The defensive line was the strength of the Virginia Tech defense in 2024, but inconsistent pass rush still plagued the Hokies last season. James Franklin's first transfer and recruiting class focused on getting disruptive pass rushers to drive Brent Pry's pressure schemes. The Hokies completely flipped the defensive line room, getting a host of explosive defensive ends, and some fresh faces to support star defensive tackle Kemari Copeland inside. However, with one exception, the talented influx of new faces have very little experience. Competition for playing time will be significant and will need to drive development quickly.
The Okunlola Experience
Former Pitt and Colorado defensive end Samuel Okunlola is the veteran presence in the defensive end room. After a productive redshirt freshman season as a rotational defensive end with Pitt in 2023, he could not shake the injury bug at Colorado before transferring to the Hokies. Checking in at 6-3 253, he is a long defensive end with some up the field rush capability and discipline in the run game. He exhibits excellent pass rush potential. On this deep drop by Louisville quarterback Jack Plummer, Okunlola got a good first step on the Cardinals right tackle.
At the point of contact, he executed a sneaky quick rip move, working underneath the tackle's right armpit. Okunlola then turned the corner and extended his arms high to low to force a fumble.
While his pass rush is tantalizing, the Hokies need disciplined edges to execute the appropriate force and spill calls without getting washed out of the play. Against this outside zone, Okunlola had backside containment responsibility to account for the quarterback bootleg. In Pry's defense, this technique would play out as a force call. The design required Okulola to stay wide while both inside linebackers blitzed into inside gaps.
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