Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – It has become increasingly obvious that defensive coordinator Chris Marve struck gold in the recruitment and eventual transfer of linebacker Sam Brumfield. Over four games this season, the redshirt senior has become an integral part of Virginia Tech’s defense at the mike linebacker position. Brumfield and the Hokies will travel to Hard Rock Stadium in Florida this Friday for a matchup against No. 7 ranked Miami Hurricanes at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be streamed live on ESPN.
After playing two years at Northwest Mississippi Community College, Brumfield would leave his home state and play for Middle Tennessee for his junior season. The redshirt senior played in twelve games, starting in ten contests, posting 6.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and eight quarterback hurries. Brumfield also led all linebackers with 642 snaps and all Blue Raiders defensive players with 81 tackles. He earned a 72.9 Pro Football Focus tackling grade for his efforts before transferring to Virginia Tech.
The 5-foot-11, 225-pound linebacker, alongside fellow defensive players Dorian Strong and Cole Nelson, was named captain before suiting up for the Hokies this fall. Brumfield’s leadership and experience allowed him to become the only linebacker named captain on defense this season.
Brumfield has performed well at linebacker this season. The Pearl, Mississippi native has 23 tackles on the year, trailing only true sophomore safety Mose Phillips III (26). In his most recent game, Brumfield posted six tackles alongside half a sack against Rutgers, ranking fifth in tackles and tying for second in sacks. In the season opener against Vanderbilt, he posted a season-high seven tackles and exemplified his consistent presence with five tackles in the following game against Marshall.
Brumfield and the Hokies’ defense enter their toughest test of the season against No. 7 Miami. The Miami offense, which has outscored opponents 209-41, is spearheaded by Heisman contender Cam Ward.
For fans who want to see Brumfield in action this season, look to purchase tickets for the Thursday night game against Boston College on Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m. ET.