Beamer Remains Even-Keeled About 2014 Squad

At this point in Frank Beamer's career, he's cornered both sides of the market. Sometimes, it seems as if he'll coach Virginia Tech until he dies. Other days, a retirement announcement feels like it could be around the corner.

When the 67-year-old coach spoke to media in Greensboro at Monday's ACC Kickoff event, it was another dichotomy.

Beamer spent 55 minutes with the press. In some ways, he said plenty. In other ways, he didn't say much at all.

Say this for the winningest active coach in college football, he knew where to start. It took about three seconds before he launched his first pass.

"I think we've got some really talented guys competing for our quarterback position," Beamer said. "I think not knowing who it is right now, you'd rather be on the other side of that.

"But we're gonna determine it pretty quickly in our preseason practice and get those guys some reps because that's such a critical position. They need reps, they need timing with the receivers, they need to be in that huddle leading the offense and so forth."

Beamer later said he wanted to see it fleshed out on the field, much like the competition at kicker.

He explained what needed to be done but offered little insight into where the team stands. In media sessions, coaches practice their poker faces while offering enough information to help fuel the crazed college football community.

Still, the impression Beamer offered gave some credence to predictions the Hokies are back on the rise.

"I think we're going back in the right direction to get back at that level," he said of in regards to national relevancy. "From a coach's standpoint from top to bottom — recruiting, coaching, the whole deal.

"I think I really got as good a staff as I've ever had. . . . We've got a lot of good kids. They're fun to be around, they work hard, and so, when you've got those things going, I really think. . . .we're really going in a good direction there."

After 27 years as Tech's head coach, the Hillsville, VA. native knows how to carefully evaluate his team. He focuses on the positives and where things need to improve.

His quotes aren't detail-oriented, but it's clear his coaching style is.

"I think it is in the details," he said. "You don't think how we're gonna score you think about what you're gonna do on this particular play and what your first step is.

"When you're fundamentally sound like that, the big things are gonna come. That's kinda always been our deal."

The pomp and circumstance of the media ring circus certainly fit the likes of Jimbo Fisher and Jameis Winston.

Plateaus of attitude are where Beamer makes his money. Years of experience and pressure have taught him to stay level.

He admitted Florida State's national championship has improved the conference's reputation and the ACC's media event had a different "edge" to it.

Edge or not, it's still the same Beamer. The man represents Virginia Tech as practically a second logo. Slow, steady and blue collar wins the day.

Flash and dash are saved for anyone else who wants it. Beamer wants consistency and thinks his team is back in that neighborhood.

"Generally, you understand if you're gonna get in this business you gotta be kinda even," the future hall of famer said. "You can't get too high, can't get too low. Gotta win. If you don't win, you're not gonna be happy."

The Hokies might take a step in the right direction after two consecutive down years. Or, they fall due to uncertainty at offensive line, quarterback and kicker.

None of that will be decided until the season kicks off.

Monday's biggest takeaway was what many already thought before. Beamer will be the same guy he ever was with this team and the next one.

No one's sure how many more teams he'll have left.

When asked what he tells recruits about his future, he repeated his standard line.

"I'd say as long as I've got a good quarterback, a good kicker and my health is good, I'm enjoying what I'm doing and feel like I wanna do it a few more years," he said.

One media member reminded him as of Monday, he lacked certainty on two of the requirements.

"I told you we got great possibilities," he said with a smile. "We gotta make 'em a good quarterback, good kicker."