Defensive Back
Starting safeties: Terrell Edmunds, Reggie Floyd
Backups: Divine Deablo, Devon Hunter
One of the safety spots has a bit of a competition brewing. Terrell Edmunds will start at the free safety position. While he moves over from rover duties, his role takes on a bigger meaning in one-on-one coverage and as a leader.
Edmunds led all Virginia Tech defenders last season with 4 interceptions. His 101 tackles were second on the team as well.
At the other safety spot, Reggie Floyd held the position down in the spring. However, with highly-coveted recruit Devon Hunter on campus for the fall, Floyd is sure to have his work cut out for him. Floyd appeared in 12 games last season.
Hunter was a four-star safety recruit and the number two player in the state, according to 247Sports, this past recruiting cycle. He was a huge get for Bud Foster and company. He’s likely to see time next to Divine Deablo. Deablo is another up-and-coming defensive back who also got some work in at wide receiver this past spring.
Starting cornerbacks: Greg Stroman, Brandon Facyson
Backups: Adonis Alexander, Jovon Quillen
The cornerback group has some experience entering 2017 and that’s a good thing in the ACC. Greg Stroman made major strides in 2016 as a starter, starting in nine of 11 games. He had three interceptions and 10 pass breakups a season ago.
Brandon Facyson is another senior manning the other cornerback position. He led the team last season with 11 pass breakups. He also had 48 tackles and 4.0 tackles for loss.
The first backup cornerback is an intriguing prospect in Adonis Alexander. Alexander played in 13 games, making five starts but its unclear if he’s ready for a starting role this season. He’s shown flashes but with Stroman and Facyson in the mix, it’s hard to overlook the two.
The other backup cornerback will potentially be Jovonn Quillen. Quillen is a sophomore who appeared in 11 games in 2016.