Inside HOKIE SPORTS | Vol. 12 No. 1 | August 2019

Published by the Virginia Tech Athletics Department • Inside Hokie Sports (ISSN 8750-9148, periodical postage paid at Blacksburg, VA 24060 and additional mailing offices) covers Virginia Tech athletics and is published six times annually. The publisher is the Virginia Tech Athletics Department, 21 Beamer Way, Blacksburg, VA 24061. SUBSCRIPTION PRICES: $37.95 for one year (six issues) and $69.95 for two years. Mail all subscription inquiries, renewals, address changes, written inquiries and complaints to Inside Hokie Sports, Jamerson Athletic Center, Virginia Tech, 21 Beamer Way, Blacksburg, VA 24061 or call (540) 231-6726. Inside Hokie Sports assumes no responsibility for companies and persons who advertise in this publication. Reproduction of contents in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Publisher does not guarantee accuracy of information contained in any advertisement. ATTN POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Inside Hokie Sports, P.O. Box 11101, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-1101. Printed by Worth Higgins & Associates of Richmond, Virginia contents inside.hokiesports.com Jimmy Robertson Dave Knachel Editor Photographer John Sours Contributors Designer Shelbylynn Adair—Hokie Club Jared Wilson—Virginia Tech Sports Properties *To advertise with Virginia Tech athletics or Inside Hokie Sports, contact Brandon Forbis at Virginia Tech Sports Properties – 540-961-7604 August 2019 Vol. 12, No. 1 2 Hokie Club New s 7 News and Notes 9 From the Editor’s Desk 10 Behind the Mic—Jon Laaser It’s time to go all in on this 2019 Tech football team 13 Student-Athlete Development Tech athletes use summer to take advantage of internship opportunities 14 Football Spotlight—Ryan Willis Gambling on himself has paid off for Tech’s projected starting quarterback 18 Top 5’s for 2019 A quick look at the top storylines to watch this fall 20 Football Position Previews A position-by-position look at the 2019 Virginia Tech football squad 26 Football Spotlight—Reggie Floyd Tech’s most experienced player devoted to returning program to previous glory 34 Monogram Club 36 Volleyball Spotlight—Carol Raffety Team’s heart and soul uses sports and family to overcome some dark times 40 Men’s Soccer Preview All the key pieces return, fueling high expectations for this fall 42 Women’s Soccer Preview With talent and experience, Hokies ready to build on last fall’s Sweet 16 run 2 14 20 26 36 40 42 18