Chris Marve explains how Virginia Tech implemented a strong pass rush | 08/27/24
Virginia TechThe defensive line is expected to be one of the strongest the ACC has to offer in 2024.
The unit will feature a variety of transfer portal additions and returning talent, led by redshirt senior Antwaun Powell-Rylandwho was an integral part of a pass rush that ranked second in the conference in sacks and regularly helped hold the opposing offense to under 250 passing yards per game last season.
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Defensive coordinator and inside linebacker coach of the Hokies Chris Marve sat down with On3’s Andy Staples on Tuesday to talk about Virginia Tech’s defense. Staples asked the VT DC to explain how he implemented such a strong pass rush in Blacksburg.
“I appreciate you noticing the work and the guys seeing the fruits of their labor from last year,” Marve told Staples. “You know, you get better at football by playing football, right? And that’s why we’ve been practicing it nonstop. How to get to the quarterback, how to finish to the quarterback and not let the moment get away from you too much. Just trusting in practice, finishing where you need to finish and knowing the personality of the quarterback you’re going against.
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“Does he like to pivot on his back shoulder? Is he a step-up guy when he starts running? Is he trying to run or is he trying to throw the football? All of those things are essential, you have to know your opponent when you start running so you can have a really good plan of attack.”
Together with Powell-Ryland, who came in 72nd, On3’s Top 100 Players in College Football — at the RAND Cole Nelson And Keyshawn BurgosBoth showed their skills as semi-starters in 2023.
From the portal, former Duke DL Aeneas Peebles He also joins Powell-Ryland on the top-100 list, ranking 88th as a coveted member of this year’s defensive line. He led the Blue Devils with 8.5 tackles for loss and was named to the All-ACC First Team by Pro Football Focus for his efforts.
Virginia Tech will look to showcase its pass rush firsthand when they open the regular season on the road against Vanderbilt – Marve’s alma mater – on Saturday, August 31. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.
