Linebackers to play a key role in improving total defense in 2015

The Virginia Tech football team has made a living on stout defense over the past two decades. The Hokies have ridden the NFL-bound linebacking play of Xavier Adibi and James Anderson, among others, to six top-20 finishes in rushing yards allowed per game over the past 10 seasons — twice finishing in the top five.

After leading the Atlantic Coast Conference in total defense in 2013, Tech began its 2014 campaign without the services of 2013's leading tackler, and defensive captain, Jack Tyler.

The fifth-year middle linebacker was joined in his departure by fellow fifth-year linebacker, Tariq Edwards.

Together, Tyler and Edwards combined to make 59 defensive starts and 466 total tackles from 2009 to 2013. Similar to when the Hokies lost Cody Grimm and Cam Martin following the 2009 season, Tech's ability to defend the run the following season took a step back.

Rushing yards allowed per game increased from 128.4 in 2009 to 155.9 in 2010 and 110.9 in 2013 to 144.8 in 2014.

The statistically worst rushing defense ever under 20-year defensive coordinator Bud Foster, 2014's unit allowed the second-most yards per game on the ground than any Hokies defense since 1992.

Given the major injuries on the defensive line and in the secondary, along with a deluge of first-year starters, the onus for the defensive struggles didn't fall solely on losing a couple key linebackers — not by a long shot.

Still, Tech has some questions to answer in its linebacking corps to help propagate a more productive unit going into the spring and fall.

More flux figures to ensue in 2015, as the Hokies will move forward without another pair of departing fifth-year seniors in mike Chase Williams and whip Derek Di Nardo.

Williams received the lion's share of playing time in the middle, starting nine games and enjoying the best stretch of his career.

The experience of Williams and Di Nardo was put on display in the Hokies' opener against William & Mary.

Leading by just one, late in the first half, Williams forced a fumble that was recovered and returned to inside the five-yard line by Di Nardo. The big play led to a Bucky Hodges touchdown reception, and changed the course of a game in which the Tribe were very much alive.

Andrew Motuapuaka figures to take the reins in the middle in 2015. The rising redshirt sophomore thrice recorded double-digit tackles late in the 2014 season for the Hokies.

Motuapuaka recovered well from a right scapula operation that slowed him post-spring and into last summer, and all signs would point to him starting spring ball as Tech's No. 1 mike.

That being said, class-of-2015 early enrollee Carson Lydon may be someone that could compete for playing time at mike. The 6-1, 231 pound Lydon is physical, athletic and thrives in space.

Sean Huelskamp led a Maroon defense in 2014's Spring Game that allowed just three points. The Chantilly, Virginia, native led all tacklers with nine total and earned his way onto special teams.

After undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL suffered against Ohio State, Huelskamp's 2015 prospects may not be promising. The former walk-on's involvement in spring practice is questionable.

Deon Clarke will be the most experienced returning linebacker, having started every game in 2014, at backer, and posting 74 tackles in the process — second-highest on the team.

Dahman Mckinnon saw some action in relief but was in and out with a knee injury for the better part of the season.

Mckinnon is joined by Josh Trimble and Ronny Vandyke as returning linebackers with experience. Jamieon Moss also saw extensive action on special teams in 2014.

If not hindered by a missed spring, stemming from season-ending 2013 shoulder surgery, Vandyke would likely have had an increased role. The Lorton, Virginia, native eased his way back into the fold in 2014 and was a solid special teams contributor. He finished the season as the No. 2 backer, and has experience as Tech's top whip.

Entering his fifth year, Trimble is a guy that's done a little bit of everything. A regular special teams leader over the past three seasons, Trimble has also started five career games on defense. The two-deep at whip to end 2014, the former walk-on could figure to slide into the starting spot.

The youngest Edmunds brother, Tremaine, signed with Tech in 2015 and will arrive on campus this summer. The 6-4, 220 pound Dan River standout was recruited as a backer, but due to his size and need, he may end up at defensive end.

Spring ball could be a showcase opportunity for Raymon Minor at backer or even whip. The 6-2, 225 pound, 4-star Benedictine product signed with the Hokies in 2014 and redshirted last season.

A defensive line that returns a heap of experience will need help from those who fill the vacant linebacker spots with improving a 2014 rush defense that was historically poor.