The Hokies approached the 2024 spring camp with apprehensions surrounding their offensive line and linebacker positions. While the spring game showcased improvements in run blocking, concerns persist regarding the performance of the linebacker unit, posing challenges for Virginia Tech’s defense.
Following a winter filled with hope, the Virginia Tech football squad took to the field on a chilly spring day in Blacksburg, aiming to display their offseason progress. The offense particularly stood out, led by Kyrone Drones and his teammates who consistently exploited gaps in the opposing defense. Notable improvements were seen among several young players, notably Keyshawn Burgos, whose impactful plays included causing an interception. Surprisingly, even players not initially expected to make significant contributions showcased moments of brilliance, exemplified by PWO P.J. Prioleau’s impressive two-touchdown performance.
However, heading into the spring game, concerns lingered over the consistency of the offensive line and the urgent need for improvement at linebacker. These areas were pivotal to Virginia Tech’s prospects in 2023, with their success hinging heavily on addressing these shortcomings. While there were some positive signs, such as improvements in certain areas, there were also evident weaknesses that may necessitate further roster adjustments via the transfer portal.
Offensive Line: Better Suited to the Scheme?
Virginia Tech’s offensive strategy underwent significant changes throughout last season, placing greater emphasis on stretching the defense with outside zone runs and freeze option plays to manipulate interior defenders. While these adjustments proved effective overall, they sometimes faltered when the interior linemen struggled to establish proper angles and positioning against opposing defensive tackles. Notably, returning players like Braelin Moore and Bob Schick showed notable improvement in their footwork and targeting.
The offensive scheme’s pressure on the defense serves to benefit the offensive line by forcing the opposition to react more slowly. A prime illustration of this was evident early in the spring game. The Hokies executed an outside zone read with three potential options: Drones could hand off to Malachi Thomas on the outside zone run into the boundary, or he could keep the ball himself if the field defensive end, CJ McCray, committed to the handoff.
Additionally, if the MIKE linebacker, Sam Brumfield, or the STAR linebacker, Gabe Williams, pursued slot receiver Xayvion Turner-Bradshaw into the field-side flat, Drones had the option to exploit the gap. Turner-Bradshaw’s initial step to the right, mimicking a lead blocker for Thomas before releasing in the opposite direction, added an extra layer of deception to the play.