Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – The Hokies defense has discovered an emerging talent in sophomore linebacker Caleb Woodson. A dynamic asset for defensive coordinator Chris Marve, Woodson’s adaptability has allowed him to thrive in both middle and weakside linebacker roles. As the Hokies prepare for their primetime showdown against Duke on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 8 p.m. ET, Woodson will be a key player to keep an eye on.
The Haymarket, Virginia native attended Battlefield High School, where he showcased his versatility on both sides of the ball. Rated a three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3 and Rivals, Woodson was ranked No. 91 among linebackers and No. 33 in Virginia by 247Sports, while ESPN placed him at No. 66 among linebackers and No. 30 in Virginia. Though he primarily played defensive back in high school, his ability to read the game translated into a strong coverage skillset. Beyond his defensive contributions, he had a brief stint as a wide receiver, amassing 10 offensive touchdowns and over 500 all-purpose yards during his junior year in 2021.
As a true freshman for the Hokies, Woodson made an immediate impact, appearing in all 13 games with one start. He tallied 22 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss and a quarterback hurry. His best performance came against Boston College, where he registered six tackles. In preperation for the 2024 season, Woodson dedicated himself to refining his pass-rushing abilities, working closely with Marve and learning techniques from veteran teammates.
“To show my pass rush, I've been getting with the D-linemen with some pass rush specialists and just working on my pass rush moves as some toolbox that I can really put to use.” Woodson shared during fall camp media availability.
This season, Woodson’s growth has been evident. He ranks fourth on the team in tackles with 52, has recorded two sacks—against Vanderbilt and No. 8 Miami—and defended a pass against Georgia Tech. His consistent performances earned him No. 25 jersey honors against Rutgers following a strong outing against Old Dominion, where he tied for a team-high seven tackles in a 37-17 victory. Against Rutgers, Woodson delivered his best performance of the season, recording a season-high 10 tackles and achieving a career-high 84.1 tackling grade from Pro Football Focus. This campaign has firmly established him as a cornerstone of the Hokies' defense.
The Hokies are set to return to Blacksburg for their final regular-season home game, hosting Virginia in the Smithfield Commonwealth Clash. With a sold-out crowd expected, this highly anticipated rivalry promises an electric atmosphere at Lane Stadium. Fans still searching for tickets can explore single-game options on SeatGeek, the official fan-to-fan marketplace for Virginia Tech Athletics.