Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech football is presented with a unique opportunity to install innovative offensive and defensive schemes during Phase Two of its offseason program. Similar to his offensive counterpart, defensive coordinator Sam Siefkes is diligently working to establish an identity ahead of the 2025 season.
Linebackers
Often referred to as the quarterbacks of the defense, Tech’s linebacking corps should hold extremely important roles in the scheme. An important note in Siefkes’ journey to Blacksburg is that he coached linebackers at the NFL level with both the Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals. Most recently with the Cardinals, he tutored Kyzir White and Mack Wilson to the highest production totals in their careers. His proven track record should help the linebackers reach their full potential. Siefkes will rely on outside linebackers coach Shawn Quinn and inside linebackers coach Xavier Adibi, as they coach up the talented duo of Caleb Woodson and Jaden Keller.
As the veteran leader of the room, Keller returns after leading the team in tackles (83) last season. The redshirt senior showcased a major leap in his development in 2024, playing in all 13 games for the second straight season and more than tripling his tackle production. Sliding in next to him is the team’s second-leading tackler from last season with Woodson totaling 72 takedowns. A native of Haymarket, Virginia, the 6-foot-3, 230-pound Woodson has shown tremendous growth in his own right. He has played in every game since joining the program in 2023 and already has 12 starts under his belt.
Also stepping into the mix as contributors on the second level are junior Kaleb Spencer and redshirt seniors Jayden McDonald and Will Johnson. In his first season with the Hokies as a true sophomore, Spencer displayed his playmaking ability, as the former Miami transfer notched 32 tackles, including five TFLs and a sack to go with an interception and a forced fumble, highlighting his knack for being around the football. McDonald aims to get back into the rotation after being limited to two games last season, following multiple starts in both 2022 and 2023. Johnson is a special teams ace who has two No. 25 jersey nods to his name.
Redshirt sophomores George Ballance and Cameren Fleming also present young options who have two seasons of development in the program. Ballance has made appearances in a handful of games, while Fleming moves closer in the box after two seasons in the safety room. Junior transfer Jordan Bass also brings additional depth following two seasons at Pitt. Redshirt freshman Gabe Williams and freshman Brett Clatterbaugh complete the room as long-term options at linebacker.
Cornerbacks
Moving to the secondary, Tech’s roster is flush with a wealth of emerging talent. Looking at the boundary, it’s safe to start with junior Dante Lovett. The Crofton, Maryland product has played in every game the past two seasons and recorded his first career interception as a starter in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. During the postseason contest, redshirt sophomore Thomas Williams recorded his first start across from Lovett. After redshirting in 2023, Williams played in all 13 games, also displaying his versatility as a kick returner, averaging 19.2 yards per return.
As stated, the group is filled with young talent, with redshirt freshman Joshua Clarke and three freshmen from the 2025 signing class, Knahlij Harrell, Jahmari DeLoatch, and Jojo Crim filling out the position group. Redshirt sophomore Krystian Williams continues to try to work his way into more game action after three appearances in 2024.
The room boasts plenty of homegrown talent yet received valuable additions in the transfer portal, welcoming the likes of Joseph Reddish and Isaiah Brown-Murray. Reddish enters his first season in the maroon and orange with a jump in competition level after playing in the FCS at Wingate. The true junior hauled in four interceptions plus added eleven pass breakups last season. Brown-Murray brings valuable experience as a redshirt junior who started 12 games at East Carolina in 2024 and led the defense with 830 snaps.
Safeties
Tech’s defensive coordinator expressed the importance of being multiple on defense and student-athletes having versatility in their roles. In-game experience can assist with a student-athlete's ability to move around the formation, and the safety room offers plenty of it. True sophomore Quentin Reddish and redshirt sophomore Braylon Johnson are currently among the youngest names in the defensive back room. Reddish gained valuable experience in his freshman season, playing in 12 games and scoring his first career TD on a 77-yard return off a blocked field goal against Clemson.
Johnson offers a good example of internal development after beginning his collegiate career with the cornerbacks while gaining experience as a safety last season.
Redshirt senior Tyler Childress adds to the safety corps with three years of development in the program. The Hokies welcome several additions via the transfer portal: redshirt junior Tyson Flowers, seniors Christian Ellis and Sherrod Covil, and graduate student Isaiah Cash. Flowers played in 10 games in 2024 at Rice, while Covil stayed in the ACC, returning home to Virginia after three seasons at Clemson. Ellis’ journey to becoming a Hokie follows 24 games in the last two seasons at New Mexico. Cash completes the group of new additions from Sam Houston State, where he amassed two interceptions and 10 pass breakups last season.
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Defensive Line
Finishing up the roster preview of the defense, the trenches are where it all begins. Anchored by senior Keyshawn Burgos and redshirt senior Kelvin Gilliam Jr., the defensive line offers a wide variety of student-athletes. The room brings three freshmen from its 2025 signing class (Sherrod Henderson, Zeke Chinwike and Christian Evans), while returning redshirt freshmen Deric Dandy, Gerard Johnson, Andrew Hanchuk and Emmett Laws. Competition should be fierce as veteran contributors redshirt senior Jorden McDonald, redshirt junior Kemari Copeland and redshirt senior James Jennette all return.
Aycen Stevens and Jason Abbey are two redshirt sophomores who played in each game last season and are looking for more opportunities. The coaching staff added plenty of experience in the portal to provide depth. James Djonkam leads the group in experience as a graduate student from Eastern Michigan who led his team in tackles (98) in 2024. Ben Bell arrives from Texas State, posting 25 TFLs in 29 games with the Bobcats. Senior Arias Nash provides sack production at the FCS level from Mercer, after recording nine in 14 games last season while Jahzari Priester rounds out the transfers as a redshirt sophomore who played in 11 games at Hampton.
Fans can watch the Hokies' new-look defense this Saturday at 3 p.m. ET during the Spring Game, presented by PMSI. Get your tickets and parking pass today!