Enter the sandman: There’s a new sheriff in Blacksburg

Virginia Tech football has found its new leader in former Penn State head coach James Franklin this week.

This move has the social media world buzzing with excitement. Franklin arrived on the Blacksburg campus, and his presence has been felt nation wide. He had his “first big break” in the ACC back in 2000 when becoming the WR coach at the University of Maryland. Over the course of time, Franklin had stints in the NFL and at other notable stops like Kansas State, Vanderbilt and most recently Penn State. 

Being a head coach in the SEC, Big Ten, and now ACC, Franklin’s resume and leadership has propelled him as one of the top coaches in college football, and this comes just over a month after he was relieved of his duties at Penn State. 

Something that stuck out during his press conference was that he mentioned the need to recruit the current players on the Hokies roster. He emphasized the need to have the full commitment of the current roster in hopes of having them all in and not “all in” the transfer portal. 

Franklin understands the current age of college football and realizes the need to maintain the player’s commitment and build on the foundation that is present instead of “blowing up” the program completely. 

In the same breath, it's important to also mention his recruiting powers, which are on full display as four-star QB Troy Huhn who was previously committed to Penn State. He decomitted and will now be taking a visit to Virginia Tech this weekend.

Don’t look now, but the Hokies are emerging as a new ACC favorite and possible college football playoff contender within the next 2 to 3 years. 

More college football news: 

• Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
• Ole Miss reportedly gives Lane Kiffin an ultimatum as family visits Florida and LSU
• Virginia Tech reportedly funding roster near top of ACC for James Franklin
• Bill Belichick goes viral for awkward handshake after Wake Forest loss
• Texas state trooper reportedly relieved of duties after player exchange at Texas A&M