Future of the Defense Looks Bright

Virginia Tech had a young defense at the start of this past season, and it
got even younger as players were injured and shuffled from spot to spot. If they
can stay healthy, this can be a very good group next season. We could also see
some position changes this spring.

At the beginning of the Clemson game, Virginia Tech started seven sophomores,
two seniors, a junior and a freshman on the defensive side of the ball. After
Jayron Hosley went down, there were two freshmen getting major snaps. It’s
difficult to stop an offense like Clemson’s with so many young players on the
field.

Most of Tech’s youth was in the front seven, where the Hokies started three
sophomores and a freshman on the defensive line, two sophomores at mike and
backer, and a sophomore who was a converted cornerback at nickel/whip.

Next year the Hokies should be bigger, deeper and more experienced in the
front seven. Let’s start with the defensive line.

...