Virginia Tech Football: 2017 season preview, predictions

Defense

The Virginia Tech Hokies returns seven starters from a defense that allowed 22.8 points per game last season. Losing three starters on the front-four hurts. Ken Ekanem, Woody Baron and Nigel Williams will be missed.

However, plugging in Tim Settle, Ricky Walker and Trevon Hill isn’t too hard to do. The trio combined for 19.5 tackles for loss in reserve roles last season. Settle only had 17 total tackles last season, seven of those tackles were for a loss. With more snaps this season, it will be interesting to see what all three can do with starting roles.

Another intriguing player is former four-star safety recruit Devon Hunter. It will be interesting to see if he can break into the lineup before the season opener. He has an opportunity to challenge Reggie Floyd for the rover position in the secondary this fall.

The Hokies defense has the experience to be good in 2017. With early tests against West Virginia and Clemson, they could be on the receiving end of a solid ranking with wins.

With linebackers Andrew Motuapuaka and Mook Reynolds roaming the field, teams may have a hard time throwing the ball against this team before it’s all said and done.

Terrell Edmunds at free safety

The free safety position was held down by Chuck Clark for the past two seasons. Now with Clark gone, coaches have moved Terrell Edmunds to the position.

The position is different from the rover position as it focuses more on one-on-one coverage and is more of a leadership position. The free safety is also responsible as a play-caller on defense along with the mike linebacker.

Edmunds, who was second on the team in tackles last season (101) and first in interceptions (4), shouldn’t have a difficult time adjusting. He looks like he’s just beginning to find his role out there after starting 13 of 14 games in 2016.

Next to his brother, Tremaine, who is a starting linebacker, Terrell should have a big season in 2017. Putting his coverage skills to good use will be key to the defense’ success in the upcoming year.