Inside HOKIE SPORTS | Vol. 12 No. 4 | March 2020

inside.hokiesports.com 25 needmore guys. We’re going to need some guys to play for us that haven’t played for us yet. The guys we have returning that have played for us, I’m really excited about. They’re the type of guys, not only talent and the type of player they are, but the ones you want in that room—tough and not afraid to work and team-first guys. I like what that room is about. We’ve just got to continue to add as much depth as we can. Q: You also lost tight end Dalton Keene, who may have been the offense’s most valuable player, but you’re fortunate to have three tight ends who have played [Mitchell, Gallo, and Drake Deluliis]. Everyone knows what James can do, but you’re high on Gallo, aren’t you? BC: Nick is the one, from the day he stepped on campus, we were really excited about him. Probably in any other year, he would have played a ton on offense as a true freshman. It just so happens that he had two really good guys in front of him. We still found a way to get him in some. There were games on early downs when we were in three-tight end personnel settings, which doesn’t happen a lot. That’s kind of what we think of him. He’s going to step in there and become the next versatile, talented, tough guy at that position that can allow us to do a lot of things when he’s on the field. Q: All five starters return on the offensive line, and there is plenty of depth. Is this the best line you’ve had as an offensive coordinator? BC: I think, without question. Certainly for this staff since we’ve been together. It’s definitely the most excited we’ve been top to bottom—guys coming back and new guys that are going to be in the mix. There’s experience, and there’s versatility. You’ve got several different guys that can play center. You’ve got guys that can play tackle and guard. You’ve got guys that can play all five positions. You’ve got some really nice versatility and talent. Probably the best part of the group is just the type of mentality they have—the toughness and work ethic and unity that they have. They’ve become not only the leaders of the offense, but I think they’ve become the leaders of the team. They have the type of mentality that we want our team to have. Q: There has been a lot of talk about Brock Hoffman. Where do you see him fitting in with this group? BC: Brock’s probably inside. That’s probably where he’s best. I think the center/guard position. For us, it’ll be what is the best lineup. You try to get your best five football players up there. It doesn’t always work that way because certain guys can’t snap. You’ve got to have a certain guy here or there, but it’s nice when you do have some flexibility because it gives you a chance to get your best guys on the field. He’s played every position up there, and he can go be a starter at any of those positions—and be a good player at any of those spots. I certainly think center and guard will be the main focus for us [with Hoffman]. Q: I ask this every year, but who are some younger players whom you’re anxious to see if the team is able to return to the field? Guys whom fans may not know? BC: At receiver, it’s a Darryle Simmons and a Jaden Payoute. They’re going to have to step up. They’re going to have to get ready to play. They both have size and talent and the ability to become good players and develop, and it’s going to be critical that they do. That’ll be a couple of the guys at receiver that are going to need to have a great spring. At tailback, it’s a little different. You’ve got two or three new guys. Keshawn is back, but he played, and we kind of knowwhat he can do. At tight end, you kind of know where most of those guys are. I think Ty Eller at tight end is a kid that we’re anxious to see this spring. He showed us a little bit in the fall, and I think he’s got a chance to show us a little something in the spring. I think it’ll be exciting to watch and see if he can develop. Up front, of course, the two true freshmen [Bryan Hudson and Doug Nester] started most of the year for us, but they need to have great springs. They need to take big steps because it’s competitive up there. Jesse Hanson is a guy that redshirted, and he continues to get better every day. We’re expecting Continued on page 26