After going just 5-7 in non-conference play a year ago, Virginia Tech has bounced back with an 11-2 start this season. Before it hosts Virginia on New Year’s Eve to kick off ACC play, let's take a look at three things we’ve learned about the Hokies during their non-conference slate.
1. Chester Frazier’s Return to the Staff Changed the Course of This Season
After suffering a season-ending ACC tournament loss to California last March, Virginia Tech head coach Mike Young promised more from his team in the coming year.
“We’ve got to get more talented,” Young said. “And we’re going to, quick.”
As it turned out, Young was referring to both the players and his staff.
His first mission this offseason was a trip to West Virginia in an attempt to pry Chester Frazier, his former top assistant coach, from the Mountaineers.
“I’ve had a bunch of really good coaches. He’s as good as I’ve had,” Young said of Frazier. “I drove to Morgantown to see him unannounced and asked him to come back…Such unbelievable energy and passion.”
Frazier brings an intensity to the defensive end that the Hokies simply haven’t had since his departure following the 2019 season. However, his recruiting may have been his greatest contribution to the Hokies.
