Virginia Tech has been on a mission to rebuild its football program ever since James Franklin took over as head coach in Blacksburg. With high expectations set for the team, Franklin wasted no time in making changes to the coaching staff and bringing in new talent through the transfer portal. However, he believes that there is still more work to be done and is already planning for the future.
Franklin’s arrival at Virginia Tech was met with excitement and hope from fans and players alike. Known for his successful tenure at Penn State, where he led the team to three 11-win seasons and two New Year’s Six bowl appearances, Franklin brought a winning mentality and a proven track record to the Hokies.
One of the first things Franklin did upon his arrival was to make changes to the coaching staff. He brought in new offensive and defensive coordinators, as well as a new strength and conditioning coach. These changes were aimed at improving the team’s performance on the field and creating a winning culture within the program.
But Franklin didn’t stop there. He also made use of the transfer portal to bring in 27 new players to the roster. This included several highly-rated recruits, as well as experienced players from other programs. These additions were crucial in filling gaps in the team’s depth chart and adding much-needed talent to the roster.
However, Franklin believes that these changes are just the beginning. In order to compete at the highest level, he knows that the team needs to have top-notch facilities. That’s why he has proposed an $800,000 upgrade to the football facility, which he previously had at Penn State.
The proposed upgrade includes a new weight room, training room, and locker room, as well as improvements to the team meeting rooms and coaches’ offices. These upgrades will not only benefit the current players but also help in recruiting top talent to the program.
Franklin’s vision for the program goes beyond just winning games. He wants to create a culture of excellence and provide his players with the best resources to succeed on and off the field. The upgraded facilities will not only help the team in their pursuit of championships but also provide a better overall experience for the players.
The proposed upgrade has already been approved by the university and is set to begin in the coming months. This is a clear indication of the university’s commitment to the football program and its belief in Franklin’s leadership.
The Hokies have a rich football tradition and have had success in the past, including a national championship in 1999. However, in recent years, the team has struggled to maintain that level of success. With Franklin at the helm, there is renewed hope and excitement among fans that the program will return to its winning ways.
Franklin’s approach to rebuilding the program has been methodical and calculated. He has made changes where necessary and has not been afraid to take risks in order to improve the team. His efforts have already shown results, with the team showing significant improvement in the spring game.
The upcoming season will be a crucial one for the Hokies, as they look to make a statement in the highly competitive ACC. With Franklin’s leadership and the upgraded facilities, the team is well-positioned to make a strong comeback and compete for championships.
In conclusion, Virginia Tech’s football program is on the rise under the guidance of James Franklin. The changes he has made to the coaching staff and roster, along with the proposed facility upgrade, show his commitment to building a winning program. With the support of the university and the fans, the Hokies are poised for success in the upcoming season and beyond.