Virgina Tech names MVPs from spring practice

Virginia Tech wrapped up spring practices over the weekend and new head coach Brent Pry singled out a few players that shined this offseason to award MVPs.

Here’s who caught the eyes of the new Hokies’ coaching staff:

2022 Most Improved Award

Tight End Nick Gallo, Defensive Linemen Josh Fuga

2022 Offensive MVP

Wide Receiver Da’ Wain Lofton

2022 Defensive MVP

Defensive Back Chamarri Conner

2022 Special Teams MVP

Linebacker Kelli Dawson, Defensive Back Jalen Stroman

While names like Gallo, Fuga and Conner aren’t going to surprise most Virginia Tech fans considering these are veteran players who are obviously stepping up and buying into the new staff’s vision, one of the more surprising MVPs is wide receiver Da’Wain Lofton on the offensive side of the ball.

The true sophomore appeared in 12 games last season but saw limited action and wasn’t considered a key role player.

Lofton closed out the 2021 campaign with just 7 receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown. While much of the focus has been on the emergence of Kaleb Smith at the receiver position this offseason, Lofton is now a player Hokies’ fans will want to monitor as the regular season inches closer.

Virginia Tech QB competition heating up

The Hokies have a new coach for the 2022 campaign and former Penn State defensive coordinator Brent Pry hasn’t made up his mind at the starting quarterback position this early in the offseason.

While everything is speculation as of now, Pry aggressively added Grant Wells (Marshall) and Jason Brown (South Carolina) through the transfer portal and those two got most of the snaps on Saturday.

When asked if he’s made a firm decision at naming the Hokies’ 2022 signal caller following the spring game on Saturday, Pry gave a blunt and honest assessment of where his team stands.

“No I wouldn’t say that,” Pry said. “I thought Grant played really well today. Obviously Jason and the offensive line struggled a little bit for the White group and that was tough on Jason. But Grant obviously threw some good balls and had a good first half out there. But we will evaluate the film and continue to work though the summer and we will take that competition into preseason camp.”

Last season, Virginia Tech struggled to move the ball through the air, particularly downfield.

The Hokies finished 2021 ranked No. 112 nationally in passing (176.4 yards per game) and the previous staff became increasingly reluctant to throw the ball. Only eight FBS teams attempted fewer passes in the month of November than the Hokies (19.8 attempts per game).

While it may take some time, it appears the new Virginia Tech staff is laying the foundation for the season.