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Forty_Sixand2
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(The analysis does not include incoming players, but stuff on those guys will be added once ink is put on the letters of intent in February and we see where they get slotted in the Spring)
TACKLE:
This year’s depth chart:
Nose Tackle
#91 John Graves rSr. 6’3” 278lbs.
#98 Derrick Hopkins Fr. 6’0” 289lbs.
Defensive Tackle
#56 Antoine Hopkins rSo. 6’1” 302lbs
#53 Dwight Tucker rSo. 6’1” 277lbs
#55 Isaiah Hamlette rSo. 6’4” 270lbs.
Next year’s depth chart:
Right Tackle
#98 Derrick Hopkins So. 6’0” 289lbs.
#55 Isaiah Hamlette. rJr. 6’4” 270lbs.
#66 Nick Acree rFr. 6’5” 301lbs.
Defensive Tackle
#56 Antoine Hopkins rJr. 6’1” 302lbs.
#93 Kwamaine Battle rSr. 6’1” 294lbs.
#53 Dwight Tucker rJr. 6’1” 277lbs.
Also on the roster
### Joe Jones rJr. 6’3” 277lbs.
Another stalwart will be lost in the offseason at the nose tackle position, and that is John Graves. A steady starter who battled some injuries and great locker room presence, Graves will surely be missed. His mix of athleticism, speed and strength make him the perfect fit as a 3-4 defensive end, and his work effort and attitude lead me to believe that he may be reunited with his teammate Jason Worilds in Pittsburgh.
Luckily for the Hokies, Graves’ backup Derrick Hopkins got a lot of playing time this season as part of the two deep rotation and he excelled. He recorded 12 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a fumble recovery as a backup. He also was a steadying presence next to his brother Antoine, who had a great year. These two brothers could be solid starters for the next couple of years at this spot. Hopkins’ motor is fantastic and he is very quick for his stature. I expect a big year out of him next season.
The nose tackle position is the more athletic of the two tackle positions in Bud Foster’s defense. Occasionally, these guys are even asked to drop into coverage and rush from the end. Because of this, I project converted defensive end Isaiah Hamlette to back up Hopkins at this spot. He is a long and speedy defensive end who has always been a practice and workout warrior, and should fit well in the two deep.
Behind these two is freak athlete, Nick Acree. Acree is still a project and has thinned down some this offseason but the game is still a bit too fast for him. In time he has all of the tools to become a monster at this spot, but the coaches are not confident yet with his understanding of the position. Hopefully he can get on the field on special teams this season and start to work his football knowledge and speed out.
At defensive tackle, expect Antoine Hopkins and Kwamaine Battle to compete for the starting spot. I give the edge to Hopkins right now, because he was the starter most of this season and seemed to be rejuvenated and motivated by his little broth spending some time next to him. Defensive line coach Charlie Wiles has stated repeatedly that A-Hop has all the tools to be an NFL player but plays a bit lazy sometimes. He mentioned often last season that that was no longer a problem with D-Hop on the team. The two motivate and challenge each other. You have to love that.
Battle is coming off of a season ending ACL injury and will work slowly back into the lineup. I expect him to be very limited in winter workouts and still slightly off speed for Spring drills. He is a worker though and a coaches favorite for his steady play and effort and should be a viable option at this spot as well a solid force on the two deep.
Backing up these two (and versatile enough to play either spot) is Dwight Tucker who saw limited action this past season. He seemed lost at times but settled down throughout the season. Another Spring and summer should make him even better.
Overall, Wiles likes to have 4 viable tackles and 4 viable ends that he can move in and out of the lineup. This provides much needed energy across the line and gives younger players ample time to get into the game. This has proven helpful when starters move on, as their backups in many cases are not new to big time football. I like the two deep here, but admit that depth is a potential issue. However, this season’s recruiting should help that.
TACKLE:
This year’s depth chart:
Nose Tackle
#91 John Graves rSr. 6’3” 278lbs.
#98 Derrick Hopkins Fr. 6’0” 289lbs.
Defensive Tackle
#56 Antoine Hopkins rSo. 6’1” 302lbs
#53 Dwight Tucker rSo. 6’1” 277lbs
#55 Isaiah Hamlette rSo. 6’4” 270lbs.
Next year’s depth chart:
Right Tackle
#98 Derrick Hopkins So. 6’0” 289lbs.
#55 Isaiah Hamlette. rJr. 6’4” 270lbs.
#66 Nick Acree rFr. 6’5” 301lbs.
Defensive Tackle
#56 Antoine Hopkins rJr. 6’1” 302lbs.
#93 Kwamaine Battle rSr. 6’1” 294lbs.
#53 Dwight Tucker rJr. 6’1” 277lbs.
Also on the roster
### Joe Jones rJr. 6’3” 277lbs.
Another stalwart will be lost in the offseason at the nose tackle position, and that is John Graves. A steady starter who battled some injuries and great locker room presence, Graves will surely be missed. His mix of athleticism, speed and strength make him the perfect fit as a 3-4 defensive end, and his work effort and attitude lead me to believe that he may be reunited with his teammate Jason Worilds in Pittsburgh.
Luckily for the Hokies, Graves’ backup Derrick Hopkins got a lot of playing time this season as part of the two deep rotation and he excelled. He recorded 12 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a fumble recovery as a backup. He also was a steadying presence next to his brother Antoine, who had a great year. These two brothers could be solid starters for the next couple of years at this spot. Hopkins’ motor is fantastic and he is very quick for his stature. I expect a big year out of him next season.
The nose tackle position is the more athletic of the two tackle positions in Bud Foster’s defense. Occasionally, these guys are even asked to drop into coverage and rush from the end. Because of this, I project converted defensive end Isaiah Hamlette to back up Hopkins at this spot. He is a long and speedy defensive end who has always been a practice and workout warrior, and should fit well in the two deep.
Behind these two is freak athlete, Nick Acree. Acree is still a project and has thinned down some this offseason but the game is still a bit too fast for him. In time he has all of the tools to become a monster at this spot, but the coaches are not confident yet with his understanding of the position. Hopefully he can get on the field on special teams this season and start to work his football knowledge and speed out.
At defensive tackle, expect Antoine Hopkins and Kwamaine Battle to compete for the starting spot. I give the edge to Hopkins right now, because he was the starter most of this season and seemed to be rejuvenated and motivated by his little broth spending some time next to him. Defensive line coach Charlie Wiles has stated repeatedly that A-Hop has all the tools to be an NFL player but plays a bit lazy sometimes. He mentioned often last season that that was no longer a problem with D-Hop on the team. The two motivate and challenge each other. You have to love that.
Battle is coming off of a season ending ACL injury and will work slowly back into the lineup. I expect him to be very limited in winter workouts and still slightly off speed for Spring drills. He is a worker though and a coaches favorite for his steady play and effort and should be a viable option at this spot as well a solid force on the two deep.
Backing up these two (and versatile enough to play either spot) is Dwight Tucker who saw limited action this past season. He seemed lost at times but settled down throughout the season. Another Spring and summer should make him even better.
Overall, Wiles likes to have 4 viable tackles and 4 viable ends that he can move in and out of the lineup. This provides much needed energy across the line and gives younger players ample time to get into the game. This has proven helpful when starters move on, as their backups in many cases are not new to big time football. I like the two deep here, but admit that depth is a potential issue. However, this season’s recruiting should help that.