Jason Stokes Jr. didn’t have to look far to find a familiar face when he got to Colorado.
The former Utah defensive back, who committed to the Buffaloes on Jan. 17 with four years to play three, said part of what eased the move across the Big 12 was the people waiting for him in Boulder. He pointed to cornerbacks coach Aaron Fletcher and safety Naeten Mitchell as two key connections, and both relationships helped him settle into the program quickly.
“Coach [Aaron Fletcher] was one of them,” Stokes said. “I actually have a past with coach Fletcher; I’ve known him for a little while because we’re from the same hometown.
And [Nateten Mitchell], I’ve known him since high school as well. But I’ve really just been bonding with the guys since I first got down here…and just building that brotherhood in the locker room.”
Colorado’s pitch to Stokes was straightforward and personal. On his visit, the staff told him exactly how they saw his future and how they planned to help him reach it.
“They told me that I have the potential to be great,” Stokes said. “To do everything I’ve ever wanted to do to make dreams into reality.
Then they sat me down and showed me proven ways that they are going to help me every single day. Which they have, and it has made me completely better.”
That message seems to have landed. Stokes said the way he has taken to coaching has helped him progress rapidly since arriving in Boulder, and the staff has made clear that players who respond well to instruction can move quickly in black and gold.
He also singled out defensive coordinator Chris Marve, whose background developing secondaries stood out to Stokes. Marve’s 2023 Virginia Tech group included NFL first-round draft pick Mansoor Delane, along with defensive backs Dorian Strong, Derrick Canteen and Jalen Stroman, all of whom are currently on NFL rosters.
For Stokes, though, the biggest takeaway has been the belief Marve has shown in him from the start.
“[Getting to know him has] been a blessing,” Stokes said. “Coach Marve is a phenomenal coach, leader and human being.
When he first got the job, I remember he pulled me aside and said, ‘I believe in you, and you really have the potential.’ So to be able to play for somebody who believes in you and puts in as much work as you do as a player, that means a lot to me.”
In Other News...
Virginia Tech's New Offense Hinges On One Battle Fans Are Watching
Virginia Techs offense is entering a new phase under coordinator Ty Howle, and the early camp storyline has centered on how quickly the unit can settle in. Brent Pry still has not officially named a starting quarterback, but the picture is starting to come into focus as the Hokies sort through a system change while also welcoming back key skill talent and integrating transfers who could help reshape the attack.
Ethan Grunkemeyer is getting the first-team reps and looks like the presumptive favorite to open against VMI, which only adds to the attention on the offenses most important job. Up front, the Hokies also brought in Logan Howland, Justin Terry, Justin Bell and Michael Troutman III to compete for roles, and how that group comes together may wind up being just as important as who takes the first snap. [Read more 🡒]
Virginia Techs Biggest Camp Decisions Are Taking Shape Before James Franklins Debut
Midway through fall camp, Virginia Tech is already getting a clearer picture of what the first James Franklin team could look like when it opens the season against VMI. The Hokies have spent the past couple of weeks sorting through a roster that features some known pieces on both sides of the ball, with Marcellous Hawkins, Luke Reynolds, Javion Hilson and Kemari Copeland among the players helping define the early shape of the two-deep.
One of the biggest questions appears to be settling on offense, where Ethan Grunkemeyer is the projected starting quarterback as the staff works through the final camp evaluation. Even with that piece coming into focus, there is still real movement around the passing game, and the third wide receiver spot remains open as Virginia Tech continues to test options and look for the right fit before the opener. [Read more 🡒]