One thing that is clear from his work here thus far is that Fuente does not consider success recruiting in-state to be a priority. Instead, he simply looks for the best talent available to us wherever that may. If it's in VA, he'll go after it there. If it's in NC, SC, PA, MD, or NJ, he'll go after it there instead.

Obviously, proximity is a factor in "what's available to us" but that's not out of a sense of geographic loyalty or obligation. It's an attribute of the talent market. Many kids just don't want to be too far away from family. The fact is, Blacksburg is closer to many families in NC, MD, PA, TN, WV, and even SC, OH, and KY than some in VA. Fuente is just following the talent and as far as I'm concerned, it's a perfectly viable strategy.