Virginia Tech athletic director Whit Babcock and head football coach Justin Fuente are speaking to the media this morning via teleconference. Babcock is on at 11:30, while Fuente will speak at noon. I’ll have updates. #Hokies

Babcock says there are about 180 of the 570 student athletes in Blacksburg still. Those that returned were medically screened for COVID-19 but not tested. #Hokies

Babcock: “If every spring sport athlete came back for next season, it would cost an extra $668,000… we do have an internal plan within our department right now.” Mentions that the #Hokies don’t just have that money lying around, and that not every athlete will opt to come back.

Babcock: “What we’re focusing on first is the navigation of spring sports for those athletes that want to come back.” Said there’s been modeling of entire seasons and shortened football seasons in the fall, but everything depends on if it’s safe. #Hokies

Babcock said “I would never say never, but I’d have a hard time playing football games if it’s not safe for fans and students to be back in Blacksburg.” #Hokies

Babcock on season tickets: Says they can’t push the deadline of ticket sales back farther than April 30 but after talking with other ACC schools, it seems like everyone has been “pleasantly surprised” about the number of tickets that have still been sold. #Hokies

On the Lunch Pail: “We will use the it somewhat. You will not see us carrying the LP that way.” Babcock explained it as, “They want to create their own legacy.” The Lunch Pail will still be around, but it was a decision from the trio of Foster, Fuente and Hamilton. #Hokies

Basically, you’ll see the Lunch Pail less. They’re not shying away from it, but it’ll have a smaller role after a decision from Fuente, Hamilton and Foster. #Hokies

Babcock was asked if anyone on any of the staffs or players have tested positive for the coronavirus.

“No sir.” #Hokies

Justin Fuente is here now.

“Obviously we’re going through unprecedented times. I’m really proud of our players.” Says he gave them three objectives: their health, school work and fitness, and they’ve done a good job with that. #Hokies

“This isn’t just social distancing, it’s physical distancing.” Said they’ve done their best to keep players connected while so far apart. #Hokies

Fuente says at the moment, the staff is allowed to have four hours of position meetings per week. Said the guidelines for the meetings update fairly frequently. #Hokies

Fuente says his first thought when spring ball was canceled was about how the defense would come together with a new staff. He said that’s probably the biggest loss - the defense and the positions who have new position coaches. #Hokies

Fuente says coaches can’t initiate phone calls but if recruits initiate the conversation, the coaches can answer. #Hokies

Fuente: “I do think we have a little more of a mature team right now.” Said he’s been pleased with a large number of guys on his team, especially when it comes to completing their schoolwork. #Hokies

Fuente: “We have to make sure we’re taking care of our players the best we can.” Said there are still meetings with players academically, along with tutor and nutrition sessions. #Hokies

Fuente said his basement is where he spends most of his time at his home. Said he found himself struggling the first week, but has found his groove - and that’s the message he wanted to send to his players. #Hokies

Fuente also mentioned that while he works from his basement, communicating with staff and players, his wife has been teaching the kids upstairs. “I guess I'm in charge of P.E." #Hokies

Fuente on recruiting: “I think it’s easier nowadays to paint a picture of a place that’s far away.” #Hokies

Fuente said it’s been cool to see the different creative workouts that his players have come up with. Said it’s something he was looking forward to, and he thought it was neat that his players have found different ways to work out and sharing it with each other. #Hokies