The Virginia Tech Hokies should have a pretty good defense in 2024. It all starts up front, and Tech has some experience in the trenches, starting with All-ACC players (edge) Antwaun Powell-Ryland and defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles.

But what about the linebacker position? If you watched Virginia Tech’s defense last season, you noticed their poor running ability a lot. That poor running ability led to the Hokies getting shredded on the ground. That was because of the linebacker play. You can chalk it up to inexperience or to Tech not being good enough there, but it was a problem.

Why will everything be better this year?

We give a preview of Virginia Tech’s linebackers, including the star position.

The Linebackers

Hokie Sports

The “star” position

Hokie Sports

The starters

Mike Linebacker: Sam Brumfield

Will Linebacker: Jaden Keller

Actor: Keonta Jenkins

That’s our best prediction right now. Brumfield is locked in as the starting middle linebacker. Tech has been doggedly pursuing the transfer from Middle Tennessee in the transfer portal, believing he could fix some of the problems from last season. Brumfield could have an All-ACC season behind VT’s defensive line.

For Will, that could be Keller, Jayden McDonald or Keli Lawson. Lawson is the former starter and the player with the most potential. The Hokies hope he stays healthy in 2024. Keller struggled last season, but he is better suited to playing on the wing, and coaches have praised his offseason development.

Jenkins is a natural fit for the star position and could become one of Virginia Tech’s best defensive players. Don’t be surprised if freshman Gabe Williams gets some time, too.

The backups

You can essentially combine the starters and the backup here. Other than Brumfield, no position is set in stone. Most of the players mentioned above will play. Sophomore Caleb Woodson is also a name to keep an eye on here. The Hokies love his potential. Do they think he’s a will linebacker or a top star?

When he’s not in the starting lineup, Lawson will be heavily involved. His combination of size and speed makes him a unique defensive weapon. He and Keller are expected to play a lot of snaps.

Outlook 2024

On paper, the Hokies look solid defensively at all three levels. There is plenty of experience at every position. The biggest questions for the Hokies are at linebacker and safeties. The safety is more about depth, as Tech is happy with its top group.

At linebacker, the question is more about which players will prevail. Brumfield has performed well at every stop, and Blacksburg should be no different. What happens if he gets hurt? If Brumfield is the player Virginia Tech sees him as, the other two positions will be much better. The Hokies aren’t worried about the star, as Jenkins and Williams could make a formidable duo. Keller and Lawson are the ones you should see a lot of at will. The defensive upside is higher with Lawson on the field, so regardless of how well Keller plays, head coach Brent Pry and defensive coordinator Chris Marve will find opportunities for Lawson to play.

If you compare the linebacker position today to a year ago, the Hokies are in much better shape.