2025 Fall Camp Notebook: Defense Looks Bigger, Faster, Stronger
For the first time this fall, the media got to lay their eyes on the 2025 Virginia Tech Hokies football team. It was a limited look, as we mostly watched individual drills, and the session unfortunately ended right before competitive drills began. While there’s only so much you can take away from a brief shot of practice this early in camp, there are some early takeaways about how this year’s Hokie squad is shaping up.
Brent Pry knows expectations are high this season
Coach Pry was heavily involved early in practice, especially with the defense. The Lunch Pail unit started the day with a tackling circuit, and Pry was pushing the players hard, preaching physicality. The coaching staff was pushing for a high energy start to the day for a defense that will face a tough test against South Carolina on Labor Day Weekend.
Ryan Castle
@RyanofSaturday
Coach Pry fired up early at #Hokies practice. Was very involved in a defensive tackling circuit. Intense period with Pry heavily preaching physicality. Spent some time coaching up transfer Safety Jordan Bass during that drill. @SonsofSatVT
This team will look good coming off the bus!
This is by far Brent Pry’s most physically imposing team. Transfer safety Jordan Bass is a big dude who will bring some size and versatility to the back end. DT Kemari Copeland stood out in practice after being named to The Athletic’s “Freak List” earlier today, along with receivers Donvan Greene and Cameron Seldon.
Sons of Saturday Virginia Tech
@SonsofSatVT
Three #Hokies made the list! 💪 ⚡️ 23. Kemari Copeland 41. Donavon Greene 70. Cameron Seldon
Defensive Line Coach, JC Price, spoke glowingly of Copeland after practice:
Sons of Saturday Virginia Tech
@SonsofSatVT
.@jcprice59 is FIRED UP on the depth on the D-line as well as the star power of Kemari Copeland 💪🏼
Coach Price also commented on the depth in the Hokies D Line room, after adding some impact transfers like Mercer newcomer Arias Nash.
“There’s not a guy in there that can’t eventually contribute to this program one way or another, and really that’s the first time since I’ve been back that I can say that.”
Coach JC Price on depth at the Defensive Line position
Early look at the WR Depth Chart
There is a long way to go in camp, so the depth chart is always subject to change, but it seems like Donovan and Ayden Greene are making an early impression. The Greenes (no relation) led the Hokies off in WR drills, followed by Tayke Heath, transfer Cameron Seldon, and Tucker Holloway. Holloway also appears to be full go after being hampered by injuries last season.
Offseason team-building is having on-field impact
Coach Pry emphasized the need to build closer bonds in the locker room this offseason. TE Benji Gosnell told us that work has paid off, leading to the Hokies being more competitive on the practice field.
Ryan Castle
@RyanofSaturday
TE Benji Gosnell on the impact of building tighter bonds in the locker room this offseason. @SonsofSatVT
Virginia Tech will hold Media Day on Wednesday, where we’ll have the chance to talk to new coordinators Sam Siefkes and Philip Montgomery, and we'll hear from some more players about expectations for this season.
Ryan Castle
@RyanofSaturday
New Defensive Coordinator Sam Siefkes and new Offensive Coordinator Philip Montgomery getting their units ready to make their Hokie debut down in Atlanta. @SonsofSatVT
Until then, check out the latest from the Sons. Billy Ray dove into the ACC schedule to break down the biggest matchups of the year.
And also get ready for a HUGE interview later this week with Hokie legend and Super Bowl Champion Bruce Arians.
Sons of Saturday Virginia Tech
@SonsofSatVT
No answers from BA on what the "Hokie" audible from @TomBrady in his final Super Bowl really meant. Full Pod releasing later this week!
