Virginia Tech Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

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BLACKSBURG, VA – NOVEMBER 26: Linebacker Andrew Motuapuaka #54 of the Virginia Tech Hokies celebrates his interception against the Virginia Cavaliers with defensive back Chuck Clark #19 in the second half at Lane Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Blacksburg, Virginia. Virginia Tech defeated Virginia 52-10. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /

Linebacker

Starting backers: Mook Reynolds, Tremaine Edmunds
Backups: Anthony Shegog, Sean Huelskamp

The whip and inside linebacker positions have returning starters in 2017. Junior defensive back Mook Reynolds is due for a breakout season after starting 13 games in 2016. He fared very well at the whip linebacker position a season ago, racking up 64 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble.

Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds will man the inside linebacker position. He recorded 94 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery last season. Along with Reynolds, Edmunds is becoming a force to be reckoned with on this Virginia Tech Hokies defense.

Linebackers Anthony Shegog and Sean Huelskamp are expected to get reps when Reynolds and Edmunds need a breather. Shegog is a redshirt senior with 33 games of experience (seven starts) under his belt. Huelskamp is also a redshirt senior who appeared in 14 games last season.

Starting Mike linebacker: Andrew Motuapuaka
Backup: Tavonte Beckett

Andrew Motuapuaka is the proverbial “Mike” linebacker even though the Hokies play a 4-2-5 type of defense. Motuapuaka manned the middle very well last season, leading the team with 114 tackles. He also had a career-high three interceptions. His coverage and tackling abilities were much-improved last season.

Behind Motuapuaka is sophomore Tavonte Beckett. Beckett is a 5-foot-10, 221-pound linebacker who appeared in all 14 games for the Hokies last season.

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