2024 Position Group Previews: Defensive Backs

The Room (2023 Stats)

#1 Donte Lovett 6’0” 190 SO Crofton, MD (10 TKLS, .5 TFL, 3 BPU, 3 PD)

#4 Mansoor Delane 6’1” 187 JR Silver Spring, MD (54 TKLS, 2.5 TFL, 1 INT,  1 BPU, 2 PD)

#5 Joshua Clarke 6’2” 180 FR Alexandria, VA 

#8 Braylon Johnson 6’1” 180 SO Richmond, VA (7 TKLS)

#11 Devin Alves 6’3” 190 Rs SO Melbourne, FL (1 TKL)

#14 Jonathon Pennix 6’0” 176 Rs FR Concord, VA 

#15 Jaylen Jones 6’1” 203 SR Richmond, VA (35 TKLS, 1 TFL, 3 BPU, 3 PD)

#18 Mose Phillips III 6’2” 193 SO Nashville, TN (27 TKLS, 1 FF)

#19 Noah Jenkins 6’2” 206 FR Richmond, VA

#20 Caleb Woodson 6’3” 227 SO Haymarket, VA (22 TKLS, 1.5 TFL)

#21 Quintin Reddish 6’3” 200 FR Charlotte, NC

#23 Thomas Williams 5’11” 177 Rs FR Greenville, SC

#26 Jalen Stroman 6’1” 200 SR Bristow, VA (55 TKLS, 2 TFL, 2 BPU, 2 PD)

#27 Tyler Childress 6’2” 197 Rs JR Huntingtown, MD

#30 Krystian Williams 6’1” 180 Rs FR Richmond, VA

#33 Miles Ellis 5’11” 190 Rs JR Glen Allen, VA

#34 Josh Jones 5’11” 190 FR Aldie, VA

#35 Israel Hairston 5’9” 166 FR Vinton, VA

#37 Josh Gholston 6’0” 179 Rs JR Blacksburg, VA

#44 Dorian Strong 6’1” 185 GS Upper Marlboro, MD (25 TKLS, .5 TFL, 3 INT, 8 BPU, 11 PD)

2023 Recap

Going into the 2023 campaign, the defensive backfield for the Hokies was a position of pride and a position of worry.  As far as the cornerbacks were concerned, the combination of Mansoor Delane and Dorian Strong were considered by many to be one of the best duos in Tech’s storied history of great CB duos.  The question mark was on the safety positions.  Tech returned Jalen Stroman, but throughout the season was looking for a permanent replacement for Nasir Peoples at the other safety spot.  The Hokies rotated converted receiver Jaylen Jones, and freshman Mose Phillps into that spot and the Hokies struggled early in the season in supporting the run defense.  As the season progressed, Tech rotated through different combinations due to injury or targeting suspensions.  Towards the end of the season, however, the backfield played much better across the board.

 

Dorian Strong was the brightest spot in the secondary throughout the year.  Grading out at 81% for the year according to PFF, Strong was a lockdown corner but was tested more often than his counterpart Mansoor Delane netting a team high 3 interceptions in 2023.  Delane had built a stellar reputation after a great freshman campaign in 2022 and the opposition rarely tested the sophomore.  In looking for some experience and leadership in the secondary, Tech grabbed Derrick Canteen out of the portal and was able to play some very valuable snaps at nickel and rotated some at safety and corner when needed.  

 

The Hokies secondary was definitely a strength of the team last season, and with most of the starting lineup returning, should continue to grow and give opposing coordinators fits throughout the season.

2024 Spring Review:

Going into the spring, there was very little concern about the secondary outside of the safety position.  The biggest question was, who was going to secure the spot next to Stroman and how much depth can the younger talent provide if needed.  While freshmen Braylon Johnson, Donte Lovett and Caleb Woodson provided some valuable minutes in ‘23 and gained some experience, this season, the three sophomores will provide much needed depth with playing experience. 

 

In most Spring Games, the defense has the advantage because of the rules and structure of the game, but the secondary looked good throughout the game in coverage and in run support.  The safety position was a point of emphasis for many Hokie fans.  Stroman, Phillips, and Jones return at that position and Tech added some recruits, notably Quintin Reddish, who has the size to be able to contribute early if needed.  The biggest takeaway from the spring was the added depth in all positions of the secondary.  If there can be growth and maturity at the safety position and those guys can remain in the game and eliminate penalties, in addition to supporting the run game, Tech fans should be confident in the safety position after the spring.

2024 Preview:

 

Entering the 2024 season the secondary will be tested often.  The ACC is known for being a quarterback dominant league and this year will be no different.  Fortunately, Tech avoids Florida State, SMU, and some other pass happy teams this year. The biggest problem for opposing coordinators in 2024 is picking your poison.  There isn’t a side of the field you can go to that doesn’t have all-conference caliber corners in Delane and Strong.  The Hokies outside defenders are among the best duo’s in the country and should provide enough blanket coverage to allow for increased production in the pass rush game. At the safety spot, Tech returns three players with starting experience that should also improve their level of play year over year.  Overall the Hokies secondary returns all-conference caliber talent across the board and finally for the first time in years, the Hokies have backups with significant experience.  This level of depth is reminiscent of the early 2000’s era DB room. While Tech seems poised to have a big year in terms of defensive production, for the secondary to achieve its goals, some important questions must be answered.

 

Can the secondary “maximize their minutes”?

 

Last year, opposing QB’s rarely tested Mansoor Delane, barely throwing to his side of the field. This allowed Dorian Strong to have an excellent year.  This year, Tech has proven, lock down corners on both sides of the field and opposing offensive coordinators will have to strategically choose to test these corners.  Can Delane and Strong excel in the few instances they are tested each game.  If they can prove their “lockdown” capabilities consistently, opposing quarterbacks are going to second guess reads, hold onto the ball, and make bad decisions.  

 

Can we get consistent play out of the safety position?

 

Last year, the Hokies had a rotating door at the safety spot.  This was due to a combination of injuries and suspensions due to targeting penalties.  Targeting is a very difficult penalty to avoid at times, especially for back end players.  If Tech’s trio of returners at safety can avoid those costly penalties and stay on the field, we should see better, more consistent production.

 

How will our depth show up on the field?

 

The Hokies have actual depth for the first time in many years in the secondary.  The looming question that many Tech fans have is how will we manage the depth.  Coach Cheetah company will be able to experiment early and be able to try some different personnel groupings.  When Braylon Johnson is in the game, for example, does Strong slide over to nickel back? When the Hokies line up in a 4-2-5 look, Who is covering the outside, who is taking care of the slot receivers? The coaching staff has so many options at their disposal and the endless combination of talent should be enough to give the opposition fits.

 

The Hokies secondary is definitely a strength of the team this year, and in my opinion, should be getting talked about more.  They should be tested early against Diego Pavia and Vanderbilt, having to cover SEC talent at receiver.  The next big test for the secondary should be at the end of September, against Cam Ward and Miami.  Later in the year, the Hokies will also see Haynes King, Cade Klubnick, and other talented quarterbacks across the ACC.  If the veteran-laden secondary can play to their ability, the Hokies should be a nightmare for the opposition’s passing attacks.

Hokie Hitter Replay: Florida State

Check out our Previous Position Group Previews:

2024 Position Group Previews: Quarterbacks

2024 Position Group Previews: Running Backs

2024 Position Group Previews: Wide Receivers & Tight Ends

2024 Position Group Previews: Offensive Line

2024 Position Group Previews: Defensive Line

2024 Position Group Preview: Linebackers