Another month has come and gone, and it was an eventful one for the Virginia Tech football program. The Hokies kicked things off with a 24-10 loss to Minnesota in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, followed by a significant coaching hire and five former players participating in the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.
Brent Pry and his staff also stayed busy on the recruiting trail, making in-state visits across the Commonwealth, while offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen traveled to Pennsylvania to check in on a recent quarterback de-commit. With that in mind, here are three key takeaways from January.
Virginia Tech officially finishes the 2024 season with a losing record
This likely comes as no surprise, but in a season that began with plenty of hype and high expectations, the Hokies closed it out with a loss to the Golden Gophers in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on January 3, finishing with a 6-7 record. It was a fitting conclusion to a season filled with frustrating highs and lows.
Virginia Tech’s roster was thinned due to numerous players entering the transfer portal and others opting out to prepare for the NFL Draft. However, it provided an opportunity for younger players to gain valuable game experience ahead of spring practice.
Brent Pry is a patient man
Seven weeks after parting ways with defensive coordinator Chris Marve, Brent Pry officially filled the position by hiring Sam Siefkes, who joins Virginia Tech after serving as the Arizona Cardinals’ linebackers coach. Siefkes received high praise from NFL coaches, but when speaking to the media the following day, Pry emphasized that he was deliberate with the process, taking his time rather than rushing to make a hire.
Pry also revealed that one of the candidates for the job was coaching in the national championship game, which contributed to the delay in the hiring process. This decision is crucial for the Hokies’ head coach as he heads into a pivotal season at the helm of the program.
Players impress at Senior Bowl practice
Last week, five players from the 2024 team participated in the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. Wide receivers Jaylin Lane and Da’Quan Felton, running back Bhayshul Tuten, defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles, and cornerback Dorian Strong all took part in the event.
Lane made an impression as a wide receiver, standing out to attendees and outshining some of the bigger names. Peebles also impressed, while Strong is seen as a potential early-round pick in April’s NFL Draft in Green Bay. The next step for these prospects is the combine in Indianapolis, taking place in late February and early March.
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