Virginia Tech Football: Brent Pry needs to continue to excel in this area

It’s safe to say that in his short time in Blacksburg, not all decisions have worked out well for Virginia Tech football coach Brent Pry. The Hokies have struggled through his first 18 games going 6-12, but have been showing signs of things turning around lately.

Following what could be considered the most complete game that his team has played in his time in charge of Virginia Tech with a 30-13 win over Wake Forest last weekend, the Hokies enter the bye week 3-4 with a manageable schedule to become Bowl-eligible. What is the reason for the latest success of his team? It’s easy to pinpoint it.

Brent Pry hit it big in the transfer portal

It is not easy taking over a Power 5 program that was left a mess and needs to be rebuilt, especially a proud program like Virginia Tech in the Frank Beamer days. It’s going to take time, but if last offseason was any indication, the transfer portal is going to be just as big as recruiting.

Pry hit it big offensively with Kyron Drones, Jaylin Lane, and Bhayshul Tuten just to name a few. It was just one game, but Ali Jennings looked like he was going to be a major factor as well before his ankle injury early against Purdue.

Defensively, Antwaun Powell-Ryland has become a key cog in the line and is coming off of a four-sack performance against Wake Forest. Derek Canteen is another one who has made an impact in the secondary.

Recruiting has been a hit or miss for Pry and his staff, but they have yet to have a class that is going to make a major impact. That’s why the transfer portal is going to be key each offseason and the Hokies need to hit it big like they did last offseason. They got lucky this year with the schedule, but you know with a rotating schedule, the conference’s big boys are coming back sooner rather than later.