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Virginia Tech Football: Final report card for 2020 season

By Dante Pryor

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) /
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Oct 10, 2020; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Javonte Williams (25) with the ball as Virginia Tech Hokies defensive backs Nadir Thompson (12) and J.R. Walker (19) and linebacker Rayshard Ashby (23) and defensive lineman Norell Pollard (96) and defensive back Jermaine Waller (28) defends in the third quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2020; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Javonte Williams (25) with the ball as Virginia Tech Hokies defensive backs Nadir Thompson (12) and J.R. Walker (19) and linebacker Rayshard Ashby (23) and defensive lineman Norell Pollard (96) and defensive back Jermaine Waller (28) defends in the third quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Overall defensive grade: D

While the defense did not evoke the memories of Bud Foster’s legendary “lunch pail” defenses, the defense was ravaged by COVID-19 most of the season. There were many games where the Hokies did not have first or second-team defensive backs during games.

The impact of novel coronavirus on the defense cannot be understated.

Outstanding defensive players

  • Amare Barno, DE: 43 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks

Barno, a JUCO transfer, led the Hokies in sack this season. More impressive than the sack numbers are the tackles for loss. Barno’s 16 tackles for loss were good for 23rd in the country last season. Offensive coordinators found that it was difficult to run at Barno and block him on passing downs.

  • Chamarri Conner, DB: 81 total tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble

Conner, playing a hybrid safety/corner position, led the Hokies in tackles and tied for second in interceptions. Conner was active all over the field and one of the few defensive backs not impacted by COVID-19 for much of the season. Conner showed the ability to cover the deep half, cover the slot and play the run.

Defensive Line:  B+

It was feast or famine for the defensive line this season. The Hokies finished ninth in the country in sacks but 85th in the country in rush defense. The Hokies small, fast linemen did a good job of getting in the backfield in the pass game. However, the fact that Tech gave up 130 rushing yards or more in nine of 11 games this season proves they could be moved by a physical offensive line.

Linebackers: C-

When running backs got to the second level, which happened often, they met two smallish linebackers. Dax Hollifield and Rayshard Ashby were capable of making plays when their defensive line kept them clean. Ashby was tied for third on the team in tackles for loss (7.5) and had four sacks. But both struggled at times in pass coverage, however.

Secondary: D-

The primary struggle for the Hokies secondary was not on the field, it was COVID-19. The Hokies secondary was decimated by positive tests, quarantining, and contact tracing. So many different defensive backs played this season for the Hokies, it is nearly impossible to evaluate how good they were last season.

Special : C+

Khalil Herbert led he Hokies in kick returns last season. The Hokies did not return a kick or a punt for a touchdown last season. Kicker Brian Johnson made all extra points attempted and 76.9 percent of field goals. Punter Oscar Bradburn averaged over 43 yards per punt.

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