Dorian Strong hopes to get a pick-six inside Lane Stadium during 2024 season
Dorian Strong hopes to electrify Lane Stadium in the 2024 campaign. At the 2024 ACC Kickoff, the Virginia Tech cornerback revealed his unusual goal for the upcoming season.
“I want to pick-six in Lane Stadium,” Strong said. “I’ve been fortunate enough to catch a couple of picks in my career. I only think I got, what, one in Lane Stadium. I felt that roar that first time when I was running. Now just to do that, to catch multiple pick-sixes in Lane Stadium.”
Strong is entering his fifth season with the Hokies. In 41 appearances and 32 starts at the program, Strong has amassed five interceptions. None have been returned for touchdowns. Evidently, Strong hopes to change that this year, and do it in front of a roaring crowd on his home turf.
Of course, Strong has given Hokies fans plenty to cheer for over four years. In his career, he boasts 80 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a whopping 27 passes defended. Last season, Strong became just the second FBS cornerback since 2014 with 300+ coverage snaps gave up less than 10 receptions and less than 100 yards receiving in a season.
For his efforts, he was named an All-ACC Third-Team selection and an Action Network Second Team All-American. While a pick-six by Dorian Strong would only energize Lane Stadium more, Virginia Tech fans need no help making noise.
Brent Pry praises Virginia Tech fans
With a 65,532-person capacity, Lane Stadium provides the Hokies with one of the best home-field advantages in all of sports. At the ACC Kickoff, Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry raved about the atmosphere in the storied stadium.
“I think for all of us, you love the competition, you love playing in front of big crowds, you love the excitement of the entrance,” Pry said. “So, we’re very fortunate that way. I think our fans are some of the best in the country. They pack the place.
“When we come out of the locker room and Johnny Cash’s ‘God’s Gonna Cut You Down’ is just kind of slow playing as you take that walk,” Pry continued. “By the time you hit that tunnel, man, it’s the best. So I just try and make sure I don’t stumble coming out, that’s all.”
It won’t be long before the Hokies hear their dedicated fans showering them with shouts once again. On Aug. 31, Virginia Tech will kick off its 2024 campaign in a showdown against Vanderbilt. On Sept. 7, the Hokies will have their home-opener against Marshall.