Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – While the weather may be getting colder, the action on the gridiron is heating up as the 2025 NFL season begins to creep towards the playoffs. Former Hokies are continuing to display their talents at the professional level, influencing the outcome of highly contested matchups with elite play in all three phases. In this week’s edition of NFL Hokies, presented by Coca-Cola, we analyze a turkey-filled two weeks of play and review the most impactful performances from those who started their career in Blacksburg.
Divine Deablo – Linebacker, Atlanta Falcons
After suffering a forearm injury earlier in the 2025 campaign, Atlanta linebacker Divine Deablo has played some of his best football on the season since returning late last November. The first year Falcon, in his fifth year in the NFL, has become a household name behind elite tackling and impressive defensive efforts over eight appearances this season.
In his first game back from injury against the New Orleans Saints, Deablo immediately made his presence known, posting eight tackles (six solo) and a tackle for loss in what ended up being a 24-10 win. Just a week later against the New York Jets, an additional eight tackles (seven solo) were posted alongside a pair of TFLs.
While Atlanta fell just short in a 27-24 loss to New York in Week 13, Deablo’s eight tackles led all defensive Falcons and contributed to his career-best 83.6 season defense grade per PFF. After what has been a two-game road stint for the Falcons, the team will return home to Mercedes-Benz Stadium when they host the Seattle Seahawks on Dec. 7.
Tyrod Taylor – Quarterback, New York Jets
After taking over as the starting quarterback in Week 12, New York quarterback Tyrod Taylor has served as a key difference-maker in the Jets’ offense. The Hampton, Va. native who once electrified Worsham Field with his quickness is now doing so for head coach Aaron Glenn in what is now Taylor’s 15th year in the league.
In his first start since the second week of the 2025 campaign, Taylor showcased both arm and running talent behind 222 pass yards, a passing touchdown, and 19 rush yards. In the week following, however, a 172-yard passing performance coupled nicely with a pair of touchdowns (one passing, one rushing) in the 27-24 home win against the Atlanta Falcons.
Taylor will look to build on his impressive starting performances when the Jets host a Miami Dolphins team that has won three straight and four of their last five.
Chamarri Conner – Safety, Kansas City Chiefs
Behind impressive tackling efforts and a unique ability to get to the quarterback, Chiefs safety Chamarri Conner has repeatedly proven his worth throughout the 2025 season. The former All-ACC Honorable Mention athlete has already eclipsed 87 tackles (52 solo) in 12 games, breaking his career record of 77 tackles in 15 games (2024).
Conner now finds himself at 87 tackles after gathering 11 tackles over Weeks 12 and 13. Against the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day, the 2022-23 Reese’s Senior Bowl honoree posted a team-high seven solo tackles, adding to what is now Conner’s team-high 52 solo efforts.
Kansas City, who featured in last year’s Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles, find themselves at .500 through 13 weeks of the NFL season. Conner and the Chiefs will look to get themselves back in the win column against the Texans on Sunday Night Football on Dec. 7.
Notable Week 14 Matchups
Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns: Sunday, Dec. 7 at 1 p.m. ET on FOX
Quarterback Cam Ward and the Tennessee Titans will look to emerge victorious as they travel to play the Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon. The Titans, who have dropped seven straight contests, face off against a Browns team that has lost four of their last five. Former Hokies can be found on both squads, as Tennessee kicker Joey Slye and Browns offensive lineman Wyatt Teller are both expected to suit up.
Washington Commanders at Minnesota Vikings: Sunday, Dec. 7 at 1 p.m. ET on FOX
After suffering a brutal one-point overtime loss to AFC juggernaut Denver Broncos in Week 13, the Washington Commanders travel to Minnesota looking for a win this upcoming Sunday. Both teams have had rather inconsistent seasons in 2025 as injuries continue to debilitate key players on each team. Former Hokies are present on both Washington and Minnesota, as Commanders wideout Jaylin Lane is expected to dress while the Vikings’ offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw nurses knee and foot injuries.