Frank Beamer Transcript from Day One of Hokies' Preseason Camp

Virginia Tech provided a transcript of Frank Beamer from Friday afternoon's media session.

On the first practice:

"I thought today was really good. If we can have 20 or 21 practices just like today we'll be as ready as we can be and that's all you can ask. I thought the moving around and the tempo and the working together is another big thing you can't take for granted. We like to work offense versus defense and getting into work together, not ending up with scuffling or a fight, our guys work together great. I think our offense and defense got better. It was a good first day."

On the spike in ticket sales during practice:

"Some people would say it's because Michael (Vick) came back but I think it's my new highway out here (Beamer Way – formerly Spring Road). I think that people will catch onto the tollboothand we'll get that done and retirement will be good. [The toll] may be more for some than others, the media, ehh (laughs)."

On the running backs:

"I like (Travon) McMillian, I was watching him out there today, I think he'll bring something to the table. J.C. Coleman is a difference maker and I used to worry about him in protection and running and such, but he can do it all. He did it down the stretch and just looking at him out here today, he's a little fella, but he's big time. I think we're very talented at that position, now we got to stay healthy. Last year we thought we were good and we lost four or five, so we just have to stay healthy."

On his health/enthusiasm for the season:

"I feel good, eager to get going. You know, I've told people it's the best I've ever had it as far as a coaching staff I have great confidence in. I walked up [at practice] today and actually sat in a chair and watched practice for a few minutes and thought how good could this be? Good view of the new facility. I'm eager for us to put this team together and see where it goes. I like the team, I like the leadership, and it's never been better."

Areas he's interested to see develop in camp:

"I think depth at wide receiver and we got a couple of things we're going to try and get some skill guys going in that area, maybe (Greg) Stroman would be one. Can he work both sides of the ball?

"The offensive line, we've been talking about it forever, but we're as close there as we've ever been to being really good. I wish we had more experience but we're athletic and we're tough. I think that's going to pay off, I really like that crowd. I think Coach Searels has done a great job. Depth at linebacker, we know who the people need to be and it's a matter of stepping up. We took a little bit of a hit in our secondary but that's a part of college football. We have to get the guys we have here better."

On the strength of the secondary:

"Kendall Fuller and (Brandon) Facyson and (Chuck) Clark being in that mix at corner, it doesn't get any better. Guys with some height, guys that are smart, guys that are tough it just doesn't get any better."

On Kendall Fuller being the fourth and final Fuller brother to play for him:

"I like [Kendall's] mom and dad cause they're great kids, a delight to have. Between the Fullers and the Edmunds we've been blessed. I don't think I've ever had one of those kids in my office for discipline. The only time I've had them in there is to tell them congratulations for something good."

On players for both Virginia Tech and Ohio State not being available for Sept. 7:

"We all want our kids to be successful and not have drawbacks but we're all in the business of teaching the guys and them learning from experiences and being better because of it. That's part of our job, to learn from situations and be better."

On what side of the ball he likes to watch early in camp:

"I like watching the whole crowd. I think I have a good feel for guys, we've made some moves in the past with guys and changing position and we're going to be great. A guy that comes to my mind is Duane Brown. He came here as a tight end and moved to offensive tackle, he needs to thank us about every other day because he's made a lot of money at offensive tackle. Dealing with people, dealing with their life, I really enjoy that."

On the importance of experience up front offensively:

"I think experience means a lot in the offensive line. You're always working with a guy. Athletic ability is good but when you're in there in the trenches it's rough in there, I think toughness means a lot.

"They look the part. They do things easy. From this time last year to right now it's like 150 degrees better, no I'd say 200. Being a math teacher I'll go 200. They're really good players."

On whether he's ever told offensive coordinator Scot Loefler to go home:

"I firmly believe that there comes a point of no return. When I first started out I wasn't coming out of the office until 11 or 11:30 p.m. When it came to the game I was so tired. All of a sudden you get to the game and you're not making good decisions because your mind is tired. I think he's doing a better job of that and he needs to. He's sharp as can be and after a period of time your game plan is as good as it's going to be, now let's go execute."

On RB J.C. Coleman:

"Coleman is a good athlete, smart guy and the kind of guy you like here at Virginia Tech. I want him to have a role other than special teams. Is that taking place so you're not wasting a year of eligibility and not getting enough plays? I like Coleman a lot and what he brings to the football team."