Players say there is more of a focus on conditioning with the new S&C staff than there was before. Recruits have also said that current players have told them the same thing. Fuente said that wasn't a knock on the old way of doing things but that it is a requirement of his system and just the general landscape of NCAAF now.

Here is a free TSL article titled "Ben Hilgart Changing Focus of Offseason Strength and Conditioning Program for Virginia Tech" which says "Hilgart has redone the entire program, tailoring it to fit Fuente’s fast-paced offense."
http://virginiatech.sportswar.com/article/2016/07/20/ben-hilgart-changing-focus-offseason-strength-conditioning-program-virginia-tech/

Here is a 247 article that says exactly that and also explains how the "methods, concepts, and expectations" are different this year as well.
http://virginiatech.247sports.com/Article/Hard-Smart-and-Tough-Ben-Hilgarts-Impact-on-Virginia-Tech-43931585