and and played in bowl games and had my name called not for hold him before great blocks. So, you know, at the end of the day, man like you're bigger than that, you know, be a bigger than something than just football and I think sometimes with the combination of social media, the manufacturer height we have right now, the misinformation these kids get, I think sometimes they lose himself with all this and they actually put more pressure. Pressure on themselves.

1:27:58 They realize Yeah, I can totally concur with you because I didn't play any Collegiate Sports. I was in a fraternity but I made some of my best friends. I met my wife at school me and Brian had known each other since middle school, we're still hanging out 23 later. It's a lot more than just that. So I like that point, I am here to ask you a question because you've mentioned some games here and there, what was your favorite game that you played in IT Tech? What is Nick game sticks and says, that's the one cool man.

1:28:39 You know what? Oh my God. That is a tough question. That is a very tough question about this. How about 30? She top three. Maybe that can help the Well, I wish you a text me that before. So I could because Dad stuff because I'll probably when we done recording this I'll probably say oh I had this one. Okay. I think I heard you mentioned before the first time, tech one in the Orange Bowl. You are part of that team right? Huh. Yeah that was special. I didn't play that much but it's funny.

1:29:20 That was going to be my number one was the His bowl win. There's the second one we had that we won there for the first time in 96. We came back in 98. We were 3 and 0 - 3 you know yeah that's definitely him a one and it was a hurricane. Ironically the Miami Hurricanes, a hurricane on the horizon, coming up the coast and we had to get that game. And it was a prime-time game at 8:00 p.m. and the only other primetime game and for you 90s early 2000s, heads, you realize this was a big rivalry to time. Tennessee, with Peyton Manning was playing and I believe Peyton Manning was gone. It was Tee Martin and Florida led by Steve Spurrier. They were the Primetime other game. So man being Tech, both ranked on and my Tennessee and Florida was in the other channel and we beat Miami and over time when they had gosh Talent, Ray Lewis not Ray Lewis, he was already going.

1:30:17 That was you have a few years before. But they had a Damian Lewis. Edgerrin, James Clinton Portis was a Act of Ed Reed was the starter Santana Moss Reggie. When we got down 2:47, you know, Luke was on the sidelines girls. Twerking in the stands sold out. That came out in the Smoke ma'am. He's talking Cash. Money trash, they had damn Morgan. My gosh, so many household names, man and speed all on the field. It was so humid, but it was a great win. I mean, we want to know what time Corey morning goldberger called Bradley Nate Williams. Chris, Cyrus Chad, Beasley David Pew, the baby death row because that follow me in 99, they did with 95.

1:31:04 Did they were also great. But that game was great beat Miami and then running to that Sidelines. Saying that's four in a row. Y'all can't beat us and their coaches, like, get out of here, get out of here, you know, and they were hot, you know? And that was the old Orange Bowl. There was a mistake there and technique you can see us. It was Is it because, you know, you beat him in 95, you beat him with 96, you beat him in 97 and 97. They said they were rebuilding and we beat him in 98. That's four in a row and you can see that Butch Davis was building something special with them, but Tech was not ready to give it up. And we were the premier program. That was really special, really, really special, probably number one.

1:31:49 So that would be the favorite game. I would throw in Alabama. My That game ever as a hokie, we had heartache that year but the heartache set up the great season that was 99. But 98 we lost the temple who had lost 35 935 conference games in a row Temple. For all you old, his listing was the worst program every year in college football. We were ranked. What change? We would like a 20-something Point favorite. We were up 17. Nothing. They came back and won in Lane Stadium on homecoming. 2824. That's saying you we lost the Syracuse in the Orange Bowl. We win the game. We go to the BCS bowl and play Florida Gators in the Orange Bowl. We let that game, 21, 22, and we lost to make Nano on a last second touchdown.

1:32:38 That was that same year and then we also lost to UVA losing 20, not winning 6:31 and it came back and avenge their comeback lost to us from 95. Aaron Brooks to pass to my longtime friend of mine Hawkins. So not we rating three we're ranked but we should be undefeated, it's my senior year and we're ranked and we playing Alabama and they are talking trash the entire week at audible activities and festive. This is the SEC. They had a cornerback named Fernando Brian who was an All-American and All-American running back and I had, who's that I'm Alexander was the running back. Number 11, yes.

1:33:23 Alexander and it was the and they also had the All-American offers alignment off the tackle, Chris Samuels, and I really like hanging out at a joint team function, he was telling coin Engelberg, had never given up a sack even in practice and I was like, who is this? Dude, you know, we smoked Alabama, gave them their worst Bowl loss, ever in the inaugural Music City Bowl in the middle of a Northeastern in Nashville, Tennessee, in dolly world. We gave We got that dub on them and they were sick to their stomach, and the entire night. And then, even the next day, all you heard was rolltech because, you know, they say Roll Tide and Hokie Nation to, so that was great. And, you know, I get even emotional interior. Telling you guys that right now, because, you know, those losses still haunt me, you know, as a senior as a player those three losses to UVA Syracuse and Temple but at least It's my last game, you know, was over Alabama, first time we ever beat him and it was a legendary win and I set up the momentum for the 99 season, which they probably should have won that year in the national championship game. But they played for one and then just to throw in good measures, you know, as far as, you know, three, I would probably say There's a lot more but I right now I would probably say this Syracuse game that saying he, I'm not the same year my junior year because the Syracuse game

1:34:58 was great, because we beat them, 31, 27, ever forget mcnab's, quote after the game. It was on my birthday. So we went on my birthday but McNabb said to the media, the press in his post game, press sir, we could have won if we wanted to and Mike who backed up McNabb always say that because of that, quote, I never understood that quote, but that's the days where we couldn't win up there at the Dome, and they couldn't win in Lane stadium, and nothing better than, you know, when, you know, your birthday and then going downtown to our nose and Big Al's and getting drinks. And it's your birthday and you won, and you got the Virginia Tech sweat suit on and everybody's showing you love and His great man. It is a great, great feeling.

1:35:47 I love when it but Tech, man. I got more great wins, you know, I would throw another wins where I was, you know, a backup or played, some the Sugar Bowl 95 but those are the three I gave you right there. Especially at Miami when was great to Clemson win and 98 was good going down and Clemson is checking them out 37 nothing but I don't really love that game. It was so hot in South Carolina for twelve o'clock kickoff. I felt like a sun was behind this event. It was that game was played at a party with a movie until 3:00, because you now we have the code red Code. Orange heat advisories. And you know, it's a different time. So, you know, no, such thing is red and orange heat advisory in the 1990s and just, I think about looking back, man. Could love.

1:36:37 I remember when people were dying in 98 people, 96 people, Corey Stewart passed away for the Vikings Rush. Lost the player people were passing out in the Heat and beans is like you got to fight through it. That was it, that was his response and I was like, I just knew we're going to get Practice cancelled but again, different time, different era. But you guys got me emotional now, think about those great wins. Those were some great great times man and that's the beauty of being on the team like a great team like that. Love to hear that love you that I want to ask. Personal question that you might only have.

1:37:18 One that comes to mind. Was there a guy that whether you practice against the more you play the game against them? Like when you saw his number across the ball? You just said you said, man, it's gonna be a long day. Mmm, law that happened in practice. Yeah I remember man you gotta remember something man. I went against jimbaran Hank Coleman Cornell Brown JC price, Corey Moore Johnny will Burger Carl Bradley Martin Luther. Listen you can That right there and then but I will. But just to give some perspective, I want again, some West Virginia and back in the late 90s when I play, they were built like us. And they had, they had some studs, they had some great defensive lineman, the names Escape me now. Sometimes my memory does this not for, like, in mind. Okay.

1:38:12 But I don't have CT anything but it's just you getting old, but They had Gary Steals and they had a guy named Thornton at West Virginia, and they were animals. Gary Stills, and Thornton Thornton was a defensive tackle. He actually just broadcasting for the Big East Network. I don't know if they even still do that now. But he was an animal in West Virginia where they were so physical, like it was like a chisel full quarters of battle, then of course you want to throw in Chris Hogan at Boston College. He was tough. I said, man. Dwight Freeney. No, thank God.

1:38:54 I thank God my longtime team. I mean my longtime brother might email Anthony Lambo had that distinct honor given up the six sacks that year my at the Orange Bowl, Dwight Freeney was an animal. I will say this, it's the toughest deal on other than Virginia Tech. I mean, I say because I'm the few players that toughest d-line And I went against their Rivals Virginia Tech, but you protect still has the advantage who, you know, you heard who I name, but was the 97 care, the 97 UNC team in the Gator Bowl led by Mack Brown. They beat the beep out of.

1:39:35 I mean, they just, they should have been in that bowl game. We were banged up. We were seven and four finished second in the Big East, 5 and 2 in conference play. But our best players were in the stands or done. Al Clark, didn't finish the game Knicks. Orson got MVP at a bowl game for us and he was an emergency quarterback for us now, Clark Was Heard, Dave Myers Was Heard chiron's didn't play. Ricky Hall, didn't play. And Andre Davis didn't play, but they had every needs a cube on Vani holiday, my Greg Ellis, and I remember I got called for holding that game late in the game.

1:40:15 And I remember, just like, just there's a picture of me. Me I'll post it. You know, it's probably miss throwback but I'll post it again back when I had hair and they had to ruin, no times caught me on the bench. Will look we're already lost the game 42 3 but it's still time and I got my head facepalm, I'm leaning over just you know my Lima gloves on rubbing my face. You know it's 3:45 in Jacksonville Florida p.m. and it's overcast and I'm just thinking about I can't wait to get back to Blacksburg or Roanoke or whatever. And then the quote underneath me looking like I just competed in a Hunger Game, there will be played him 60 times. He would lose all 60.

1:40:57 So it looks like I said that mess but I was they have my picture but he says it Carolina Carolina had draped down that team karolina should not, they Carolina couldn't be Florida state that year and they were I'm forgetting guys. They have that team. I mentioned Ray blah but they were, we were seven and four. They were ten in one, and their only loss was to Florida State that's when Florida state had coals and Bobby Bowden and Peter, Warrick and floor statements, the BCS bowl that year and, you know, the way the bullet liner was back in North Carolina wants to the Gator Bowl, that's how I was. And we were overmatched, but I will say this funny story, I'm giving you some scoop beaver in the locker room. The guy.

1:41:43 L forget man. We just wanted to go home. We were done, we would defeat. It morale was just low because we just got in stomped on NBC and the Gator Bowl and Beamer came in. Grabbed the stool from somebody's locking he's, I want everyone to hear me and hear me now I'm paraphrasing but he said, everyone has been put on notice everybody's position including coaches. Everybody is on. Notice if you don't come back ready to play and ready to compete, you won't be here. Oh, yeah. Is 1997 97 after. So in 98, we knew man, you know, in Gentry, I mean, you know, the offseason was tough, you know. And, you know, and they were some guys ironically, that transferred be my point.

1:42:29 You see a theme here. So again, everyone's not built like that. There was some guys are transferred, not because they wanted more playing time, they weren't built for it. It is what it is. But yeah, man don't Those defenses. But you know what's funny though? Man is when you go against Corey Moore and Cornell Brown and JC price, and Waverly Jackson, and jimbaran and Lawrence, Lewis and Hank, Coleman and called Bradley and Nate Williams and Chad Beasley and David few when you get in the game is on Saturday or Thursday night, you're not worried man. I just hope one time that people say when did you know you were going to read? Sure, you know you were high profile play out of Hampton High.

1:43:16 I said, when I had to line up in front of Cornell Brown, I called my dad and my mom later on that night. Say yeah, I'm going to take this red shirt, you can we don't mention it this year, I'm going grabs, the rum gone go and put this red shirt on That's all good. I was only a year behind them. Cornell. I mean, Cornell, a lot of people say he flipped the in-state recruiting for Frank. Let me ask this in and I love kind of phrases to, right way because in when we were coming up Miami and UVA the rivalry games, when those games were played, it was a big deal. It was, I mean, when you got there 94 to roughly probably 06-07, it was games were Wars and me and Brian been talking. Like, do you feel that way Other Miami or UVA or maybe a semblance of both like those rivalry games, get back to where they were 20 years ago, where he like you mentioned the Miami game.

1:44:21 When it's a night game, both teams are in the top 10 or to Commonwealth Cup game. When you know like 95 when that happened when you know, both teams have 10 wins and both teams are trying to get you to Sugar Bowl and both teams ranked in the top 15. What do you Is more important that helps Elevate packed programme. Is it both? Or do you have a preference? Well, let me just add this real quick. You forgot to mention West Virginia because West Virginia was also up at net and you can make an argument as that you can make the argument to West Virginia, Virginia Tech robbery during the 90s and the early 2000s before Tech jump to the ACC and 04, probably better games and more important than the Virginia Tech UVA robbery but during my era, Era to your point, the UVA Virginia Tech robbery was epic and the Miami robbery with tech for years was epic.

1:45:19 It was it was Bloodshed, it was, you know, Braveheart near the end of the movie. It was real and it is my preference. I would like oh this is going to make some people mad. I like it when taking you via both good because I grew up in that and it's good for the kids, great for the Commonwealth. People look at me funny on camera. When I celebrate UVA not that they are celebrating wins but I'm like hey that's a good one. That's good for us. I mean it's it's just better, you know. Jonathan McLaughlin was like Hey everybody post your comment with, you know, drinking out the cup and I sell I lost my last two years you were here and he couldn't even fathom that and I said, hey man, they were really good. Y'all beat some UV.

1:46:07 A team that couldn't be Centerville High School on the road, okay? So you don't calm down, joking me, you know, because my UVA battles, we were going against, you know, Dingo and Patrick Carney and Wally Rainer and the farrier brothers. And you know, some studs. Aaron Brooks, you know, UVA was ranked 15th, we ranked, 18th and vice versa. It wasn't what you see now. So if you have both programs Beamer said it best in George Wells, co-signed it is enough Talent. Stay for both teams, to get it and win, but both teams are not getting especially to be fair UVA.

1:46:48 You know, UVA is the one that's falling short, the last 16 17 years, not Tech and grow, and I know tech fans are going to smirk when I say this. I think grow got to out-of-state happy during his day. He got coach two years and he just kept going up to New York, New Jersey Pennsylvania because he was a New York Jet coach. He didn't really look Holly upon Virginia talent and I think That came back to bite them because Tech was full of Commonwealth guys. So I think you got to get guys in state. I think Miami and Tech will always have that rivalry because of what we did during my era, and it's funny too, because Miami has a lot of coaching Carousel within their program, and nobody lives off, mystique and manufacture height, and history lessons more than the Hurricanes of Miami between Michael Irvin and Warren Sapp. We get more history lessons about the You, but less productivity on the field.

1:47:43 So it doesn't match up. It's more. So let me look at this 3430. So I can get what you're talking about because you guys are the king of underachieving, you know? So the reality is, as I mean, is constantly going to be a robbery or Tech because they're two Biggie's foes and they gave you great. I mean, if you, if you still have the ESPN classic channel to this day, I get, hey, you're on or even ESPNU, they always show tons of Tech UV. I mean, Miami rivalry games from the 90s a season. Yeah they do. Basic network was in those nannies, games act like in the summer last year. Yeah, and obviously, yeah, yeah.

1:48:28 But the UVA one, you need UVA to get better or like to push Tech but at the same time it's a fine line. You don't want them to become better because it can hurt you. So it's kind of How you VA helped us get into the ACC, you know, you kind of want both programs there. So I'm a Virginian, you know, I I love the Richmond area. I love Southwest Virginia, I love Northern Virginia and I love obviously my home 757 and I like you know I mean look you guys fought. We follow each other on Twitter at the end of the day, look how great that you VA Virginia Tech.

1:49:10 Basketball rivalry is Right now, and how it's been the last five years with buzz and Bennett. And now young and bidded who love and respect each other and look what they're doing for both programs and it's great, basketball and damn, right? It looks good. Seeing you be in Tech, the top of the ACC I like that. I want. What? Carolina-duke have? I'm tired of it. Why would, why can't we have that for the coastal? You know? I mean, yy-you can't be afraid of competition, you know? I mean, it's cool to brag about the streak and look at the little means and Mike, London, crying, what did Jordan face and I am. Okay.

1:49:52 Yeah, it's fun. But you really you really are you really bragging. You know, when you have a Midfield altercation between 25 and 16s and microbrew has leader come back to Bucky Hodges, I was in the stadium. Of the great win. But I left after the, you know, the Smoke Clears and you happy you beat your rival for the whatever. Team time is 6 is 6. Yep. If I was seven. So what are you really happy about? It's embarrassing. It's not. So he should brag about because everyone outside of Virginia doesn't give a damn, you know, and that's what people need to remind himself of you want to be part of something bigger than just the conference game. You know I'm saying II?

1:50:35 And I'm not I don't have Alabama, Clemson out. Alabama Auburn fatigue. I just I have I have fatigue when it comes to being irrelevant like, you know, when you wake up after a great win on Sunday morning and you're eating your breakfast and you you getting your fantasy lineup, shredding you like okay, okay, let me turn into these highlights, what they gonna say about this Tech UVA game on College, you know, game night. They just show the score, you know, buddy. Nobody cares. Yeah, nobody cares. They play the game. Here's the final score. Yeah, they're low and Other New Virginia Tech holds on be UVA. They'll go to the Bowl game that comes on Comcast, on December 1935, you know, I mean, what happens, you know, I don't, and I'm not mocking my program, I just think sometimes we need a reality, check, what we once had and what we need to get back to and Beyond and, you know, the answer your question again, I just think if it's my choice is Virginia Tech UVA. Although they what you want, but when you consistently beat Miami, Me like we've done and we've done it before the brand of Miami is still relevant when you beat Miami. Still turns heads.

1:51:44 Yeah, you know like we did last was it last year? Oh yeah. When we ask that Duke de barco and and then came down on my Miami game and they beat him you know, or that year when she Corey Harris and Kirk Herbstreit declared that you as back and tie rod and Jared Boykins beat him, 31 27, you know, when the rain game Smackdown in the rain and Lain under that game follow but to you doing in my house, got a question but I'm going to make it to your point of the Miami game. We had just gotten curb-stomped by Duke. I was still the 330 ABC game that year we were or two and two just lost by 42 a bad dude team.

1:52:30 But that game when the next game and I think you're right, and I'm with you, you won't, you VA Tech to be good but I think you agree. Right. Yeah, I'm right there with you. I think when UVA is good the program's push each other. Yes I think that's what kind of came out when when you were building the program at Virginia Tech in the 90s. And I feel like that is kind of what helped Propel Virginia Tech to what it became and what it was throughout the 2000s. And I feel like UVA being down and then some of the other things that have changed on the national recruiting front, you know, we just we're not where we were and I feel like getting some of that back getting Some of that competing for the same, you know, top 10 players in the state every year, not getting that back would be good.

1:53:16 You know what I sold? Mike Vick on coming to Tech. I said, imagine if you go to Tech and Ronald Kray goes to UVA and arrival, you guys had in high school continues. Oh, and he loved loved. He loved that notion. Of course. We all know, Ronald went to UNC because of their basketball and football program. Yep. Like a Mic Mac on in Dean Smith left but you know what, also, to you A point UVA ultimately indirectly because of their inconsistency with grow in London and the streak and them started losing it Duke. You know, when Duke was still inferior before, you know, they really got, you know, pretty good program. It resulted in Virginia Tech becoming complacent.

1:53:58 Because you your instinct robbery is almost a guaranteed win and you're still losing recruits, but you lose them to Ohio State but you're getting pretty much you still getting David Wilson, Logan, Thomas and Tyrod Taylor, so you're okay. And then, you know, it didn't really push you, it didn't? Because because again, Beamer had to get guys like myself, and kid knocks, and gone, and Toni Morrison. And all those guys that come in, Because you VA had George Wells and it was, my UVA was winning eleven games. Only have one ten win season in the history of their program but at the end of the day they were winning in the ACC and they held it over Jean takes here because the Big East was always looked upon as a very good conference but it wasn't named CeCe with their tradition, their passage free, so they had to leg up.

1:54:48 So Virginia Tech have to work twice as hard to become relevant and be respected. So I stand by what I say. It goes hand-in-hand man. You gotta you. You got to push each other hits the you know we need you to be great like you know you know Skywalker Invader you gotta have that enemy. You got to have the Yankees and Red Sox. Get over here like matters. Yeah you got some you got to have that, you know. Yeah. You know. So we're going to close out with one last question. This one kind of be a fun one. So everybody was hype on the Twitter timeline. I'm sure you saw it. Double a football game coming back.

1:55:29 Probably next couple years. What is something that hasn't been in that game? If you played it recently that they need to put back in that game, be put in the game now whether it's like changes to recruiting or the transfer portal or whatever it may be, either, they have like with 2K has that my career. I don't know if they have it but like, you know, if you play 2K, you do you go to practice? You sign a contract, you Atta, girl, you got shoes, it gives it some personality, you know, you can always create a player, but like the Recruitment and different things like that or or and or if I couldn't have that I would actually this gets kind of kind of, you know, Funk funky because you know, it gets into amateurism but like I would have like, you know, legendary high school programs, like my high school and there maybe Oscar Smith like or like high schools you know where you know You had a, you know, high school teams that you have been it, where you play, and then you recruit off that or, you know, the legendary teams the classics. I know.

1:56:40 One thing I used to love that game. Gosh, I'll probably almost filled out one semester messing around with that game. But I love that game because I remember when I got older, and I was in my 20s, I was living up here in Northern Virginia, man, and they Had the classic teams the 98 Tech Team when 99 team, and I like that as well. So I hope they keep that but I know I don't really give you a concrete answer because I'm actually thinking as I answer it because I'm sure after we wrap up, I'm probably going to tweet something at least you had this, you know, but it's great to his back that game masking guys, almost fight over their game and, you know, just we used to I, you know, I love that game.

1:57:28 Oh, no, love man. And I am bolo, Man 2. Yeah, but I'm playing especially like when I was younger. I was Lee had been around less would like seven or eight years but like, I always played a whole lot more NCAA that I played men, I played Madden. If I wanted to play like with a friend, if I was just, you know, picking it up for myself. I always picked up NCAA. We live in Collegiate sweets, man. And Shane bhima gets pissed when I told that story, but I used to bust his ass and I used to go upstairs. He lived above me, huh? Him, Chris, Cyrus, Ken handy, and Tim snacker, and I lived on the bottom apartment complex. Same complex, bottom, first floor. And I love Shane's.

1:58:08 My brother and I'm so happy for him. I really am. Derek Smith was my roommate, Damon watlington, who was a basketball player was also, one of my roommates and we had the four bedroom and I used to go upstairs and me and Shane used to have some battles. And Shane is very competitive, like, me. And one time, they The control and he was like, get out. Yeah, man. You know, I just, you know, that's when that back when I had a friend called free time, but I ain't seen free time in years, man. So but no it was great times man, but I don't really have a concrete answer for you, man, cuz that game is just wonderful.

1:58:54 I mean, you could, there's probably gonna be some surprises even in this revolution, in within the game because it was so popular. And there's so much has changed since then went away. So it probably would have the transfer portal in it and all the, I don't know. Funny, I brought that up, but yeah, it'll be cool to see what surprise they have. I do like the classic teams if anything. If I could pick one. Maybe just to kind of Full Circle. I would probably reintroduce those classic teams because that's the Nostalgia about college football, everything's gets better as the years go by. So like, Remember the u.s. 18 USC? USC teams, Reggie Bush, you know, their folklore and abilities become better or the 99 Tech Team, you know, now, instead, Michael Vick, you know, he actually he threw a touchdown pass with his arm, tied behind his back in the end zone. You know, it's just rumors and the exaggeration gets bigger and they become more iconic.

1:59:56 And I think that's why that game was so popular and you had fans and their music. Okay, and it's funny too because we would be like yo, I'm using this team using tenancy lot somebody. You know, I'm running the option with Team Art. I mean, it was crazy because that was my team. It was Tennessee, was so weird. I don't even know why I picked them. I never played with tech that much man, and we used to get mad. It's funny. Bringing some. Now you got me going. I got to shut up, but we used to get mad because the first thing you do like the NFL guys, you would go in and see what they got me rated. I'll be like oh let me see what I'm saying. What they got me rated. I was like I-79 this is bull, you know, you know you know we would just go crazy just what we were rated, you know, like who they watching who had us, you know.

2:00:43 But it was really cool because I'm old enough to tell you about Sega. And when it used to be done it wasn't even. You could even use a team. They just caught like they had Sega when the in-situ a first came out, they had they had the name, only had a select amount of teams and it was Talan. I see it was, it was the name of the city that college town they were in and Virginia Tech was in on it. This was the early 90s. We were like, okay, we gotta win and then they came out and they had or more teams. And I remember seeing that Virginia Tech on that screen, it was so cool being part of that, you know, but That's really cool man that nostalgic.

2:01:25 But a lot of fun tonight man I appreciate you guys for having me on this has been great Dwight. This has been an absolute pleasure man and we hope to have you back in the near future to talk more because I feel like between just what we've talked about here tonight, we have barely scratched the surface of content to talked with you about again, we thank you for taking your time this evening because we're going on two hours. It doesn't feel like two hours at all feel like, Go another two without blinking. So we thank you tonight, man. Yeah man, thank you and Shawn to your listeners, and your supporters, your podcast, and I appreciate the platform and I hope people get some ideas and like, I apologize man, but I you guys both have been great for me. I love talking and is I just like great conversation. I don't want to get to the point where I, I'm no better than you too.

2:02:19 I'm a humble person. We're All in This Together trying to live life, the best we can Can enjoy our favorite program and I like talking to fans on Twitter because I learn something every day and it's good to remember this and reflect on my career, but also hopefully one day when I get back on sooner than later, we can talk about a big win over West Virginia or comeback win over whoever, but I'm looking forward to getting back on your show one day. I'll support you any way I can. And again, thank you both really appreciate you joining. Thanks so much for joining. It's been fun. And I can't wait to have you back. Yes, sir. And that's going to wrap up this. This episode of The Boundary Corner podcast. I'm Curtis Wilson, I'm Brian Sigler. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite Source, including Spotify, Amazon in a podcast.

2:03:06 It's always without our buddy. Jason Long play us out, catch him on Spotify and apple music. We thank you for listening. And as always, let's go Hokies