The Hokies fills some voids on defense through the transfer portal
Just like the offensive side of the ball, Virginia Tech football will see a number of new faces on defense in 2025. This change starts with new defensive coordinator Sam Siefkes, who takes over for Chris Marve, one of three coaches dismissed by head coach Brent Pry last December.
Several starters from the 2024 defense have departed, either to the NFL Draft or through the transfer portal. The Hokies have brought in a few experienced players via the winter transfer portal who are expected to contribute next fall. While the defense showed improvement during spring practices, Pry noted that there are still some gaps that need to be addressed. Over the past weekend, Virginia Tech received commitments from two players to help meet those needs.
Virginia Tech football adds resources to its defense through the transfer portal
Over the weekend, Virginia Tech bolstered its defense with two crucial transfers for added depth. Caleb Brown, a cornerback who transferred from Hawai’i, was among the top players available in the portal. In 2024, he recorded 24 tackles and registered seven pass breakups in the past season.
Equally important, the Hokies strengthened their defensive line by adding Elhadj Fall, a tackle from Georgia Southern. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 290 pounds, Fall has two years of eligibility left and was recognized as an All-Sun Belt Conference honorable mention last season. During his time with the Eagles in 2024, he logged 20 tackles, including 4.5 for loss and 2.5 sacks over 432 snaps. Fall joins a group of tackle transfers that includes Kody Huisman from North Dakota State, Arias Nash from Mercer, and Jahzari Priester from Hampton.
Virginia Tech’s defensive line was an important area last year, as they lost significant talent to the NFL, including Antwaun Powell-Ryland, who signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, and tackle Aeneas Peebles, who went to the Baltimore Ravens. However, Pry and Siefkes still have Kemari Copeland and Oklahoma transfer Kelvin Gilliam, who joined through the portal in December 2023.
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