Virginia Tech: Why the Defense Shapes Up as One of the Best in School History

In Virginia Tech's rise to football prominence over the past 19 years, defense and special teams have always been a big reason for the Hokies' success.

Defensive coordinator Bud Foster has been with the Hokies since 1987, Frank Beamer's first season as head coach. Foster has been defensive coordinator since 1995.

While the Hokies have consistently been ranked among the top-10 in overall defense during the past 16 years, the 1999 team has long been remembered as the best group in school history.

The 99' Hokies' defense was No. 2 overall in the country in total defense and first overall in scoring defense. That team was led by a pair of outstanding defensive ends in Corey Moore and John Engelberger. 

Fast forward to 2012 and the Hokies will rely on Foster's defense more than ever. 

While the Hokies return potential All-American Logan Thomas at quarterback, the team will have eight new starters on offense. 

Luckily for Thomas and the offense, the Hokies' defense appears to be ready for what could be one of the best defensive seasons in school history.

Here are three reasons the 2012 defense could be the best in Virginia Tech history.

Nine Starters Return

If senior defensive tackle Antoine Hopkins successfully returns from a torn ACL, the Hokies will have nine starters returning from a defense that finished 10th overall in total defense in 2011. 

Keep in mind: The starters the Hokies lost were important players. Safety Eddie Whitley was a starter for two seasons and was named second-team All-ACC as a senior. Cornerback Jayron Hosley was an All-American in 2010 and second-team All-ACC in 2011. 

Replacing Hosley should not be a problem as Kyle Fuller returns at one cornerback spot while former safety Antone Exum moves over to corner to fill Hosley's shoes. If Fuller stays healthy, he could be a first-team All-American. Exum has been an All-ACC performer at safety.  

It remains to be seen how Detrick Bonner and Kyshoen Jarrett do at rover and free safety, respectively. Both are sophomores and each came to Virginia Tech as cornerbacks. Bonner showed in spring he is a good tackler—a must for the rover position.

Defensive Line Depth

Starting defensive ends James Gayle and J.R. Collins combined for 13 sacks and 22 tackles-for-loss in 2011. Gayle, a junior, stands 6'4", weighs 260 pounds and has sprinter speed. If he continues to improve in all areas, he could be one of the best defensive players in school history. 

Zack McCray and Tyrel Wilson are the top backups at defensive end. McCray has impressive size and speed, while Wilson, who is undersized, is a pass rush specialist.

Freshmen Dadi Nicholas, Justin Taylor, Matt Roth and Dewayne Alford could all see time at defensive end if there are injuries.

Derrick Hopkins returns as one of the starting defensive tackles. If his brother Antoine is fully recovered, he will be in the mix for the majority of snaps at tackle, too.

If the Hokies take it slow with Antoine Hopkins, they will be just fine. Luther Maddy was a surprise as a freshman in 2011. Although a bit undersized, Maddy has excellent technique and plays with a lot of energy on every snap.

Corey Marshall was a highly regarded high school defensive end, but Foster felt Marshall could help the Hokies immediately at defensive tackle in 2011. Although he struggled at times, Marshall improved steadily as the season wore on and provides the Hokies with their most versatile defensive lineman.

Defensive line coach Charley Wiles feels McCray may be best suited for defensive tackle. If so, expect Marshall to be in the defensive end rotation. 

Talent at Linebacker

Having your three projected starting linebackers out for spring practice can be a problem for some teams. Not for the Hokies. Seniors Bruce Taylor and Jeron Gouveia-Winslow and junior Tariq Edwards all missed the majority of spring practice, giving several young players a chance to shine.

Sophomore Chase Williams may be the most improved Hokie on the defensive side of the ball. Williams was all over the place throughout the spring and could be a future star. A coach's son, Williams has the athletic ability to match his smarts as well. 

Senior Alonzo Tweedy also had an excellent spring, playing the whip linebacker spot. Tweedy is a tremendous athlete and his issue has always been his health. If he remains healthy, he should unseat Gouveia-Winslow as the starter. Tweedy is a better athlete and more capable of big plays than Gouveia-Winslow.

Freshman Ronny Vandyke is as advanced as any freshman linebacker in recent memory at Virginia Tech. Vandyke is another great athlete and will be ready if called upon. 

Now, back to Taylor and Edwards.

Taylor is the best athlete Tech has ever had at middle linebacker. He will be in his third-year as a starter and is an impact player against the run and in coverage. Taylor knows the defense like former middle linebacker Vince Hall, but he is a much better athlete. If he remains healthy, he could be an All-American.

Junior Tariq Edwards is a tremendous athlete. Edwards had 11.5 tackles-for-loss, 3.5 sacks and two interceptions in 2011. Edwards missed all of spring practice after having surgery on his leg to relieve a stress fracture in his shin. He is the unquestioned starter at 'backer and is expected back by August. 

Jack Tyler is another experienced Hokie. A junior, Tyler has started games in each of his first two seasons when Taylor was lost for injury. Tyler could start for most teams.