Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – It’s game week as the Hokies take the field for the first time in 2025 on Sunday in Atlanta, and a key part of the defense is preparing to patrol the airspace once again: The cornerback room. Coached by Derek Jones with assistance from Brayden DeVault-Smith, the Hokies have a plethora of talent in their cornerback department this fall, welcoming a handful of newly introduced student-athletes while also continuing to build on returning talent. With less than five days before Atlanta, we look at a cornerback room that will see both old and new faces suit up for what promises to be an exciting season.
Keen-eyed fans will notice that the cornerback room will look largely different than it did during the 2024 season. Defensive stalwart Dorian Strong, who posted an impressive 75.0 coverage grade (Pro Football Focus) last fall, was scooped up by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
However, with change comes opportunity for the Hokies. Strong’s absence from the lineup this year will allow a spread of new athletes to fill the vacancy, giving newly introduced defensive coordinator Sam Siefkes plenty to work with as the Hokies inch towards the season opener. There are several newcomers at the position to watch for.
Isaiah Brown-Murray joins the Hokies after spending three years at East Carolina University. Standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 192 pounds, the Charlotte product made 41 tackles (30 solo) over 12 starts in 2024, logging a team-high 830 defensive snaps. The former Pirate also secured an interception along with seven pass breakups last fall, the stats contributing to his 73.1 Pro Football Focus overall defensive grade. Brown-Murray enters Blacksburg with two years of eligibility remaining, giving Siefkes and the Virginia Tech staff time to work with the transfer as he fits into the Lunch Pail Defense. Brown-Murray is also expected to contribute heavily at nickel.
Joining Brown-Murray out of the transfer portal are Hawaii transfer Caleb Brown and Wingate University transfer Joseph Reddish. Brown logged 25 games over two years with the Rainbow Warriors, recording 41 tackles, 3.5 TFLs and 14 pass breakups over his career. His 77.1 overall defensive grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024 can give fans an idea of what to expect from the 6-foot-1, 171-pound cornerback. Comparatively, Reddish joins the Hokies after spending a pair of seasons with the Wingate University Bulldogs. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound athlete played 11 games in 2024, recording 33 tackles and four interceptions in Division II play. Reddish is the brother of Quentin Reddish, who returns to the Virginia Tech safety room after playing in 12 games last fall.
Returning talent will also serve as a key benefactor for the cornerback room later this season. Familiar faces who saw the field promise to play impactful roles in 2025.
Of the eight non-transfers working in the cornerback room this season, Maryland product Dante Lovett has the most in-game experience. The junior has played in 26 games over two seasons with the Hokies, his most impactful campaign being a 20-tackle season in 2024. Lovett also recorded four pass breakups as a sophomore and tallied his first career interception in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against Minnesota. Lovett’s in-game experience promises to serve as a positive influence in a room that has seen change since the 2024 season concluded.
Matching Lovett’s 13 appearances in 2024 is redshirt sophomore Thomas Williams. Hailing from Greenville, South Carolina, Williams served as a pillar of the special teams unit last fall while returning 13 kicks for 249 yards (19.2 average). At the cornerback position, the 5-foot-11, 189-pound Hokie registered 14 tackles (9 solo) and saw his first career start against Minnesota. A four-year letterman out of Powdersville High School, Williams is poised to bring his elite track speed back to Blacksburg this fall.
Jones and DeVault-Smith will also have a chance to work with a handful of young but talented cornerbacks this season. Redshirt sophomore Krystian Williams is joined by a trio of impressive freshmen. Jahmari DeLoatch, Jojo Crim, and Knahlij Harrell will make their presence known for the first time. Working under the eye of the cornerback coaches and Siefkes promises to yield strong results, giving the Hokies depth in a position that demands excellence.
The 2025 Aflac Kickoff is coming up quickly, giving fans the first opportunity to see the Hokies take the field this year. Don’t miss your chance to secure your tickets and witness Virginia Tech in Lane Stadium later this fall!