Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – As Virginia Tech football is less than two weeks away from its first competition against Vanderbilt, conversation has begun about an essential aspect of the defense: linebackers and STARs. Led by defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Chris Marve and STARs coach Shawn Quinn, the unit looks to grow after being an integral part of the Hokies’ defense last season. 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, let’s look at the Hokies’ linebackers and STARs unit, highlighted by the return of some familiar faces along with new voices in the room.
Redshirt junior Keli Lawson returns to provide leadership and a veteran presence to the linebackers' room. The 6-foot-6 Stephens City, Virginia native had a strong 2023 season, making eight starts and playing in all 13 games. Lawson led the team with 80 tackles (39 solo), which included seven TFLs and 2.5 sacks on the year. Along with his six pass breakups and four quarterback hurries, Lawson had three games in which he recorded double-digit tackles (Purdue, Marshall, Rutgers). Lawson’s high-level ball awareness and tackling serve as a huge asset to Chris Marve and the entire Tech defense.
Head coach Brent Pry and staff addressed the exit of linebacker Alan Tisdale by venturing into the transfer portal this offseason. By doing so, Middle Tennessee State transfer Sam Brumfield joins the linebacking corps and is looking to make an instant impact as a middle linebacker. Brumfield led the Blue Raiders with 81 tackles over a team-high 642 snaps last season to go along with 6.5 TFLs and 3.5 sacks. He was recently named as one of seven Hokie captains for the 2024 season. The Pearl, Mississippi native was named to the All-Conference USA Second Team for his accomplishments in 2023 and looks to produce similarly in Blacksburg. Just recently, Brumfield was one of seven ACC linebackers to be named to the Dick Butkus Award watch list, given to the nation’s top linebacker. Eyes are on Brumfield this season for his ability to squash opposing run games.
Redshirt junior Jaden Keller has been turning heads this offseason, garnering high praise from Pry for his performance throughout the spring and Fall Camp. Keller played in all 13 games last season and registered 23 tackles. After an impressive spring game showing, Keller was named a potential breakout candidate by ESPN. Jayden McDonald, another redshirt junior, also looks to contribute this season after posting 30 tackles (11 solo) in 2023. The Salem, Virginia native recorded a season-high five tackles against N.C. State.
Sophomore Caleb Woodson could see more playing time as an inside linebacker after a 22-tackle (12 solo) season last year. With multiple Hokies, such as redshirt freshman George Ballance that can make an impact and provide valuable depth, don’t be surprised if Pry and Marve approach the position group as linebacker-by-committee.
All signs point to graduate student Keonta Jenkins starting the season in the STAR role. Jenkins was integral in leading a Tech defense that allowed only 168.8 yards per game, which was fourth-best in the nation. Over 13 games (10 starts), Jenkins tallied 50 tackles (30 solo) and had 10 TFLs. The Jacksonville, Florida native also had impact stats all over the field, including two forced fumbles, an interception and three quarterback hurries. Jenkins’ growth as a player is a welcome sight, as he adapted from his former safety role to finding success in the STAR position. His dynamic quickness and adaptability place him in a great position to succeed this fall.
If the rest of the STARs room could be defined by one word, it would be potential. Three of the four players did not see game action with the Hokies in 2023. Behind Jenkins, sophomore transfer Kaleb Spencer brings collegiate experience after playing six games with Miami. However, many of the STARs bring exceptional high school careers to the fold, providing some indication of what they could produce this year.