Jason Worilds of Virginia Tech Declares for NFL Draft: How Will Hokies Adjust?

Defensive coordinator Bud Foster already had his work cut out for him with the loss of Cody Grimm, Nekos Brown, Kam Chancellor, Stephan Virgil, Cordarrow Thompson, Demetrius Taylor, Dorian Porch, and Cam Martin next year.

Now, his second-team All-ACC defensive end, Jason Worilds, is leaving school a year early to go to the NFL.

The decision to leave comes a little over one month after Worilds had committed to coming back to Virginia Tech for his senior season. Worilds said he has been thinking about the decision for the last week and landed on the decision to jump into April's NFL Draft.

Since he hasn't hired an agent, Worilds has the opportunity to return to the Hokies by Jan. 15, a tactic that Victor "Macho" Harris used in 2008.

According to nfldraftscout.com, Worilds is the 12th-best defensive end in this year's class but could also be drafted as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defensive scheme. Worilds said in an interview that he expects to be taken in the first day of the NFL draft, which used to include the first and second rounds, but will now only include the first round.

As much as Worilds torments ACC quarterbacks, he is not a first round draft pick. In fact, the best scenario for the defensive end is the third round, which is at the end of day two. Otherwise, Worilds may have to wait around for day three to find out where his NFL career will start.

Back at Tech, there is no way to fully replace Jason Worilds. The junior recorded 49 tackles this year, 11 of which were for loss. Worilds also added 4.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a team-high 32 quarterback hurries.

With three of the four Chick-fil-A Bowl starters along the defensive line gone, many Hokie fans are wondering who's going to fill in the shoes along the line. Here's a look at the "new guys" with the class the player will be next year.

Defensive End (projected starters in bold)

No. 82 Steven Friday, 6'4", 240 lbs., redshirt senior

Will try to fill in for the spot left by Worilds. Friday played in all 12 games this year and had 19 tackles and 3.5 sacks. He was the Hokies' third guy on the defensive end rotation this year and will be called upon a lot next year to put pressure on the quarterback.

No. 33 Chris Drager, 6'3", 239 lbs., redshirt junior

Will take Nekos Brown's spot at the other end. Drager converted from the crowded tight end position and came into form nicely at the end of this year. He ended up with 22 tackles, 6.5 for loss, and 2.5 sacks on the season. He is definitely primed for a breakout year next year.

No. 55 Isaiah Hamlette, 6'4", 245 lbs., redshirt sophomore

Hamlette was the only other defensive end who saw time this year. Although he didn't record any stats in his redshirt freshman year, Hamlette will more than likely be the third end in rotation for the Hokies in 2010.

The big question for Tech is who is the fourth man in this rotation. There isn't another player on the roster that has been given a number at defensive end. It will be interesting to see how Bud Foster and defensive line coach Charley Wiles handle this.

Defensive Tackle (projected starters in bold)

No. 91 John Graves, 6'3", 277 lbs., redshirt senior

The most experienced player coming back for Tech next year, Graves will have to be the leader after splitting starts with Demetrius Taylor last year. Graves isn't as big as the other tackles since he transitioned from defensive end. Graves blocked three kicks in 2008 and has been known to clog up the middle of the line, which will definitely be needed next year.

No. 98 Antoine Hopkins, 6'0", 301 lbs., redshirt sophomore

Hopkins made a name for himself in his first collegiate game with an interception of Greg McElroy in the Hokies' season-opening loss to Alabama. Hopkins was great in his limited action in pass defense this year and could focus on that as he will more than likely start alongside Graves for Tech.

No. 93 Kwamaine Battle, 6'0", 281 lbs., redshirt junior

Battle has been in and out of playing time with the coaches the last two years. The coaches believe he can play, but he sometimes lacks focus. His frame allows him to be a run-stopper, but also to be able to get up the field and perform athletic maneuvers that most tackles aren't known for. He will battle (no pun intended) for a starting spot with Hopkins.

No. 53 Dwight Tucker, 6'1", 280 lbs., redshirt sophomore

Tucker was used sparingly in mop-up roles this year and figures to be a key backup for Tech next year. The coaches know that Tucker has potential, but his technique seems to be lacking a little bit, which is holding him back from what he can be. If Tucker continues to improve his technique, he may be a big surprise.

Overall, things could be a lot worse for a team losing four defensive linemen. It would help if Worilds stays, and he still can if he decides before Jan. 15, but the Hokies should be all right without him. Foster and Wiles will work these guys to get them up to where they need to be.

Replacing six starters on defense may be backbreaking for some teams, but never underestimate the coaching of Bud Foster.