BLACKSBURG – With less than three weeks until Virginia Tech Football opens the 2023 season, let's review the defensive backs group, including both safeties and cornerbacks. Each position is coached by Pierson Prioleau and defensive recruiting coordinator Derek Jones, respectively.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
The DBU tradition continued this spring when the Kansas City Chiefs drafted safety Chamarri Conner. Prioleau welcomes back a pair of familiar faces to headline the safeties room, experienced veterans Nasir Peoples and Jalen Stroman. Peoples, a sixth-year senior and former All-ACC Honorable mention following the 2021 campaign, ranked third among Tech players with 60 total tackles 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.
At cornerback, 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, 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.
Gallery: (8-14-2023) FB: Cornerbacks (fall camp) OTHERS IN THE MIX
Freshman Mose Phillips III and converted wide receiver Jaylen Jones, a junior, look to compete for reps at safety this fall. Phillips recorded an interception in the spring game.
DB NOTES
- Delane led Tech in pass breakups last season with eight
- Delane recorded his first career interception at Duke
- Peoples has started all 24 games the past two seasons
- Stroman tied for the team lead with two forced fumbles in 2022
Gallery: (8-14-2023) FB: Safeties (fall camp) POSITION OUTLOOK
Overall this is a talented, experienced group with a high ceiling. Staying healthy and finding some layered depth will be key in 2023.