First-year Virginia Tech head football coach Justin Fuente is an idea man. And it’s not just x’s and o’s that Fuente knows how to manipulate, but emotions and momentum. The savvy Fuente decided to honor the coaching legend he’s replacing by circulating the No. 25 among his special teams players each week — No. 25 belonged to the retired legend, Frank Beamer, during his playing days at VT. Even before he coached the Hokies for 29 seasons, during which time he established Virginia Tech as the gold standard for special teams.
Even Beamer was moved by the gesture, which is the most active — and Fuente hopes — productive way to mix the old and the new. (Feunte asked for Beamer’s blessing on the plan.) The young Hokie wearing No. 25 each week will feel a special obligation to produce and honor VT history. It’s such a smart and active move. Sophomore Steven Peoples wore No. 25 for the opener. Virginia Tech plays the “Battle at Bristol” against the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday, September 11 at 8pm on ABC.
