As we approach mid-November, Hokie Nation eagerly awaits official word on who the next head football coach will be. I say 'eagerly' and not 'patiently' because the fanbase has been anything but patient, with rumors being started daily around James Franklin's supposed interest in the job.
However, one thing that I don't see talked about much is which players we, as fans, would like to see retained by whoever the next coach is. The new staff will have very limited time to pull a roster together between flipping high school recruits and making the best of the one-and-only transfer portal window coming shortly after the conclusion of the season in January. It will be very important for the head coach to convince some of the top talent on this year's roster to stay, laying the foundation for whatever comes next.
Despite the struggles this season, there are several players I would love to see return to Blacksburg next year. I attempted to make this list a mix between young players and rising seniors, as I think a balance will be important. This list is also in no particular order.
WR Ayden Greene
Greene, a junior out of Knoxville, Tennessee, has been a steady hand in the receiving room for the Hokies this season. As the team's leading receiver, he has totaled 24 receptions for 382 yards, two touchdowns, and 15.9 yards per catch. It seems that he comes up with one or two big catches per game and although the Hokies' passing attack has been wildly inconsistent this season, he would be a good veteran-presence to have in the receiver room next season.
I'd be interested to see how he plays in a new offensive system that pushes the ball downfield rather than sideline to sideline and believe he could be a breakout candidate wherever he suits up next year.
TE Benji Gosnell
Gosnell has not statistically had the kind of season I was expecting of him, though the offensive system implemented by Philip Montgomery does not utilize tight ends in a receiving role very often. He has come up with several big catches and has improved his blocking from a year ago while only recording 82 yards on 11 receptions and 7.5 yards per catch.
Similarly to Ayden Greene, Gosnell is someone I would like to bring back not only because of his experience, but also as a native to this region, having played a year at Carroll County High School in nearby Hillsville, Virginia. His experience and love for Virginia Tech is something that I think is crucial to have in the locker room next year, though I will be cheering for him wherever he decides to play.
