Virginia Tech 2024 Linebacker Preview: Addressing ESPN’s Biggest Question Mark
As Virginia Tech gears up for the 2024 football season, one position group stands out as both intriguing and controversial: the linebackers. ESPN has identified middle linebacker as the Hokies’ most pressing question mark heading into the season, and it’s not hard to see why. The linebacker corps is a mix of returning talent, new faces, and uncertainty, creating a complex landscape for head coach Brent Pry and defensive coordinator Chris Marve. This deep dive explores the nuances of Virginia Tech’s linebacker situation, evaluating the strengths, weaknesses, and key players who will shape the unit’s performance this season.
The Linebacker Landscape: A Mixed Bag
Linebackers have always been a cornerstone of Virginia Tech’s defensive identity. Historically, the Hokies have boasted a robust linebacker corps capable of making game-changing plays. However, as the 2024 season approaches, the situation is markedly different. The departure of Alan Tisdale, a stalwart of the linebacker group who spent five years at Tech, has left a noticeable void. Tisdale was renowned for his playmaking abilities in the open field, and his absence raises significant questions about the unit’s ability to replicate his impact.
On the positive side, the Hokies return key contributors like Keonta Jenkins and Keli Lawson, who have demonstrated their capabilities in previous seasons. Jenkins, in particular, is the standout of the group. He has evolved from a hybrid safety into a versatile linebacker, providing both leadership and playmaking ability. Lawson, too, brings a wealth of talent and athleticism, having shown impressive versatility and production in his career thus far. Yet, the lack of a definitive “star” player in the middle linebacker spot creates a significant uncertainty.
Defensive Performance and Linebacker Impact
To understand the stakes for the linebacker position, it’s crucial to examine the defensive performance from the previous season. Virginia Tech’s defense was notably effective, ranking 15th nationally in yards allowed per game. However, there were areas of concern that spotlight the importance of the linebacker play. Two specific weaknesses emerged: red-zone defense and rush defense.
In the red zone, Virginia Tech struggled significantly, ranking 105th in opponent red-zone scoring percentage, allowing opponents to score at an 88.57% clip. This poor performance can partly be attributed to miscommunication and breakdowns in defensive assignments, often the responsibility of linebackers. Effective red-zone defense requires precise execution and quick decision-making—areas where linebackers play a critical role.
Similarly, the Hokies’ rush defense, while not disastrous, showed room for improvement. Virginia Tech ranked 68th in the country in yards allowed per rush, surrendering 4.3 yards per carry. This statistic, while relatively modest, highlights the need for improvement to compete at an elite level in the ACC. Strong linebacker play is essential in shoring up run defense, particularly in filling gaps and tackling effectively.
Despite these concerns, the Hokies’ pass coverage was solid, and the pressure on quarterbacks was impressive. This defensive strength partially mitigates the impact of the run defense issues, but to truly contend for top honors in the ACC, improvements in linebacker performance are necessary.
Key Returning Players: Jenkins and Lawson
As Virginia Tech navigates its linebacker challenges, the presence of returning players like Keonta Jenkins and Keli Lawson offers a solid foundation. Jenkins, who plays the star linebacker position, is arguably the most dynamic player in the group. His 2023 season was marked by significant contributions: two forced fumbles, one interception, ten tackles for loss, and three quarterback hurries. Jenkins’ transformation from a hybrid safety to a full-fledged linebacker showcases his growth and adaptability.
Jenkins’ versatility is a major asset. His ability to impact both the passing and running games makes him a valuable player for the Hokies. His leadership and experience will be crucial in guiding the younger players and filling the void left by Tisdale’s departure. However, to elevate his game further, Jenkins will need to enhance his performance in run defense, an area where he has room to grow.
Keli Lawson is another key figure in the linebacker corps. The redshirt junior had a breakout season in 2023, earning All-ACC Honorable Mention honors despite starting only eight games. Lawson’s statistical contributions were noteworthy: 2.5 sacks, one interception, six pass breakups, one forced fumble, and four quarterback hurries. His athleticism and versatility—evidenced by his experience in multiple positions—make him a significant asset for the Hokies.
Lawson’s move from #21 to #0 symbolizes his increasing importance to the team. His ability to excel in various roles on defense demonstrates his value, and he will be integral in both the run and pass game. As one of the more athletic linebackers on the roster, Lawson’s performance will be closely scrutinized as the season progresses.
The Middle Linebacker Battle: Brumfield vs. Keller
The middle linebacker position is where the most uncertainty resides. With Alan Tisdale gone, the Hokies have turned to the transfer portal to address this gap. Sam Brumfield, a transfer from Middle Tennessee State, arrives with a solid resume: 82 tackles, eight quarterback hurries, and 3.5 sacks last season. However, questions have arisen about the level of competition Brumfield faced in Conference USA compared to the Power Five schools in the ACC.
Brumfield’s numbers are impressive, but the concern is whether he can replicate that performance against stronger competition. The Hokies are hoping that his experience and ability to make plays will translate well into the ACC environment. Brumfield’s performance will be a critical factor in determining the effectiveness of Virginia Tech’s defense, particularly in the middle linebacker role.
Jaden Keller, another candidate for the middle linebacker spot, offers a different profile. Keller has started in four games for the Hokies and recorded 23 tackles and two for loss in 2023. His experience within the Virginia Tech system gives him an edge in terms of familiarity and understanding of the defensive schemes. Keller’s competition with Brumfield will be one of the most watched position battles, as both players bring different strengths to the table.
ESPN’s assessment of middle linebacker as the Hokies’ biggest area for improvement underscores the importance of this position. As the team strives to meet growing expectations, the ability to solidify the middle linebacker spot will be crucial. Whether Brumfield or Keller emerges as the starter, or if the role is shared, will significantly impact the defense’s overall performance.
Emerging and Young Talents
Beyond the established players, several emerging talents could influence the linebacker situation. Jayden McDonald, a redshirt junior, has shown promise in his first two seasons. McDonald, who initially committed to UL-Monroe before joining Virginia Tech, made an immediate impact with three tackles for loss and one sack. His growth and potential for increased playing time could add depth to the linebacker corps.
Caleb Woodson, a sophomore, is another player to watch. Woodson’s high school career was outstanding, with numerous accolades and impressive statistics. His performance in the 2023 season, despite limited opportunities, indicated his potential to become a key contributor. Woodson’s versatility and ability to make plays will be critical as he looks to build on his freshman year.
Freshmen such as Aycen Stevens, Will Johnson, and Gabe Williams also have the opportunity to make an impact. While it is uncertain how much playing time they will receive, their development and integration into the linebacker rotation could be crucial for providing depth and competition within the unit.
The Road Ahead: Evaluating the Linebacker Room
As the Hokies prepare for the 2024 season, the linebacker position remains a focal point of evaluation and discussion. The return of key players like Jenkins and Lawson provides a solid base, but the question marks surrounding the middle linebacker role and the overall depth of the unit create a complex picture.
Overall, the linebacker corps can be viewed as above average, given the talent and potential within the group. The combination of experienced players and emerging talents offers a balanced approach, though the success of the unit will depend on how well the coaching staff can address the specific challenges and gaps.
Virginia Tech fans should remain optimistic about the linebacker situation, though there are areas to watch closely. The development of Brumfield, Keller, and other young players will be pivotal in shaping the defense’s effectiveness. If the Hokies can solidify the middle linebacker position and enhance their performance against the run and in the red zone, the linebacker corps has the potential to become a significant strength for the team.
However, while the linebacker position poses some uncertainty heading into the 2024 season, the combination of returning talent, new additions, and emerging players provides a foundation for a promising season. As the Hokies work to refine their defensive strategy and address key areas for improvement, the linebacker group will play a crucial role in determining the team’s overall success.
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