Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Coach Ron Crook enters his second season at the helm of the Hokies’ offensive line, having built a formidable unit that protected quarterback Kyron Drones and contributed to a top 25 ranked rushing offense in 2023. Crook, along with co-offensive line coach Brent Davis and assistant offensive line coach/quality control, Austin Fields, benefit from a wealth of returning talent, as all five starting offensive linemen—Parker Clements, Bob Schick, Kaden Moore, Braelin Moore and Xavier Chaplin—are back for another season. This continuity underscores the successful environment fostered by head coach Brent Pry, as Tech stands out among FBS teams for having its entire offensive line return intact. Every week of Fall Camp, the position preview series, presented by Farm Bureau Insurance, will break down the Virginia Tech football roster. In this position preview, we focus on the offensive line and explore how its depth and experience heighten expectations for the team’s offensive development this season.
In 2023, Tech’s offensive line allowed only two sacks over a six game stretch, marking the eighth time since 2004 they've achieved this milestone. The Hokies aim to maintain this level of protection, bolstered by the return of Parker Clements at right tackle. The redshirt senior first made an impact in 2021, earning a spot on Pro Football Focus’ All-ACC Third Team, and has steadily improved since. Last season, Clements started all 13 games at right tackle, playing over 830 snaps. The Lugoff, South Carolina native’s consistent production and leadership have made him a cornerstone of Tech's offensive line.
Brothers Kaden and Braelin Moore enter the upcoming season as key pillars on the interior. Kaden, a redshirt senior and one of seven newly named team captains for 2024, transitioned from right guard to center in 2023, allowing just one sack over 857 snaps while becoming a driving force behind the line's breakout performance. His reliability and solid exchanges with the quarterbacks have cemented him as a crucial leader. Meanwhile, Braelin, despite being relatively young, made impressive strides at left guard last season. Starting nearly every game alongside Kaden, he showed improvement in his footwork and technique, attributed to his work with Coach Crook. Together, the Moore brothers form a dependable and formidable tandem on the offensive line.
Chaplin and Schick are the last two returning starters anchoring the line. Chaplin earned the starting left tackle spot in 2023 and quickly became a key piece of the Hokies' offensive line. Starting all 13 games he was named a College Football News Third Team All-American. With his addition, the line reduced their sacks allowed from 3.1 per game in 2022 to 1.8 per game. The redshirt sophomore has plenty of potential to build upon as he protects the quarterback’s blindside.
Moving back to the interior, Schick stepped into Kaden Moore’s former right guard spot last season, starting all 13 games. The Midway, Utah native now faces competition from redshirt freshman Layth Ghannam, a 6-foot-5, 287-pound lineman and the fifth highest-rated recruit in Tech’s 2023 class per 247Sports. Ghannam has gained valuable experience at both tackle and guard.
The Hokies added Montavious Cunningham in the offseason. Cunningham, who has been working at tackle, brings solid experience from Georgia State. He logged 743 snaps last season for the Panthers, allowing just two sacks while earning a 69.0 overall grade from PFF, with a 73.8 pass-blocking grade and a 66.7 run-blocking grade.