Logan Thomas and Jack Tyler, two redshirt-seniors, represented the Hokies at today's player portion and day one of the ACC Kickoff. Both players were interviewed extensively, and we have some of the highlights for you, including video of one of their interviews. Let's start with the video interview below. Tech's two representatives first appear at the 15:18 mark.
Asked some questions by SB Nation's Mark Ennis that we had prepared for him, Jack Tyler responded:
"Virginia Tech Linebacker Jack Tyler
Felt that the team needed a "culture change" with the coaching staff changes. In some ways they might have been complacent, thinking that they would just roll out and win ten games. Now they know that won't be the case and they've redoubled their efforts to get back to where Virginia Tech has been. He said he can tell that there is a renewed sense of urgency to have an elite defense again. He said that coach Foster doesn't set, necessarily, numerical goals, but that they expect, because it is the tradition, to be a top 5-10 defense nationally. Their goals this year are to be the best defense in the ACC and to be a top 5 defense against the run. Tyler thinks the defense lacked leadership early in the season and it lingered all year.
Tyler said that earning a scholarship as a walk-on was a special moment for him. He said he could recall just hoping to be on kickoff tea by the team he was a senior. Instead, he worked himself into a starting role and a scholarship. He said he was forced into duty because of injuries to others and that he was was fortunate to play well and show what he was capable of for the team. He said he learned more from Bruce Taylor than any other person in the program."
Also, there were quite a number of comments captured by Virginia Tech beat writers and SB Nation representatives there that we think you'll be interested in seeing.
Jack Tyler said he was yelled at in practice for the first time in a while. Scott Loeffler yelled at him for getting near Logan Thomas.
— Mark Ennis (@Mengus22) July 21, 2013
Logan asked if Loeffler cusses at all at practice. He goes stone face. "Does Scot cuss?" Shakes his head, essentially saying: of course.
— Andy Bitter (@AndyBitterVT) July 21, 2013
Tyler said if/when Bud Foster takes a head coaching job, he wants to be his defensive coordinator.
— Nathan Warters (@NathanWarters) July 21, 2013
Logan Thomas on Alabama: "We're not afraid of anybody. That's who we are." #Hokies
— Mike Barber (@RTD_MikeBarber) July 21, 2013
Logan Thomas: "I'm not all smiles. ... I'm on a mission." #Hokies
— Mike Barber (@RTD_MikeBarber) July 21, 2013
Logan says he's meaner this year. Not afraid to get on guys. Took it upon himself to be that way. "I just don't care," he said. #Hokies
— Andy Bitter (@AndyBitterVT) July 21, 2013
Jack Tyler on #Hokies coaching changes: "I think we needed to culture shock." Said message might have gotten stale.
— Hokies Journal (@HokiesJournal) July 21, 2013
LB Jack Tyler on Bud Foster: "I consider him my second dad." #Hokies
— Andy Bitter (@AndyBitterVT) July 21, 2013
#Hokies QB Logan Thomas said a win against Alabama would show you can't write Tech off after one subpar season.
— Norm Wood (@normwood) July 21, 2013
.@VT_Football's Tyler: There's so much energy & excitement during practices and it will translate to what you see on Saturdays #ACCKickoff
— ACC Football (@theACCfootball) July 21, 2013
.@VT_Football's Tyler: Our expectations are high. We expect to beat Alabama & win every game. That's not going to change this yr #ACCKickoff
— ACC Football (@theACCfootball) July 21, 2013
.@VT_Football's Thomas: New guys are doing a great job of gaining trust by being out there every day...even on Saturdays #ACCKickoff
— ACC Football (@theACCfootball) July 21, 2013
Tyler said one of the reasons that #Hokies defense is so good is because the coaches expectations are so high. #ACCKickoff
— Jacob Emert (@JacobEmert) July 21, 2013
#Hokies LB Jack Tyler at #ACCKickoff on defense rankings: "we want to be the best. If we arent top 5, top 10 it's a dissapointment."
— Jacob Emert (@JacobEmert) July 21, 2013
"We don't mind flying underneath the radar..." Logan Thomas on heading into season opener as underdog #Hokies
— Jacob Emert (@JacobEmert) July 21, 2013
UPDATE: We've also added Logan's One-On-One (which is hilarious when you consider that it's not one-on-one at all) interview with the ACC Digital Network. Enjoy.
For all things Virginia Tech football as the team gears up for the season, including coverage of tomorrow's day two activities, make Gobbler Country your home for Virginia Tech sports.