Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Virginia Tech Football: Can Hokies realistically compete for 2020 ACC title?

By Michael Hanich

BLACKSBURG, VA - NOVEMBER 23: Head coach Justin Fuente of the Virginia Tech Hokies and defensive back Brion Murray #37 of the Virginia Tech Hokies run onto the field prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Lane Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - NOVEMBER 23: Head coach Justin Fuente of the Virginia Tech Hokies and defensive back Brion Murray #37 of the Virginia Tech Hokies run onto the field prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Lane Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Virginia Tech football
Rayshard Ashby, Virginia Tech football (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Key playmakers look to be the difference on defense

There is good news for the Hokies’ defense and then there is some bad news. For the first time in 26 seasons as a program, the defense will be led by a new defensive coordinator as Bud Foster retired after the end of last season. Justin Fuente promoted safeties coach Justin Hamilton to be the new defensive coordinator. The Hokies will have 10 starters returning to their defense that was ranked 46th in the nation in points allowed per game (24.7) and 42nd in total yards allowed per game (363.3).

On the defensive line, the Hokies will be expecting more production as this position group is more experienced. The leading playmaker is their senior defensive tackle Jarrod Hewitt, who accounted for 33 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and four sacks.

They will be expecting former Youngstown State transfer defensive end Justus Reed to create some significant impact in the pass rush as he accounted for 42 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. Their other defensive tackle in DaShawn Crawford accounted for 27 total tackles, six tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks this past season.

The Hokies ranked 46th in the nation in rushing yards allowed per game (139.9) this past season. Athlon Sports’ preseason third-team All-American senior linebacker Rayshard Ashby returns to lead the experienced defense. Last season, he led the team in total tackles accounted for (119), solo tackles (60), tackles for loss (17) and forced fumbles (three).

Middle linebacker Dax Hollifield was key in defending the short passing game and outside runs from opposing offenses. Junior outside linebacker Chamarri Conner accounted for 68 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and eight pass deflections.

In the defensive backs, the Hokies were feeling great despite the fact that COVID-19 was threatening the season. Star cornerback Caleb Farley was the first player to opt out of the 2020 season. Armari Chatman is projected to take the starting cornerback from Farley. They will return Jermaine Waller, who accounted for 10 pass deflections and three interceptions. Free safety Divine Deablo returns after finishing second on the team in tackles in 2019 (84).

Home/Virginia Tech Hokies