Defensive Spotlight: Jaden KellerDefensive Spotlight: Jaden Keller
Football

Defensive Spotlight: Jaden Keller

Junior linebacker’s breakout season bolsters Hokies' defense

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BLACKSBURG – Linebacker Jaden Keller has emerged as a key player in Virginia Tech’s defense, consistently showcasing his growth and development. As he enters his third season with the Hokies, the redshirt junior has established himself as a dependable presence in the middle of Tech’s defense. This Saturday, Oct. 26 at noon ET, Keller will help lead the charge as the Hokies prepare to face Georgia Tech at Lane Stadium. 

The Bristol, Tennessee native has made an impact since his collegiate debut in Tech’s season-opening victory against No. 10 North Carolina in 2021. During his redshirt freshman year in 2022, he played in 11 games recording 25 tackles (13 solo), 1.5 TFLs, one sack and a fumble recovery. Last season, Keller appeared in all 13 games, totaling 23 tackles (8 solo), including two TFLs, with a season-high five tackles against both Old Dominion and Purdue. 

This season, Keller is truly having a breakout season, racking up an impressive 39 tackles and surpassing his totals from the previous two years. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound linebacker also registered a fumble recovery against Rutgers. In his latest performance against Boston College, he delivered a career-high 10 tackles, further cementing his status as a tackling machine. 

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Keller’s instincts were on full display during a pivotal moment in that game. Early in the fourth quarter, with Boston College facing a crucial fourth-and-1, he read the play perfectly, stopping the runner in the backfield and regaining possession for the Hokies. This game-changing stop shifted the momentum entirely as the Eagles failed to score for the rest of the fourth quarter. 

Keller’s proven ability to read plays and react quickly has established him as a central figure in Virginia Tech’s defensive scheme. He is on track to significantly improve his production compared to previous years, demonstrating a greater understanding of the game. Not only does he contribute in terms of tackles, but he also influences the game's momentum with key stops. 

Don’t miss the chance to see Keller and the Hokies take on the formidable Yellow Jackets this Saturday. While the matchup is sold out, fans still looking for tickets can visit SeatGeek, the official fan-to-fan ticket marketplace for Virginia Tech Athletics.