Belmar Gets Back To VT
In July, Virginia Tech’s coaching staff looked a bit different when Collins Hill (Ga.) three-star linebacker Emmanuel Belmar gave his commitment. Most notably, Coach Frank Beamer had yet to announce his retirement.
But even with Beamer’s replacement, Justin Fuente, Belmar insists that not much has changed. He still feels strongly about the Hokies and still envisions himself making an impact.
This past weekend, he officially visited Virginia Tech with a notable teammate. Now, he’s trying to bring that teammate with him as well.
Belmar visited the Hokies unofficially this fall for two games, against Ohio State and North Carolina. This trip, though, solidified what he had gained on his other visits.
“Really, it was just what I expected,” Belmar said. “I’ve been there so many times, it’s like a tradition and so family-oriented. Everything was the same as I pictured it would be. I didn’t expect anything different.”
What was different is Belmar’s guest, four-star defensive end Tomon Fox, who’s been committed to North Carolina since June. Fox is now between the Tar Heels and Virginia Tech.
“I work hard to try to get him to go there,” Belmar said. “He’s gonna get home and talk about it with his dad. I think his dad enjoyed it, too. We had some good food, the number one food in the country.”
Both Belmar and Fox also talked extensively with members of the coaching staff. That included the newcomers, such as Fuente and those who both Fox and Belmar have become accustomed to, like defensive coordinator Bud Foster and assistant coaches Torrian Gray and Charley Wiles.
“I sat down individually with all of them,” Belmar said. “With Coach Foster, we were in there watching film and he was showing me the different formations they do, the type of pressure they bring. Coach Fuente, it’s just general things we talked about, question types of things.”
But it was Fuente who has especially put Belmar’s mind at ease about his decision. And Belmar now has big hopes for his future school.
“I think it’s gonna be good,” he said. “He’s about to turn the program back to top 25, honestly, maybe even get a national championship. He’s more offensive-minded. It’s gonna be good. It hasn’t changed anything with me and Virginia Tech, him coming in. He’s basically another Coach Beamer, an intensified Coach Beamer.”
Belmar plans to sign his letter of intent with the Hokies Wednesday on national signing day.
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