Virginia Tech in 2025: A Look at the Defense
Virginia Tech is set to return several key players for its 2024 defense, including defensive end Antwaun Powell-Ryland and cornerbacks Dorian Strong and Mansoor Delane. They bolstered their lineup this offseason by acquiring Duke transfer Aeneas Peebles, one of the top defensive tackles in the conference, making the defense a strong unit.
However, what about the 2025 season? Projecting a roster multiple transfer windows in advance is challenging, but it’s a necessary exercise taking place at the Merryman Center. Contingency planning is essential, so let’s begin with the basics: Who is eligible to return in 2025, and how might that influence personnel decisions over the next year?
Similar to the offense, an intriguing subplot to watch in 2024 is the competition among the roster’s underbelly for prime positioning in 2025.
DEFENSIVE ENDS
– C.J. McCray (RS-SR)*
– Keyshawn Burgos (SR)
– Jorden McDonald (RS-SR)
– James Jennette (RS-SR)
– Khurtiss Perry (RS-JR)
– Jason Abbey (RS-Soph)
– Ishmael Findlayter (RS-Soph)
– Deric Dandy (Soph or RS-FR)
– Gerard Johnson III (Soph or RS-FR)
– Zeke Chinwike (FR)
Hokiesports lists McCray as a RS-SR in 2024, but he could have an extra year since his fall at Marshall as a “true freshman” in 2020 did not count.
Tech will lose their top pass rusher, Powell-Ryland, after this season. They will return plenty of experience with McCray (potentially), Burgos, and McDonald. The key question is whether any of these players will establish themselves as a primary pass rusher in 2024 or if Tech will need to find a Powell-Ryland-level DE in the transfer portal. Burgos seems most likely to take that leap, but 2024 is a critical year for all three.
If all three veterans return in 2025, playing time may be limited for younger players like Abbey, Findlayter, Dandy, and Johnson. This is especially true if Perry, the Alabama transfer, solidifies himself as a versatile option between DT and DE this year. In that case, Tech’s top four DE spots for 2025 might be secured by veterans.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
– Kemari Copeland (SR)
– Kelvin Gilliam Jr (RS-SR)
– Khurtiss Perry (RS-JR)
– Malachi Madison (RS-JR)
– Andrew Hanchuk (Soph or RS-FR)
– Emmett Laws (Soph or RS-FR)
– Christian Evans (FR)
The Hokies shored up this position for 2024 while also planning for 2025. Copeland, Gilliam, and Perry were added this offseason to provide depth with an eye toward bigger roles in 2025. This could be the biggest depth chart subplot on the roster in 2024. Peebles and Josh Fuga will leave after 2024. If Copeland, Gilliam, and Perry perform well, DT may not be a priority in the transfer portal next year. The Hokies are optimistic about young players like Hanchuk and Laws. If the Copeland-Gilliam-Perry trio excels, Tech may feel confident in their current DT roster.
**INSIDE LINEBACKER**
– Keli Lawson (RS-SR)
– Jaden Keller (RS-SR)
– Jayden McDonald (RS-SR)
– Will Johnson (RS-SR)
– Caleb Woodson (JR)
– Kaleb Spencer (JR or RS-Soph)
– Aycen Stevens (RS-FR)
– Brett Clatterbaugh (FR)
The focus this season is on the Jaden/Jaydens. Tech brought in Sam Brumfield to solidify the mike spot for 2024, but he will graduate in December, leaving a starting spot open for 2025. Keller and McDonald will be experienced, but the question is whether they can be productive at the position.
At will linebacker, Keli Lawson aims for a strong 2024, but Woodson and Spencer could provide competition. If Lawson doesn’t secure the spot, one of these options could step up. Regardless, Tech should have experienced options at linebacker for 2025.
STAR LINEBACKER
– Caleb Woodson (JR)
– Kaleb Spencer (JR or RS-Soph)
– Gabe Williams (Soph or RS-FR)
– Noah Chambers (FR)
The STAR position splits time with nickel cornerback, resulting in lower overall numbers. Woodson and Spencer might switch to will linebacker by this point. The pecking order for this position will likely be clear by the end of 2024.
CORNERBACK
– Mansoor Delane (SR)
– Dante Lovett (JR)
– Braylon Johnson (JR)
– Jonathan Pennix (RS-Soph)
– Thomas Williams (RS-Soph)
– Krystian Williams (RS-Soph)
– Joshua Clarke (Soph or RS-FR)
– Knahlij Harrell (FR)
It’s unlikely Delane will return in 2025 as he aims for the NFL after this season. Additionally, his brother is committed to Ohio State for next year. With Dorian Strong’s eligibility expiring, at least one starting spot will be open. Lovett and Johnson are the current favorites and will likely play many snaps in 2024, providing confidence in Tech’s player development. Pennix, Williams, and Clarke might also compete for the No. 3 cornerback/nickel spot in 2025.
SAFETY
– Mose Phillips (JR)
– Devin Alves (RS-JR)
– Cameren Fleming (RS-Soph)
– Quentin Reddish (Soph or RS-FR)
– Noah Jenkins (Soph or RS-FR)
– Sheldon Robinson (FR)
The biggest question for 2024 may persist into 2025. Ideally, Phillips will make significant progress this season and secure one spot. A cornerback might switch positions, or a young safety might emerge alongside Phillips.