Senior center Eric Gallo (6-2, 300) leads a big offensive line this season for Virginia Tech.
Editor’s note: Throughout fall camp at Virginia Tech, we’ll periodically catch up with student-athletes and coaches for five questions.
Q: What is the best part about Virginia Tech and being a part of Hokie Nation?
GALLO: “The best part of Hokie Nation is being part of a second family, having a home away from home and knowing that you are a part of something that is bigger than yourself. No matter who you are, if you’re a Hokie then that means something to you and you have an immediate connection to somebody and that is something that continues not only here in Blacksburg, but for the rest of your life.”
Q: What is your favorite game day meal to have with the team?
GALLO: “My favorite meal would be the meal right before the game where we do our three options which is either pancakes, potatoes or spaghetti. I go with the potatoes. That’s my favorite meal just because of the atmosphere. There is no talking involved, everyone is locked in and focused on the game. There is certainly no horseplay, loud noises or disturbances. It’s a very focused meal with a lot of intensity involved.”
Q: What did you do this summer to gain a few pounds heading into your senior season?
GALLO: “This summer I focused a lot on my diet. I tried to eat all of the different food groups, especially fruits and vegetables. Planning ahead of time was definitely something I tried doing this summer. Knowing what I am going to eat before the day starts and planning meals for the next day. I would say the diet and giving as great an effort as I possibly can in the weight room was what I tried to do this summer.”
Q: What do you expect to see from the O-line and the offense this season?
GALLO: “The first thing is the things that you can control which is your effort and your attitude. That’s what we focus on up front, playing with tremendous effort and having a great attitude about work every day. From there, things will take care of themselves as long as we know what to do and know our playbook and know our assignments. That’s what we are looking to do. As an offense as a whole, we’re focused on ball security, so that’s something that is crucial for anyone who touches the ball including the centers.”
Q: What is it like working with Coach Vance Vice on a daily basis?
GALLO: “Coach Vice is really great, he sincerely cares about the offensive line and the unit. He’s a coach who sees the offensive line as one single unit not a group of individuals. We really are a single unit who works as one. He coaches us hard every day and it makes us better. He understands the playbook very well and it’s our job to take what he knows and put it into action on the field.”
–VT Athletics
