BLACKSBURG – With fall camp in full swing for Virginia Tech Football, let's look at the linebacker position group and the athletes coached by defensive coordinator and linebacker coach Chris Marve.
Dax Hollifield led the Hokies in tackles (82) last season and registered 355 for his career. Hollifield's departure means there will be plenty of competition to find his replacement at the middle linebacker spot.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Alan Tisdale is a candidate to play inside along Jayden McDonald. Tisdale played in five games last season, making 36 tackles. McDonald played in ten games in 2022, starting three times and registering 20 tackles.
OTHERS IN THE MIX
Keonta Jenkins, Keli Lawson and Jaden Keller should all see significant snaps. Keller secured 25 stops last season while Lawson and Jenkins combined for 63 tackles. Gallery: (8-9-2023) FB: Linebackers (fall camp) LB NOTES
- Lawson made his first career interception, returning it for a 7-yard touchdown against Georgia Tech
- Jenkins made the move from safety and finished 2022 with 40 tackles tops among returning linebackers
- Tisdale has played in 40 career games with 23 starts
POSITION OUTLOOK
With Lawson and Jenkins the frontrunners at the will and sam spots, finding a mike will be a top priority in camp. But there is plenty of versatility and athleticism for Coach Pry to be excited about.