The Hokies welcome back multiple starters on the defensive side of the ball, especially in the secondary while retooling along the interior.
Editor’s note: It is less than a week until this year’s Virginia Tech Spring football game. So today, we continue a look at what the team could look like.
Having already previewed what Virginia Tech looks like on the offensive side of the ball, the reason for momentum doesn’t stop there.
The Hokies bring back some key contributors on the defensive end, with plenty of newcomers coming in as well. Let’s take a quick glance at what Tech could look like on that side of the ball.
Defensive Line
Defensive line coach J.C. Price is set to possess a collection of talent up front this upcoming year. The Hokies return the likes of Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Cole Nelson, C.J. McCray and Keyshawn Burgos at the defensive end spot, while also welcoming back the veteran duo of Josh Fuga and Wilfried Pene at the defensive tackle position.
Powell-Ryland is coming off an impressive first season suiting up in maroon and orange. The Florida transfer registered 14.5 tackles for loss in 2023, sacking the quarterback a team-best 9.5 times over the course of the year.
Nelson, on the other hand, had a strong campaign as well. The Johns Creek, Georgia, product racked up 27 total tackles a season ago, securing 4.5 sacks of his own and serving as a key piece on the defensive front.
That’s not without mentioning the impact of McCray, Burgos, Fuga and Pene, too. McCray posted 21 total tackles a year ago, while Burgos (17), Fuga (13) and Pene (10) all played an important role in Tech’s success in 2023.
You can’t forget about the transfer additions either. Tech brought in the trio of Aeneas Peebles (Duke), Kelvin Gilliam Jr. (Oklahoma) and Kemari Copeland (Iowa Western Community College) this past offseason to help retool.
Peebles was a member of the 2023 All-ACC Third Team this past season suiting up for the Blue Devils, while Gilliam, a Richmond, Virginia, native, and Copeland, a Virginia Beach, Virginia, product, all eye a big year returning to the Commonwealth in the next step of their college careers.
Linebackers/Stars
Gone is sixth-year man Alan Tisdale, who helped steer the ship at the linebacker spot, but nearly everyone else returns, including Keli Lawson, Keonta Jenkins, Jayden McDonald, Jaden Keller, Caleb Woodson and Will Johnson, who all made an impact in 2023.
Lawson’s forced to miss the entirety of spring ball after offseason surgery, but is poised to make a big impact following his return. The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder finished the year with a team-high 80 total tackles (39 solo), showcasing his skills and athleticism at the highest of levels in his time on the field.
Jenkins and McDonald both were crucial throughout the year as well. Jenkins recorded 50 total tackles, with 30 solo stops, over the course of the campaign, while McDonald had 30 total wrap-ups and 11 solo in his redshirt sophomore season.
Keller (23 total tackles), Woodson (22) and Johnson (9) each contributed, too, while redshirt freshman Aycen Stevens and freshman Gabe Williams all seek to slide in and make their college debuts.
That’s also all without mentioning the addition of Middle Tennessee transfer Sam Brumfield. The redshirt senior linebacker was named to the All-Conference USA Second Team a season ago, completing the year with a team-high 81 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss. With Brumfield’s abilities, he’s set to play a pivotal role in 2024, and could be a big add if all goes well this upcoming year.
Defensive Backs
Filled with promise and prize heading into phase two, there’s much to like about what Tech’s set to trot out onto the field in the defensive backs room in 2024.
The Hokies welcome back a laundry list of accolades at the cornerback position with both Dorian Strong and Mansoor Delane returning to the fold, while Jalen Stroman, Jaylen Jones and Mose Phillips III are set to suit up at safety after seeing time last year.
Strong was awarded Third Team All-ACC after putting up 25 total tackles (18 solo) and three interceptions a season ago, while also being named one of Pro Football Focus’ top-10 returning cornerbacks in 2024.
On the flip side, Delane tallied 54 total wrap-ups and 31 solo stops in 2023 and is poised for another big season this upcoming year.
Stroman also had himself a solid campaign. The Bristow, Virginia, native finished third on the team with 55 total tackles, while Jones (34) and Phillips (27) each adjusted nicely to both their first seasons manning the position at the collegiate ranks.
Let’s not forget about Dante Lovett and Braylon Johnson also returning to the mix, while redshirt freshmen Krystian Williams, Jonathan Pennix, Thomas Williams, Antonio Cotman Jr. and Cameren Fleming all aim to earn a shot.
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