For the first time in school history, the Flames will take the field against an FBS team that resides within the Commonwealth of Virginia. As we all know, the Hokies call Blacksburg, which is less than 90 miles from Lynchburg, home. This is a monumental occasion for the program for numerous reasons, which we’ve discussed previously, but this game will mean more than your typical season opener against an FBS opponent for several members of the Flames’ football team, as well.
27 of the 92 names listed on Liberty’s roster are from Virginia. Several of them grew up huge Virginia Tech fans, even dreaming they would one day be able to suit up for the Hokies at Lane Stadium.
Liberty’s starting left tackle and team captain, Tanner Hartman, is one that grew up a Hokie fan. His dad played his college football at Tech, and they moved to Christiansburg (10 miles from Tech’s campus) when Tanner was 4. “I remember my first Virginia Tech game was when they played JMU. We had season tickets for many years. I grew up going to all those games, went to practices when I was little. I know some of the older coaches and met them through my dad.”
Hartman
Hartman’s neighbor on the offensive line, starting left guard Lucas Holder, has this game highlighted. “It’s a game that I’ve waited 22 plus years to play in,” Holder said. “My entire family graduated from Tech. My brother is currently getting his Ph.D. from Virginia Tech, and his 2 prior degrees were from there. Growing up in the backyard, I’d picture myself as Michael Vick or Bryan Randall, even up in my adolescent years to Tyrod Taylor. That’s definitely my first memories of football, so I’m very excited.”
Tight end Zac Foutz, who is from Roanoke and played his high school ball at Cave Spring, had a similar childhood experience. “I grew up a Hokie fan,” Foutz said. “Coach Beamer knew me personally. I knew the Virginia Tech staff personally. My dad knows them. We’ve been up to Virginia Tech multiple times.”
Redshirt-freshman running back Frankie Hickson also grew up a Virginia Tech fan. “My idol growing up was David Wilson. I actually met Tyrod Taylor one time, it was absolutely amazing. They were all I watched on Saturday. It’s always been my dream to play at Virginia Tech.”
Each of these guys were passed over by the Hokies during the recruiting process. “When it came time to recruit, they said they didn’t need me,” Hickson said. “So, now that’s my vendetta. That’s what I focus on. That’s been my motivation since I found out that we were playing Virginia Tech.”
Hickson
Foutz was recruited heavily by Tech, but it never turned into an offer. “This game is more personal for me, being from Roanoke and having that interaction with those Virginia Tech coaches for 3 or 4 years. It’s something that I won’t forget,” Foutz said. “I think it’s definitely going to be in the back of my mind when we play.”
Holder said he had a lot of communication with the Hokies’ coaching staff during the recruiting process, but it never materialized with an offer. “It is what it is. I’m more than blessed to be where I’m at today and it definitely worked out for me for the best.”
Hartman had several options coming out of high school. He originally committed to Maryland before switching his commitment to Penn State where he spent his first season. Hartman also had offers from Liberty, Richmond, and Temple while in high school, but not Virginia Tech. He has similar feelings on it as Holder. “It is what it is,” Hartman explained. “There’s no negativity about it, it is what it is. I had good options coming out of high school and I’m glad I’m here (at Liberty).”
Saturday’s game will be one these guys never forget, regardless of the outcome. “It’s going to be a neat experience, but also something I’m looking forward to sharing with my teammates,” Hartman said. “It’s a school right down the road. I grew up with a couple kids on the team, Brenden Motley, Johnathan Galante. I played high school ball with Braxton Pfaff. There’s going to be some familiar faces as well. So, I’m looking forward to going there with my teammates and playing in that game.”
