We've already previewed what Virginia Tech looks like on offense, but that's not the only reason for the momentum.
The Hokies bring back several key contributors on defense and add a number of new faces as well. Let's take a quick look at what Tech looks like on that side of the ball.
defense line
defensive line coach JC price plans to have talented people on the front lines next year.The Hokies return something like antoine powell ryland, cole nelson, CJ McCray and keyshawn burgos He will be at the defensive end spot and will welcome the return of the veteran duo. Josh Fuga and Wilfried Penne at the defensive tackle position.
Powell-Ryland is coming off an impressive first season in the maroon and orange. The Florida transfer had 14.5 tackles for loss in 2023 and sacked the quarterback a team-high 9.5 times on the year.
Nelson, on the other hand, ran an equally strong campaign. The Johns Creek, Ga., native played a key role on defense before the season, totaling 27 tackles and recording 4.5 sacks himself.
That is not to say that he does not mention the influence of McCrae, Burgos, Fugue, and Pene. McCray totaled 21 tackles a year ago, and Burgos (17), Huga (13) and Pene (10) all played key roles in Tech's success in 2023.
Don't forget about transfer fees.Trio brought about by technology Aeneas Peebles (Duke), kelvin gilliam jr. (Oklahoma) and Kemali Copeland (Iowa Western Community College) came on board this offseason to help with the reorganization.
Peebles was a 2023 All-ACC Third Team member for the Blue Devils last season, but Gilliam, from Richmond, Va., and Copeland, from Virginia Beach, Va., all have their sights set on big years returning to the Blue Devils. . Enrolling at Commonwealth is the next step in your college career.
linebacker/star
The 6th grade boy is gone. Alan Tisdalehelped steer the ship at the linebacker spot, but nearly everyone else returns. kelly lawson, Keonta Jenkins, jayden mcdonald, jaden keller, caleb woodson and Will Johnsonall made an impact in 2023.
Lawson was forced to miss all of spring ball after offseason surgery, but is poised to make a big impact upon his return. The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder finished the year with a team-high 80 total tackles (39 solo), showing that his skills and athleticism on the field are at the highest level.
Both Jenkins and McDonald played equally important roles throughout the year. Jenkins totaled 50 tackles and 30 solo stops over the season, while McDonald totaled 30 wrap-ups and 11 solo stops in his second redshirt season.
Keller (23 total tackles), Woodson (22 tackles) and Johnson (9 tackles) each contributed, while the redshirt freshman also contributed. Eisen Stevens and Taborian Copeland and a new student Gabe Williams All of them are aiming to slip into university and make their university debut.
That's all without mentioning the addition of the Middle Tennessee transfer. Sam Brumfield. The redshirt senior linebacker was named to the All-Conference USA second team a season ago and finished the year with a team-high 81 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss. Brumfield's ability will see him play a pivotal role in 2024 and could be a huge addition if all goes well next year.
defensive backs
There are a lot of interesting things about what the tech companies that are so excited about and excited about in Phase 2 will be taking to the field in the defensive backs room in 2024.
The Hokies welcome a long list of honors at the cornerback position, with both dorian strong and Mansour Deran While returning to the fold, jalen strowman, jalen jones and Mose Phillips III Looking at last year's time, you are set to be able to suit up safely.
Strong recorded 25 total tackles (18 solo) and three interceptions before the season, earning third-team All-ACC honors and was also named one of Pro Football Focus' top 10 returning cornerbacks in 2024. Ta.
Meanwhile, Delane has recorded a total of 54 lap-ups and 31 solo stops in 2023, and is gearing up for another big season next year.
Stroman himself ran a solid campaign. The Bristow, Va., native finished third on the team with 55 total tackles, and Jones, 34, and Phillips, 27, each adjusted well in their first seasons at their positions in the college ranks.
let's not forget Dante Lovett, braylon johnson and Devin Alves The redshirt freshman also returns to the mix. christian williams, Jonathan Penix, antonio cotman jr. and cameln fleming The idea is for everyone to get a shot.
