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11/29 - Coale Finally Speaks Out
Here’s
our conversation with Danny Coale
BeamerBall.com: I’m not sure I’ve
ever seen you go center-stage the whole time you’ve been at Virginia Tech.
What motivated you to speak before the UVA game? Danny Coale: You’re
right, I haven’t been that guy. Usually, one of our other seniors takes on
that role. But, I had a lot on my mind coming into this game. I’m a Virginia
kid who grew up pretty much in the middle between UVA and Virginia Tech and I
know all about this rivalry. So, I wanted to speak my mind, and let the guys know
how important that game was, and that we needed it, and we needed to take care
of business. UVA was getting a ton of hype coming into the game, they had us on
“Upset Alert” and things like that. I just wanted my teammates to know
how important this game was to me, to our program, to our fans and to our status
in the ACC and the college football world. It’s clear that they want to be
where we are. I wanted to make sure our guys knew exactly who and what Virginia
Tech football is, and I wanted us to get out there and show it. In my mind, I
pictured all these people tuning in to see Virginia finally beat Virginia Tech.
Running and turning on their T.V.’s because the media said the Hokies were
going down. I was determined that wasn’t going to happen and I wanted to
make sure I wasn’t alone. And, for everybody tuning in for Virginia, I wanted
to make sure that all they got was Virginia Tech. BeamerBall.com: How personal
was this final game against UVA for you? We all know you wanted to play at Virginia,
but, they just didn’t seem as interested in you as Virginia Tech. Danny
Coale: Well, you’re right. I grew up a UVA fan. Did I take it personal? Wow,
I don’t know. I always play with a chip on my shoulder. So, there were a
lot of other schools, along with UVA, that didn’t show a lot of interest
in me. That fuels me all the time. I don’t think I was ever bitter about
UVA. So, no, it wasn’t personal. It didn’t take me long to realize how
fortunate I was to be at Virginia Tech and in this program. I ended up exactly
where I needed to be. When you compare the two programs, things really worked
out for the better as far as I’m concerned. My speaking up wasn’t about
me as much as it was about our program. I just didn’t like the way we were
being swept to the side by a lot of people. And, I wasn’t alone. We needed
to make a statement. I think you could tell we were all business. BeamerBall.com:
When things finally settled down, and you were on that bus headed back to Blacksburg,
what were some of the main things that were bouncing around in your head? Danny
Coale: Just total satisfaction. From the moment we pulled up to the stadium, it
was total hostility. We really started laughing at how much trash was talked.
The UVA players were talking. Even their fans were talking. I mean, just talking
garbage. They honestly wouldn’t shut up. We just soaked it in and let it
fire us up. You saw how passionate we played. You saw D.J. Coles knock a guy out.
You saw Logan Thomas trucking people. You saw our guys just fighting and battling
and playing hard and relentless and playing the way we play. We want to be tough
and classy. Coach Beamer preaches that. We went into their house and shut them
out. Just a great feeling. That’s what I was thinking about. I was thinking
about the statement we made and I was thinking about we’re going to play
for another ACC title. BeamerBall.com: How satisfying is it, that you’re
leaving Virginia Tech as one of their all time greatest receivers? Danny
Coale: Well, all I wanted was to work my tail off and do everything possible to
have a good career. I knew if I did those things, then maybe by the time I leave,
I could put together a pretty good career. I didn’t imagine having the career
I’ve had here. It’s been great, on and off the field. I’m very
thankful and grateful that Coach Beamer gave me the opportunity. Again, not many
people gave me a chance, so, I was determined to make the most of it and prove
Coach Beamer right! I haven’t spent any time at all thinking about where
I rank here. I’m just fortunate that I’ve been able to play with a guy
like Jarrett Boykin. He’s really pushed me. I’m fortunate I’ve
had quarterbacks like Tyrod Taylor and Logan Thomas. All the surrounding parts,
my teammates, the coaches, it just all works together. One day, I’m sure
I’ll look back and enjoy it, but, right now, I’m in the moment and there’s
more work to be done. BeamerBall.com: Has it hit you yet, that you’re
down to your final two games as a Hokie? Danny Coale: Wow.... yes... it’s
starting to hit me. That’s something else I was thinking about on that bus
ride home. I knew that was the last time I’d get to face UVA and I knew that
was my last regular season game. So, I’m really trying to soak in all the
moments. We have a chance to bring another ACC Championship home to Blacksburg.
And if we do that, we’ll have a chance to go to a great bowl game. I’m
well aware that I’m approaching the finish line and I’m trying to cherish
all of it. I want to really enjoy the senior class I came in with, and these younger
guys. We have some super people in this program and it’s hard to think it’s
all coming to an end. BeamerBall.com: Well, here you are, ready to pass
through the program, like hundreds before you. Do you now have a better understanding
of Coach Beamer’s message at the end of the tunnel: “For those who have
passed, for those to come.... Reach for Excellence!” Danny Coale:
No question. I know exactly what it means. To me, it means “unselfishness.”
To me it means, “make sure you hold up your end of the bargain just like
those guys before you.” To me it means, “you’re a part of something
much bigger than any individual.” And, not knowing a lot about Tech before
I got here, when I did get here it didn’t take me long to learn from the
older guys that something has been built here. A tradition of excellence and winning.
It’s been established and they’re passing the baton to you. That’s
really fueled the fire. Here, we have high expectations and you’re expected
to live up to those expectations. When I see those words coming out of that tunnel,
I think about all of the other guys, who were standing right there, and I promise
you, you don’t want to let them down. You want to make sure you do your part.
Around here, it really is all about the team. They’re not interested in individuals.
BeamerBall.com: What did your UVA brother (Kevin) have to say after you
guys shut out his Cavaliers Saturday night? Danny Coale: Ha ha ha... well,
he was actually very happy for me. He and his wife, both graduated from UVA. And
they hadn’t been back to Charlottesville for some time. So, they arrived
early to walk the campus and go downtown to enjoy it. He said it was really weird
walking around in orange and maroon..... BeamerBall.com: Whoa, wait, your
brother and his wife, who both graduated from UVA, were wearing Hokie colors?
Danny Coale: They were. In my honor. That’s pretty cool. He was there
to cheer for his brother. He loves his school, but he’s been very supportive
of me. I really appreciate that. He said he got some funny looks, but people understand
family. Also, I was the one who got him his tickets. BeamerBall.com: What’s
the deal with you punting in this game? How did that come about? Danny
Coale: I was a little shocked. I knew there was a chance, but I wasn’t sure.
Then, in pregame, Coach Beamer pulled me to the side and told me that I would
be punting in this big game and that he trusts me being back there. Great, I was
ready to go. I appreciated the confidence he has in me. And, I was really happy
to nail that first punt. I think my steps were all wrong. I just wanted to strike
it clean. Just hit the ball hard and get it out of there. When I looked up and
saw it spiraling, it was great. I really wanted to do a good job for Coach Beamer.
BeamerBall.com: You guys come out of the UVA game as a Red Hot Offense.
Can you keep that going for Clemson? Danny Coale: To be honest, we don’t
really talk about it. Coming into this season, we knew we had a chance to be a
special group. You could just see a lot of talent in the huddle. It’s something
we feel, it’s not something we talk about. We know what we’re supposed
to do and we know what happens when we do what we’re supposed to do. We just
have to go out and do it. We’re not real happy with the showing we had against
Clemson earlier this year. So, let’s just say we’re anxious to get a
second shot. BeamerBall.com: Finally, I noticed that just before the game
against UVA, you ran over to the stands and spent time with a child who appeared
to be sick. Is that a family member? What’s the story? Danny Coale:
That’s Ethan, and he’s battling cancer and he’s having a tough
time. He’s from Rockbridge County and he’s at UVA receiving treatments.
And, this is actually kind of funny, but the UVA players have been coming over
and visiting the sick kids, and he didn’t want to see them. He told the nurses
that he wasn’t a UVA fan, he’s a Virginia Tech fan. So, “no thank
you” for the UVA players, “please send in some Tech guys!” That’s
how it started. And, Ethan’s dad reached out to my father and it went from
there. We had him come over to the team hotel on Friday, and then before the game
I spent some time with him, took a couple pictures, gave him a big hug and let
him know that we appreciate him pulling for us, that we’re all pulling for
him. I’ve been checking on him because he’s having his bone marrow transplant
this week. I really wanted to see him before the game because he told me he wouldn’t
be around after the game. He simply doesn’t have the energy to make it through
an entire game. I appreciate the security guys at UVA working with us. They were
great. He got to step on the field behind our bench for a minute and you could
tell that was really big for him. BeamerBall.com: Thanks for the time Danny.
Good luck in Charlotte! Danny Coale: You’re very welcome.
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