The defensive line though took some hits from this past season but could be even scarier this season.
Whether you follow Virginia Tech football with your life or just a college football fan, there is one thing that almost every fan knows. Under defensive coordinator Bud Foster at Virginia Tech, the Hokies will continue to produce one of the top defenses in the country year after year.
The Hokies secondary/ linebackers will be loaded with talent and returning starters and should be the focal point of the team early on this season. The defensive line though took some hits from this past season, losing Ken Ekanem, Woody Barron, and Nigel Williams, three key starters.
However, the scary thing that may be is that the Hokies might be even better with the talent taking their places.
Vinny Mihota is the lone starter returning from last season and has battled some early season injuries so far. But he is expected to be healthy and one of the experienced leaders on the defensive line heading into the season.
But, now let’s take a look at the three potential starters that will be looking to replace the starters from last year. Sophomore Trevon Hill could be a breakout type player heading into this season at the defensive end position. Last season, he played in 14 games and started two (one in the Belk Bowl against Arkansas), recording 37 tackles, 6.0 TFL, and 2.5 sacks. Sophomore Tim Settle is an absolute load at defensive tackle and should be a real run-stopper in the middle of the line and also possesses the ability to get into the backfield (7.0 TFL last season). Lastly, junior Ricky Walker could be a solid experienced piece at defensive tackle as well this season.
Chase Parker, sports editor at Collegiate Times, provided more depth on the matter with these three intriguing prospects stepping up into a starting role this season for the Hokies.
“The Hokies loss three starters from last year: Ken Ekanem, Woody Barron and Nigel Williams. However, the guys that will be replacing them may have a higher upside than the departed seniors did.
Trevon Hill has experience on the edge and will be replacing Ekanem; he's explosive. Ricky Walker will be replacing Barron on the inside and he's also experienced. He received a few starts last season when Barron was injured. He's a dog and a vocal leader. Tim Settle is about 330-pounds and he will be the run-stuffer replacing Williams at defensive tackle.
Settle, Walker, Hill and Mihota are going to make up an incredibly talented defensive line. All four are experienced and all four are capable of getting to the passer, along with stuffing the run. All are vocal leaders and the fans love them.”
Foster and the Hokies continue to be one of the top defenses season after season and it doesn’t look like that will be changing any time soon. After posting a season in which they ranked 18th nationally in total yards given up per game (240.7ypg) and only 22.8 points per game to opponents, it may be scary to think how good this team may be if the defensive line came come together early and be that dominant force up front.
