Virginia Tech’s fall camp is closing in on game week, and Friday’s media availability with head coach James Franklin offered a clearer look at where things stand with the Hokies 15 days before they open against VMI.
The biggest storyline remains the quarterback competition, and Franklin still isn’t ready to put a bow on it. Redshirt sophomore Ethan Grunkemeyer has looked like the favorite by default - he’s the only quarterback in the room who has taken a true college snap, after throwing for 1,339 yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions at Penn State last season - but Franklin kept the door open for returnee Kelden Ryan and true freshman Troy Huhn.
"It's still a competition, and we've still got a lot of work to do between now and our first game," Franklin said.
On the perimeter, a few receivers stood out in Friday’s work. Marlion Jackson, Davion "FatRat" Brown and Tyseer Denmark drew attention, with Denmark turning heads in one-on-ones by slipping past corner Thomas Williams for a medium throw to the house. Williams answered with a pair of interceptions, picking off both Chanz Wiggins and true freshman Hudson Zell.
The early no-defense catching order at receiver started with Ayden Greene, Que'Sean Brown and Denmark, followed by Jackson, Davion Brown and Penn State transfer Jeff Exinor. Shamarius "Snook" Peterkin and Chanz Wiggins came next, then walk-on Drew Hube and L.J. Booker.
The staff also mixed in two-on-two work for the first time seen publicly in camp. On the defensive side, Isaiah Brown-Murray and Joshua Clarke were first up, with Jaquez White and Tyson Flowers taking the next turn. In the receiver-defensive back one-on-ones, Greene lined up against Clarke, Jackson worked against White, and Denmark saw Williams.
At linebacker, the first group was Kaleb Spencer, Noah Chambers and Keon Wylie, a trio Franklin pointed to as a veteran, bigger-bodied unit.
"There are three guys that, to me, have played a lot of football," Franklin said. "All three of them have really good size."
Franklin added that Virginia Tech will play nickel, rather than living in three-linebacker looks, though the Hokies do want three-LB packages available when heavier personnel groups show up.
"As much as most people in the country are playing nickel, we also want to have the ability when people line up in heavy sets, whether it's 12-personnel or bigger, that we have the chance to matchup and get some bigger guys on the field.
The injury picture remains a factor. A Virginia Tech team spokesperson said linebacker Gabe Williams is "out with a long-term injury", while Antwone Santiago returned to practice Friday.
Franklin did not offer an update on defensive tackle Emmett Laws or offensive lineman Johnny Garrett, whose injury was also described in long-term terms. Franklin said he generally prefers to leave those details to others rather than spend press conference time on them.
"You make plans based on everybody being healthy," Franklin said. "So, whenver, you lose a guy, it obviously affects you. We've got some young guys that we've got to get ready sooner rather than later."
He also pointed to the importance of flexibility across the roster, using Sherrod Covil as an example after Covil moved from safety to linebacker in 2025.
Franklin said the Hokies have taken steps forward in toughness, physicality and overall competition. He also said the team is beginning to define itself more clearly as camp winds down.
"We've had a physical camp," Franklin said. "...
I think our give-a-shit level is really high, and I think we're getting a better idea on offense and defense and special teams who we're going to need to be with this team based on our identity to be successful. To me, that's a critical piece over these two weeks."
Virginia Tech opens against VMI on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 7:30 p.m. ET on ACC Network.
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