Starting defensive tackle Kwamaine Battle tore his left ACL early in Saturday’s loss to James Madison, and he will miss the remainder of the season. He will be replaced in the starting lineup by Antoine Hopkins.
Battle is a r-junior who is a full-time starter for the first time. He played well in the season opener against Boise State, but was barely able to hit the field for the James Madison game. His replacement, Antoine Hopkins, had a sack against the Dukes.
True freshman Derrick Hopkins and r-sophomore Isaiah Hamlette will serve as the #3 and #4 defensive tackles. Their roles have now increased greatly with the loss of Battle.
Virginia Tech will host East Carolina this Saturday at 1:30pm on ESPN3.com.
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