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Two assistant coaches hired

Former VT defensive lineman Darryl Tapp, and former Jerry Kill assistant Tracy Claeys:

Fuente adds Darryl Tapp, Tracy Claeys to coaching staff

Honestly, Claeys is a little overqualified for a position coaching job, so that's a good get. Tapp is a very popular former player in the 757, which should help with recruiting. He's not a position coach, though (or at least it's not made clear he is), so he can't recruit on the road. More a QC-type spot, it appears.

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Fuente makes it official: Lechtenberg will shift to RB coach

I'll be honest, that strikes me as a positive change. Having one of the NCAA-designated assistant coaches largely performing a Player Personnel (i.e. non-coaching staffer) type of role was on the wasteful side, I'd say.

That means there are four openings to distribute between DL, LB, and corners, with the fourth either serving in a similar role to Lechtenberg's previous spot, or splitting the DL or LB position groups into an "inside" and "outside" position.

BREAKING: Justin Hamilton is the new DC

I would have said this was the most likely scenario (and did many times) during the season, but the post-season buzz on Odom had me thinking twice. Sounds like Odom's interested enough in pursuing other opportunities - and his personal relationship with Fuente not strong enough - that the promotion made more sense:

Justin Hamilton promoted to defensive coordinator

Also of note (and buried at the bottom of the release): Zohn Burden and Brian Mitchell will not be on next year's VT staff.

Karon Prunty committed to Kansas on his official visit

...for the time being, the VT coaching staff is still expecting the former Liberty commit to take his official visit to Blacksburg this weekend:

https://virginiatech.rivals.com/news/karon-prunty-gets-hug-from-les-miles-when-he-committed

It's totally possible he cancels that trip (but if he doesn't, and is still undecided, it wouldn't surprise me to see him wait until the February signing period than sign in December). At the same time, it does feel like the coaching staff has their sights set on other - higher-caliber, according to the rankings and perhaps their evaluations, as well - prospects in this sprint to the Early Signing Period.
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