Position preview: linebackers – Virginia Tech Athletics

Hollifield to lead the pack

Football
8/12/2022 4:55:00 PM

Gallery: (8-12-2022) FB: Linebackers (fall camp)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

When looking at the players to watch for on this Virginia Tech team come 2022, very few catch your eye like linebacker Dax Hollifield. A fifth-year senior, Hollifield returns to the middle of the defense where he has been a staple his whole career in Blacksburg. The 6-foot-1, 245-pound Hollifield is coming off a sensational season in which he led the team with 92.0 tackles (44.0 solo), 9.0 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He also recorded his fourth career interception, shining all over the field. The energetic linebacker also lines up on Tech’s special teams units.

His partner in the middle of the field, Alan Tisdalereturns for another season, looking to continue his strong form. The redshirt junior started all 13 games a season ago, finishing with 84.0 total tackles (44.0 solo), 7.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.

OTHERS IN THE MIX

While Hollifield and Tisdale receive the most attention in the room, and rightfully so, the Hokies certainly have a talented supporting cast backing them up. Keonta Jenkins is a playmaker who moves up from the safety position and can help out if need be. The Jacksonville, Florida product played in 12 games a year ago, and was able to produce 17.0 tackles. Redshirt freshman Jaden Keller could also play a bigger role. The 6-foot-3, 223-pounder saw reserve action in four games during 2021 and can be an athlete that can make a big step forward from a development standpoint for the upcoming season. The same could be said about Clayton, North Carolina native J.R.Walker. As a redshirt sophomore, he played in all 13 games a season ago on special teams and is another one who could find his way into the mix.

NOTES

– Hollifield and Tisdale combined for 176.0 total tackles in 2021, and combined for 111.0 total tackles in 2020.
– Hollifield led the Hokies with 92 total tackles, including 9.0 tackles for loss in 2021.
– Tisdale has started all but five games the past two seasons.
– Tisdale has racked up at least 50.0 total tackles and 4.0 tackles for loss in the last three seasons for the Hokies.

POSITION OUTLOOK

Combine the return of Hollifield and Tisdale, with the addition of the defensive-minded Pry and Marve, and Virginia Tech should feel really good about its linebacker unit in 2022.