Virginia Tech's Norell Pollard gives honest assessment on the Hokies future
By Scott Roche
Virginia Tech senior defensive lineman Norell Pollard played his final game as a Hokie Wednesday in Tech's 41-20 Military Bowl win over Tulane in Annapolis, Maryland. It was the first Hokies bowl victory since 2016 and that seems like an eternity for them.
Just two short years ago, Virginia Tech was blown out by Maryland in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium to put a bow on the Justin Fuente-era, and after that game, Brent Pry took over. Last season was a. rough one, to say the least. The Hokies went 3-8 and this season, after a season-opening win over Old Dominion, they lost three straight to fall to 1-3. They turned things around by going 5-3 in the ACC and finished the season with a dominating win over the Green Wave.
Following the game, Pollard spoke to the media and explained what the future in Blacksburg could and should look like.
Norell Pollard gives assessement on the future of Virginia Tech football
Pollard said after the Hokies win that the returning players "know the standard and next year's the sky's the limit.''
Outgoing senior DT Norell Pollard on the #Hokies getting back to and winning a bowl game: "Now they know the standard. Next year's the sky's the limit."
— Andy Bitter (@AndyBitterVT) December 27, 2023
Since beating Virginia, 55-17, Thanksgiving Weekend, things have fallen into play for Pry and his team going into 2024. They have 21 of 22 starters coming back, they got four big additions in the transfer portal and they have a promising recruiting class coming in.
The pieces are certainly there and in just two short seasons, Pry has his team winning a bowl game, getting key players committed to returning, and getting what should be very impactful players in the transfer portal. The experience over the last month with extra practice and a game was invaluable for the Hokies and winning the game is a huge momentum boost heading into 2024. I don't want to be that person looking too far ahead, but it's hard to disagree with Pollard about the future in Blacksburg as early as next fall. They are set up for something special and it can't be overstated. The future and stanard under Pry is very bright and Pollard sees it.
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