Spring practice for the Virginia Tech Hokies began Friday. Thanks to head coach Brent Pry and his coaching staff, with the support of a strong NIL package, the Hokies return most of their starters from a team that won five of its last seven games.
After Pry's first season, he took over the majority of Virginia Tech's roster using the transfer portal. Retention was important this offseason. That's not to say the Hokies didn't take advantage of the transfer portal. Tech lost two of its top three defensive tackles to graduation, prioritizing the position through the portal. And the Hokies hit on all three of their top targets: Kemari Copeland, Aeneas Peebles and Kelvin Gilliam Jr.
The defensive line played well last season. Where the Hokies struggled the most was at linebacker. Pry and defensive coordinator Chris Marve targeted Middle Tennessee linebacker Sam Brumfield to shore up the run defense. Brumfield has already stepped into a leadership role since arriving this winter.
We previewed the offense. Now, let's look at the defense.
defense line
- 2 – Keyshawn Burgos Jr., 6-5, 247
- 6 – Josh Fuga, Gr., 6-2, 308
- 13 – Kemari Copeland Jr., 6-3, 280
- 16 – Aeneas Peebles, Gr., 6-1, 290
- 17 – Cole Nelson Sr., 6-3, 249
- 22 – Kelvin Gilliam Jr., Republican Junior, 6-3, 295
- 31 – Jason Abbey, Republican, 6-3, 231
- 32 – Father Derrick Dandy, 6-4, 219
- 39 – Jorden McDonald, Republican Junior, 6-4, 253
- 45 – Elijah Klock, Republican, 6-1, 259
- 46 – Ishmael Findlater, Republican, 6-4, 253
- 49 – Jimmy Mullen, Republican, 6-1, 265
- 52 – Antoine Powell Ryland, Republican, Sr., 6-3, 246
- 54 – Malachi Madison, Republican, 6-3, 289
- 55 – Father Gerald Johnson III, 6-4, 255
- 56 – CJ McCray, Republican Sr., 6-3, 247
- 57 – James Jennette, Republican Junior, 6-4, 217
- 90 – Father Andrew Hunchak, 6-5, 283
- 91 – Wilfried Penne, R-Sr., 6-3, 285
The Hokies have a great mix of experience and youth here. At defensive tackle, Tech can go four deep. This spring will be all about getting Peebles, Copeland, Gilliam and Andrew Hunchak acclimated to Blacksburg. A true freshman, Hanczuk has shown up in great shape and has the size to contribute early in his career.
On the defensive end, length is everything. The Hokies have a number edge rusher with athleticism and length that lasts for days. McCray, Nelson, Burgos, and of course Powell Ryland lead the way. The Hokies know what they have in Powell Ryland and Cole Nelson. But Burgos, in his third season, looks like a player on the verge of breaking out. He's the complete package.
Another player to watch here is true freshman Gerald Johnson. He is also a freshman with the size to play. The Hokies are excited about him and expect him to contribute early in his career.
linebacker/star
- 0 – Kelly Lawson, R-Jr., 6-4, 220
- 3 – Sam Brumfield, Republican Sr., 5-11, 230
- 24 – Jaden Keller, Republican Junior, 6-3, 235
- 38 – Jayden McDonald, Republican Junior, 6-4, 227
- 41 – George Ballance, Republican, 6-0, 228
- 42 – Eisen Stevens, Republican, 6-4, 234
- 43 – Josh Hand, Republican, 6-1, 221
- 47 – Taborian Copeland, Republican, 6-3, 192
- 50 – Darius Taylor, Republican, 6-0, 234
- 53 – Will Johnson, Republican Junior, 6-2, 229
- 7 – Keonta Jenkins, Sr., 6-3, 212
- 12 – Father Gabe Williams, 6-4, 200
- 20 – Caleb Woodson, So, 6-3, 222
- 35 – Sam Hughes, Republican Junior, 6-1, 212
- 36 – Brody Jones, Republican, 6-2, 214
- 40 – Stephon Hicks, Republican, 6-0, 203
The Hokies struggled at linebacker last season, especially inside linebacker. Tech has had problems with run fits all season. Brumfield is here to solve those problems. Kelly Lawson is a physical freak who still has room for improvement, but he has the potential to be a top pick in the NFL Draft. He will be leaving this spring, which should give others a chance.
At the star position (hybrid safety/linebacker spot), Jenkins is at the top of the depth chart, but keep an eye on Gabe Williams and Caleb Woodson. The coaches love Woodson, so he could play outside or as a star. Williams only arrived in January and appears to be poised to be Tech's top recruit in 2024. There's a lot to be excited about here.
cornerback
- 1 – Dante Lovett, So, 6-0, 190
- 4 – Mansour Delane Jr., 6-1, 180
- 5 – Joshua Clark, Fr., 6-2, 176
- 8 – Braylon Johnson, So, 6-1, 180
- 14 – Jonathan Penix, Republican, 6-0, 176
- 23 – Thomas Williams, Republican, 5-11, 177
- 30 – Christian Williams, Republican, 6-0, 180
- 33 – Miles Ellis, Republican Junior, 5-11, 170
- 37 – Josh Goulston, Republican Junior, 6-0, 179
- 44 – Dorian Strong, G., 6-0, 185
The Hokies have the best cornerback duo in the ACC (Delane and Strong) and convinced him to return in 2024. Coupled with a strong pass rush, we can expect turnovers from the secondary like in the past.
What are we looking for this spring? Delane and Strong are proven products. Next up are young players like Lovett and Johnson, who played last season. Every player has a big future. Clark is a true freshman in size and length. Penix could also join this team with a strong springboard.
safety
- 9 – Cameln Fleming, Republican, 6-0, 205
- 11 – Devin Alves, Republican, 6-3, 193
- 15 – Jalen Jones Sr., 6-1, 203
- 18 – Moses Phillips III, So, 6-2, 190
- 21 – Quentin Reddish, Fr., 6-3, 190
- 26 – Jalen Stroman Sr., 6-1, 195
- 27 – Tyler Childress, Republican Junior, 6-2, 197
Safety is where the Hokies could potentially add another player this spring through the transfer portal. Of course, a lot of that will depend on what happens over the next month. Stroman is the leader of this group, but he did not participate in spring practice after offseason surgery. This opened up opportunities for several players, primarily Jones and Phillips.
Phillips could be a star. He played as a freshman and had his ups and downs. Remember he was a true freshman. Jones, a former wide receiver, is still getting used to the defense.
Reddish is one of Tech's top recruits and is already opening his eyes. He plans to play this fall. how much? That may depend on what he does this spring. He's also someone Fleming should keep an eye on. He'll have a role somewhere. Perhaps no position on the roster has more opportunity this coming month than safety.
