Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – As ACC Football Kickoff fades into the background, the Hokies are reporting for Fall camp, setting their sights on the season opener against Vanderbilt on Aug. 31. Expectations are high for the Hokies this season after a strong finish to the 2023 campaign, where they secured six wins in their last nine games, achieving their first winning season since 2019 and their first bowl victory since 2016.
Head coach Brent Pry, entering his third year, has been pivotal in Virginia Tech’s resurgence. His leadership has helped the team achieve one of the highest rates of returning production in the nation, with 84% of last season’s output coming back. This includes an impressive 95% of offensive production and 77% of defensive production, placing Tech fourth overall in the FBS. Pry and staff have also enhanced the roster with strategic transfers, adding crucial depth.
The Hokies' offense is poised for a strong year with 11 starters returning and a fresh influx of talent. Leading the charge is quarterback Kyron Drones, who made a significant impact in 2023 with his dual-threat capabilities. The Pearland, Texas native was recognized by CBS Sports as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks of 2024, finishing the season with 2,084 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, 818 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.
In the backfield, running back Bhayshul Tuten returns after a standout 2023 season, where he rushed for 863 yards and 10 touchdowns, contributed 239 receiving yards and two touchdowns, and excelled in the return game with 550 yards and two touchdowns. The junior will be supported by seasoned RB2 Malachi Thomas who rushed 381 yards on 81 attempts, for an average of 4.6 yards per carry. The RB3 spot has yet to be claimed, as Jeremiah Coney, P.J. Prioleau, and Tyler Mason will compete for a spot in the rotation alongside Tuten and Thomas.
A critical component of the Hokies' success is their experienced offensive line. Under offensive line coach Ron Crook's guidance, the unit was instrumental in achieving a top 25-ranked rushing offense in 2023. All five starters—Parker Clements, Bob Schick, Kaden Moore, Braelin Moore, and Xavier Chaplin—return, providing a solid foundation.
The receiving corps is set to make a strong return, headlined by key targets Da'Quan Felton (667 receiving yards, 8 touchdowns), Stephen Gosnell (348 receiving yards, 3 touchdowns) and Jaylin Lane (538 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns). Additionally, influential players Ali Jennings and tight end Nick Gallo are returning after season-ending injuries. Jennings, who made a notable debut with five receptions for 72 yards and two touchdowns before his injury, is expected to be a major contributor. Gallo, who missed the entire 2023 season, was a key asset in 2022, ranking second on the team in receptions and third in receiving yards. To fill in the gaps fellow tight end Benji Gosnell made his first appearance for Tech last year, playing in all 13 games. Harrison Saint Germain also saw action, in multiple tight end sets. While Saint Germain is more of a blocking specialist compared to Gosnell, he is expected to see increased opportunities this season.
Led by defensive coordinator Chris Marve, the defense is poised to maintain their strong performance, building off a third-place national finish in sack percentage in 2023. The defensive line will once again be anchored by Antwaun Powell-Ryland, who made a significant impact last season with 14.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. Newly transferred Aeneas Peebles will join returning veteran Josh Fuga on the interior in his first season as a Hokie after leading the Blue Devils in tackles for loss and sacks. Pry also added three other transfers to strengthen the defensive line including Oklahoma’s Kelvin Gilliam Jr., Alabama’s Khurtiss Perry and Western Community College’s Kemari Copeland. On the edge, Cole Nelson played in all 13 games last season, totaling 25 tackles and 4.5 sacks to mark himself as a notable player for the upcoming season. Keyshawn Burgos is another edge to keep an eye on after being highlighted by ESPN as a post-spring football sleeper pick to watch.
Defensive back is a standout group for the Hokies, featuring Dorian Strong, one of the ACC's top talents and a Pro Football Focus (PFF) top 10 cornerback. Alongside Strong, the roster includes Mansoor Delane, who impressed as a freshman with eight pass breakups and an interception and continues to develop as a future top cornerback. Braylon Johnson, who played in all 13 games last season, will likely see increased time, while Dante Lovett is expected to step into a more prominent role, having shown promise with three pass deflections and a fumble recovery. At safety, Jalen Stroman will anchor the unit with 22 games of experience and 55 tackles from last season, while former wide receiver Jaylen Jones demonstrated potential with three pass breakups. True sophomore Mose Phillips III, who recorded 27 tackles and a forced fumble last season, is also set to make a significant impact, either as a starter or in a key role.
The Hokies’ linebacker group is shaping up to be a highlight of the defense. Leading the charge is Keonta Jenkins, a standout STAR who combines versatility with leadership. Last season, he impressed with ten tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. Alongside him, redshirt junior Keli Lawson, an All-ACC Honorable Mention, contributed with 2.5 sacks and a team-leading tackle count.
The big question for 2024 is who will anchor the middle linebacker spot: transfer Sam Brumfield, who recorded 82 tackles last season, or Jaden Keller, who added 23 tackles in his four starts last year. This competition will be crucial as Virginia Tech looks to solidify its linebacker unit.
With a wealth of returning talent and impactful transfers, Virginia Tech is poised for a promising season. Position previews will be available to provide an in-depth look at the team’s key areas. Sign up for the Key Plays newsletter to be notified when each preview is released.