since he named Motu the MVP of the linebackers at the end of the 2015 season. If he now starts trashing Motu, no one would believe anything else he says.

The fact that Motu is the MVP of the linebackers says more about the VT linebackers than it says about Motu.

Frankly he was saying good things about Motu during last spring practice yet the fans noted that Motu had a lousy spring. Given how the year unfolded, I think its fair to say he was wrong on this, and for whatever reason continues to be wrong. He was also wrong on his statement that Motu is a 1st year starter. He forgets that Motu started 4-5 games his freshman year when Chase Williams went down so he is a multi-year starter.

I do accept that he may be saying good things to counterbalance all the negative comments from the press and fans. He does not live in a vacuum. Maybe Motu will have a great year, who knows. But for whatever reason he appears to be protecting Motu.