Hokie ClubThere is a lot of ‘new’ with this Virginia Tech football team this spring, with new coaches implementing their systems to new players learning how to operate as a Hokie on and off the field.
With that, it’s been a different feel on the gridiron so far during spring ball. One that is coming along as coaches and staff set expectations and feel out which players will step up and contribute this season and which ones are locking in early on.
Following Friday’s practice, inside linebackers coach Xavier Adibi met with the media to recap how things are going so far in the midst of spring ball. He’s been pleased.
“First off, we got a good group of kids,” Adibi stated. “They’ve done a good job of buying in and coming together. They’ve been buying into the process and understanding the nuances of our scheme. They’ve been doing an excellent job so far.”
Adibi knows all too well what it takes to compete during spring ball. The former All-American for the Hokies went through a few in the mid-2000s and has taken what he learned then and shares that advice with his linebackers group, including redshirt senior Jaden Keller.
Keller, who also took time to speak to the media Friday, is coming off of a strong season in 2024, leading the team in tackles with 83. Much will be expected of him entering the 2025 season and he’s up for the challenge.
“When you’re the linebacker, you have to run the defense,” Keller said. “You have to make sure the whole defense is on the same page. You have to be that vocal captain that everyone looks for. Coach [Sam] Siefkes and all of those guys have pushed me to step up my game to make sure I’m leading the group every day and speaking positively to my teammates. I try to always be first when doing sprints to set an example to the younger guys and lead that way.”
At first, Keller explained how that leadership aspect didn’t necessarily come natural to him his first couple years in Blacksburg. But the Bristol, Tennessee native has since settled into that role and enjoys being able to do it and looked up to in that way.
Fans can watch Keller and Co. in the spring game, presented by PMSI, which takes place on Saturday, April 12 at 3 p.m. ET. Tickets are on sale now, starting at $10. Purchase tickets today to get the first glimpse of the Hokies’ offensive and defensive schemes under new coordinators.