Virginia Tech Football: The 10 Most Important People in the Program

The Sugar Bowl-bound Virginia Tech Hokies have built a formidable program in the competitive world of college football.

In the 25 years with Frank Beamer at the helm, Virginia Tech has moved from the outhouse to the penthouse as the most consistent team in college football.

Only the Hokies can boast about an active eight-season streak of 10 wins or more.

Combine that with the third-longest bowl streak in the country, and Tech has ascended into the upper echelon of college football.

The impressive production under Beamer could not, however, have been accomplished without extraordinary work by others within the program.

Here are 10 individuals who are integral in the Hokies' success.

 

10. Bruce Smith

Fans can often spot former Hokies defensive star Bruce Smith roaming the sidelines on game days in Blacksburg.

While not officially involved in the day-to-day operations of the football program, Smith is the best player ever to play at Virginia Tech. Also, he is an avid ambassador of Virginia Tech.

The Hokies recently signed Smith's son, Alston Smith, to the 2012 recruiting class. Virginia Tech fans can now look forward to another Smith, hopefully terrorizing the opposing backfields.  

9. Charley Wiles

Defensive line coach Charley Wiles has groomed some impressive linemen during his long tenure in Blacksburg.

A carryover from Beamer's staff at Murray State, Wiles has coached such names as Corey Moore, Darryl Tapp, John Engelberger, Jason Worilds and Cornell Brown.

In 2011, Wiles has tutored an inexperienced line to a surprisingly strong campaign. The Hokies are ranked No. 6 in the nation with 38 sacks, despite giving significant playing time to Freshmen Luther Maddy and Corey Marshall.

With the youngsters getting valuable experience on the front lines in 2011, expect this group to be a devastating core over the next few years with Wiles at the helm.

 

8. Billy Hite

After the 2010 season, Billy Hite was involved in the plethora of coaching changes that characterized the Virginia Tech offseason.

Hite, who had coached running backs for 30 years, was promoted to an advising position to make room for Shane Beamer.

The list of NFL running backs that passed through Blacksburg during Hite's tenure is impressive. Kevin Jones, Lee Suggs, Ryan Williams, Darren Evans, and future pro David Wilson all owe their college progression to the work of Hite.

Hite's services as a consultant remain valuable for the recruitment of future running backs, and for his experience in the college game. 

7. Danny Coale

Danny Coale's importance on Virginia Tech's team has been vastly underrated.

Not only is Coale going to end his career as the second most productive receiver in Virginia Tech history, he has also set an excellent example for his fans and teammates to follow.

Coale has 157 receptions for 2,541 yards in his career with eight touchdowns. His most memorable catch came during a dramatic comeback versus Nebraska in 2009.

More than his on-field play, Coale has been the face of the Hokies for several media appearances. He has made appearances on ESPN's Jim Rome is Burning and in interviews with ESPN ACC blogger Heather Dinich.

The Hokies will sorely miss Coale's services going into 2012. 

6. Jim Weaver

Virginia Tech athletic director Jim Weaver shares many of the same ideals as Head Coach Frank Beamer.

That explains why both their tenures have lasted so long in Blacksburg.

Weaver took over the position in 1997, and has overseen the movement of the Hokies from the Big East to the ACC.

The remodeling of Lane Stadium's west concourse was completed in 2006 under Weaver's supervision, according to hokiesports.com.

Most importantly, Weaver's steady image percolates the Hokie community, thus making his presence as director of athletics invaluable.  

5. Torrian Gray

Defensive Secondary Coach Torrian Gray carried over his excellent playing career to a successful stint at Virginia Tech.

The former NFL player stood out for the Hokies from 1992-96, and took over his current position in 2006.

Since taking over, Gray has coached several NFL defensive backs including Macho Harris, Brandon Flowers, Kam Chancellor and Rashad Carmichael.

Current cornerback Jayron Hosley is projected to be an early round selection in the NFL Draft whenever he decides to enter.

Chances are Gray will move up the coaching ranks as other teams notice his ability to develop NFL talent. Until then, he remains an integral part of Virginia Tech's staff. 

4. Logan Thomas

It is up to quarterback Logan Thomas to build on the foundation that former signal caller Tyrod Taylor laid during his time in Blacksburg.

Thomas is off to a great start, leading the Hokies to an 11-2 record in his first year as a starter, and showing vast improvement from game-to-game.

Frank Beamer has applauded Thomas for his Taylor-like leadership qualities on and off the field, along with his poise in pressure situations.

If the well-known consistency of Virginia Tech football is to persist for the next few years, Thomas will have to develop into the star that fans expect him to be. 

3. Shane Beamer

New running backs coach Shane Beamer has already established his importance in the first season of his tenure at Virginia Tech.

The Hokies hired him because of his renowned recruiting abilities while employed at South Carolina. Beamer has not disappointed, as he is helping to reel in a projected top 15 recruiting class in 2012. 

Frank Beamer's son is a darkhorse candidate to replace his father once he eventually retires. The chances would increase dramatically if Bud Foster departs for the Pittsburgh job this offseason.

The hiring of the younger Beamer is a long-term one for the Hokies. His role in the program will increase from year-to-year from here on out. 

2. Bud Foster

Defensive Coordinator Bud Foster's unit performs admirably every year.

Even with graduated players, injuries and inexperience, the defense remains the strength of Virginia Tech's roster.

That is why every offseason Foster is rumored to be a candidate for multiple head coaching openings. While Foster is invaluable to the Virginia Tech program, his performance certainly warrants an opportunity elsewhere as a head coach.

In the meantime, Tech fans are more than happy to keep Foster and his stingy defenses around for the long haul.

Now, if the Hokies can only find a consistent coach on offense.

1. Frank Beamer

The most important individual in the Virginia Tech football program has been, is, and will continue to be Frank Beamer for the foreseeable future.

Beamer is completing season No. 25 in Blacksburg as head coach. He is the winningest active coach in college football.

In a college football culture full of scandal, recruiting violations and instability, Beamer portrays a culture of principles in Blacksburg while continuing to produce elite win totals.

While Beamer's term as head coach is nearing its end and lacks a championship, one cannot deny the excellent work the man has done in bringing a program from scratch to elite in 25 seasons.