BLACKSBURG, Va. – The tight end position plays an important role in Virginia Tech's offense, particularly under first-year coach James Franklin.
Franklin's system asks tight ends to be more than blockers or pass catchers. They are expected to be versatile enough to contribute in multiple ways, making the position a key piece of the Hokies' offensive identity.
Virginia Tech enters the season with a deep and experienced tight end room, including Bassett native Ja'Ricous Hairston and recent transfer Luke Reynolds.
For Hairston, the focus during fall camp has been on mastering the playbook while understanding how his physical and athletic abilities can best fit into the offense.
“Just taking time, diving into the playbook, knowing what I can athletically do and then what I can physically do,†Hairston said. “This camp is just playing confident and consistent.â€
Reynolds said the depth within the position group has created a competitive environment in which every tight end is capable of making an impact.
“We have a very talented group top to bottom,†Reynolds said. “Everyone can go in there at any point and contribute. So that's kind of just the standard of the tight end room.â€
Franklin said the combination of returning players and newcomers has created a veteran group that has embraced the competition.
“They've been great,†Franklin said. “The combination of what was here and what we brought in, I think we got a veteran experience group. I think the competition is something they've all embraced.â€
The tight ends also bring plenty of size to the position. Every player in the room is listed at 250 pounds or more, giving Virginia Tech a physical presence that can be valuable in both the running and passing games.
That combination of size, experience and versatility could make the tight end room one of the more important position groups as the Hokies begin their first season under Franklin.
For Virginia Tech, the goal is clear: develop a group capable of doing whatever the offense needs — a true Swiss Army knife at the tight end position.
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