BLACKSBURG – With Virginia Tech football's spring game, presented by PMSI, just days away, let's take a quick glance at what the defense could look like this upcoming season.
Defensive Line
It's safe to say third-year defensive line coach J.C. Price possesses a savvy group of veterans up front for the upcoming 2023 campaign. The Hokies are set to return the likes of fifth-year tackles Josh Fuga, Mario Kendricks and Norell Pollard, junior defensive end Cole Nelson and redshirt junior C.J. McCray to headline a talented bunch up front.
The fivesome combined for 90 total tackles, with 31 solo stops, throughout the duration of 2022, and added 6.5 sacks as a whole.
Linebackers
Under the watchful eye of both defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Chris Marve and sam linebackers coach Shawn Quinn, the linebackers look to continue to develop with a solid core.
The quintet of Keonta Jenkins, Jaden Keller, Keli Lawson, Jayden McDonald and Alan Tisdale are expected to compete for significant playing time at the linebacker position in 2023. Jenkins, a converted safety from earlier on during his time in Blacksburg, posted 40 total tackles (23 solo) a year ago, while Tisdale recorded 36 tackles (12 solo). McDonald and Lawson combined for 43 total stops and Keller securing 25 total tackles (13 solo).
Cornerbacks
Second-year positions coach Derek Jones is set to oversee the cornerbacks, who he commonly refers to as cheetahs.
The return of standout sophomore Mansoor Delane highlights an imposing group that also includes the likes of redshirt junior Dorian Strong and Georgia Southern transfer Derrick Canteen.
Delane garnered loads of attention a season ago after tallying 38 total tackles (17 solo), a team-high eight pass breakups, two forced fumbles and an interception to be a consensus freshman All-American.
Strong is also poised to serve as a big-time threat after being sidelined seven games with a hand injury a season ago (10 tackles, three pass breakups), and Canteen should slide in nicely after a productive career suiting up for the Eagles. The 2022 All-Sun Belt honoree registered 64 total tackles with an interception and team-best 12 pass breakups a year ago.
Safeties
Position coach Pierson Prioleau welcomes back a pair of familiar faces to headline the safeties.
Both experienced veterans Nasir Peoples and Jalen Stroman return to the fold in what should be an exciting pair to watch this upcoming season, while freshman Mose Phillips III and converted wide receiver Jaylen Jones, a junior, look to compete for reps this fall.
Peoples, a sixth-year senior and former All-ACC Honorable mention following the 2021 campaign, ranked third among Tech players with 60 total tackles (29 solo) a season ago. Stroman, a third-year member of the program, was slotted in right behind him with a fourth-best 43 total wrap-ups and 22 solo stops.