Linebacker is the most polarizing position on the Virginia Tech roster for me. On one hand, they return key contributors like Keanta Jenkins and Keri Lawson. On the other hand, they lose Alan Tisdale, who played a total of five years at Tech and was one of the best players in the open field. It’s hard to get a sense of how good this linebacker corps is, but that may be because they’re the only position group without a player considered a “star” player on defense.
Last year’s defense was very solid, ranking 15th in the country in yards allowed per game. The only areas I would highlight as weaknesses on the defense are red zone defense and rush defense, and some of the blame in those situations falls on the linebackers. Virginia Tech is 105th in the country in opponent red zone scoring percentage, allowing opponents to score at an 88.57% rate. Frankly, the reason for their struggles in the red zone is simply a lack of communication, which again is the fault of the linebackers. The only other complaint about Virginia Tech’s defense last year is their relative struggles against run defense. Their pass coverage was great, and their pressure on the quarterback was great, which made their run defense look worse than it actually was.
Virginia Tech is 68th in the nation in yards allowed per rush, allowing 4.3 yards per carry. Sure, that’s not a big number, but it’s another reason why I think this defense is so solid, since other teams would only allow 4.3 yards per rush. On the other hand, I think Virginia Tech’s run defense needs to improve in order to be considered an elite level defense and compete with the top teams in the ACC.
But Virginia Tech’s linebackers have been solid in pass coverage and both starters at outside linebacker are back, so it’s not all bad.
If there is a star at linebacker, it is Keonta Jenkins, who ironically plays at the star linebacker position. Jenkins brings so much versatility to the linebacker room and is an unquestioned leader in the locker room. In 2023, Jenkins recorded two forced fumbles, one interception, 10 tackles for loss, and three quarterback hurries. Jenkins has gotten stronger and stronger every year at Virginia Tech, evolving from a hybrid safety to a true linebacker who can hold his own at the power four level of strength. I would like to see Jenkins develop even more, especially in the run game, but he is definitely an underrated player on defense.
An underrated player on defense is redshirt junior Keri Lawson, who switched from No. 21 to No. 0. Lawson led the team in tackles last year in just eight games and was named All-ACC Honorable Mention. Lawson excelled in every way on defense last year with 2.5 sacks, one interception, six pass breakups, one forced fumble and four quarterback hurries. Chris Marbe and Brent Pry are happy to have two very versatile players who can start at the linebacker position. Lawson is a tremendous athlete and has been since his high school days. He has played LB, DE, WR, DB some times and was a four-star recruit. I think Lawson is the best pure athlete at linebacker and his value to the team was and still is huge.
Who will start alongside these two at middle linebacker? It’s still to be determined. Brent Pry acquired Sam Brumfield as a transfer from Middle Tennessee State University, but he only played against two powerhouses last year, raising questions about whether his numbers are inflated. Brumfield finished with 82 tackles, eight quarterback hurries and 3.5 sacks last season. His competition is Jaden Keller, who started four games at Virginia Tech. In the 2023 season, he recorded 23 total tackles and two tackles for loss.
Honestly, even with a slight edge for Brumfield, it would be hard to pick between these two teams. In highlighting each team’s areas of improvement, ESPN made a similar point, stating that middle linebacker is Virginia Tech’s biggest area of improvement.
“Once a strength of the solid Hokies defense, middle linebacker is an area Virginia Tech knows it must improve in order for the Hokies to meet growing expectations. Virginia Tech has used the transfer portal to Sam Brumfield from Middle Tennesseebut Jaden Keller “He had a great spring and could find answers at the position. Virginia Tech has experience across the linebacker line. If they can step up their play up the middle, it will certainly help them form a strong front seven given the strength of the returning defensive line.”
This is probably the biggest “position battle” to watch as the season progresses, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see multiple players assume the middle linebacker role.
Another player who is set to take on that role again in the 2023 season is redshirt junior Jaden McDonald. Jaden has played in eight games in his short two-year career at Virginia Tech. McDonald was a three-star prospect coming out of high school, according to the 247Sports Composite, and he made more of an impact than Virginia Tech ever imagined. McDonald was originally set to attend UL-Monroe College, but transferred to Virginia Tech, and the rest is history. He made an immediate impact, recording three tackles for loss and one sack in his first year with the Hokies. McDonald should see more starts this season.
Another player I have high hopes for in the 2024 season is sophomore Caleb Woodson. According to his Virginia Tech athletics biography, he was a standout player in high school.
“A three-year letterman under head coach Greg Hatfield at Battlefield High School in Virginia…Captained the Bobcats his senior season…Two-time Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 6 All-State selection…Three-time VHSL All-Region 6B and All-Cedar Run District First Team Defensive Back selection…Led Battlefield (13-1) to the 2021 VHSL Region 6B championship, three Cedar Run District titles (2020-22), two 10-win seasons and a 28-4 career record…As a 2022 senior, he recorded 115 tackles, 20 TFL, five sacks, four forced fumbles and three defensive touchdowns, including one interception return and two fumble recoveries…As a 2021 junior, he recorded 10 offensive touchdowns, over 500 all-purpose yards, 85 tackles and three interceptions…Coach’s Award winner…Rated three-star.” 247 SportsESPN, On 3 and rival … Ranked No. 91 linebacker in the state of Virginia and No. 33 recruit. 247 Sports… ESPN’s No. 66 linebacker in Virginia, No. 30 recruit … ESPN’s No. 46 linebacker in Virginia, No. 17 prospect On 3… #33 Prospect in Virginia rival… Academic Honor List … National Honor Society … Competitive swimmer for six years and competed in the Junior Olympics.”
Woodson is a player the Virginia Tech coaching staff wants to keep around for a while. His first year was definitely a surprise. He’s not done yet. He’s trying to replicate what he did against Marshall every game. Sure, he only had three tackles, but he had 1.5 tackles for loss and that’s why Kyron Draughns and the Virginia Tech offense were able to hold their own in that game.
Other young players who could compete for playing time include freshmen Aisen Stevens, Will Johnson and Gabe Williams, and it will be interesting to see how this coaching staff handles the young players at linebacker and positions them to contribute immediately to the team.
Overall, I would rate the linebacker corps above average, especially with Keri Lawson and Keonta Jenkins returning as starters. The position could stabilize by the end of the year and be in pretty good shape by the time the playoffs start. Other players like Jaeden Keller and Jaeden McDonald should be prepared to see increased playing time this year. It will be interesting to see what decisions are made at middle linebacker, but I don’t think Virginia Tech fans need to worry too much about the current state of the linebacker position.
