Steelers stockpiling Hokies, Big Squat Friday and more

BLACKSBURG – It was another busy week for Virginia Tech football, as three Hokies signed professional contracts. Punter A.J. Hughes and tight end Ryan Malleck both inked free-agent deals with the Pittsburgh Steelers, while defensive tackle Luther Maddy inked with the B.C. Lions of the CFL. With six Hokies set to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis starting next week, there likely will continue to be more buzz about Hokies taking their skills to the next level.

Go behind the scenes with Coach Fuente

Sean Labar of Hero Sports recently sat down with head coach Justin Fuente to ask him about his first season on the job at Virginia Tech. In conjunction with HokieVision, he also observed an offseason workout in the “Beamer Barn.” If you haven’t seen it, make sure you check out the interview and workout highlights.

Interesting stats on the #LPD

Former NFL head coach and current ESPN broadcaster Jon Gruden extended an invitation to seven draft-eligible quarterbacks to participate in his quarterback camp. The Hokies faced six of those seven passers in 2016, posting a 4-2 record, while allowing them to complete a mere 54.7 percent of their passes for 210.3 yards per game. Here’s the breakdown:

Quarterback, School Comp-Att (%) Yards TDs INTs Rating VT Result
Josh Dobbs, Tenn. 10-19 (52.6) 91 3 1 134.4 L, 24-45
Mitch Trubisky, UNC 13-33 (39.4) 58 0 2 42.0 W, 34-3
Brad Kaaya, Miami 23-38 (60.5) 323 2 1 144.0 W, 37-16
Nate Peterman, Pitt 13-22 (59.1) 267 1 1 167.0 W, 39-36
Deshone Kizer, ND 16-33 (48.5) 235 2 0 128.3 W, 34-31
Deshaun Watson, Clemson 23-34 (67.6) 288 3 1 162.0 L, 35-42

To ensure the best available seats for the 2017 season and beyond, fans need to renew their season tickets by March 16 AND make their annual gift to the Hokie Club prior to March 31 to qualify for priority seating based on one’s gift. Fans will be notified via email when they will be able to select their seats as part of the reseating process that will begin online in May.

Renew today

vthoki.es/TixRenew

It’s finally #BigSquatFriday

Under the direction of Ben Hilgart, Fridays have become the most HYPE day of the week for the Hokies. The final strength and conditioning station of the week for Tech has taken on a life of its own as #BigSquatFriday. While some teams might shy away from putting the heaviest weight of the week on the bar on a Friday afternoon, the Hokies have embraced the concept. Here’s a look at the team getting psyched up to hit the weight room.

It’s Oscar season

On Monday night, some of the best and brightest in the motion picture industry will be honored for their work at the Academy Academy. CBS Sports recently conducted its own “Oscars” for the 2016 college football season. Virginia Tech and Tennessee were recognized for “Best Set Design” for the Battle at Bristol.

Full story

bit.ly/BABvt16

Latest mock draft news

Walter Football posted its latest four-round mock draft and it featured three Hokies going off the board:

TE Bucky Hodges (87th overall to N.Y. Giants)

QB Jerod Evans (101st overall to L.A. Rams)

WR Isaiah Ford (121st overall to New England)

More

bit.ly/4rdWF

– VT –

For updates on Virginia Tech football, follow the Hokies on Twitter and on Instagram @vthokiefootball Instagram