Virginia Tech Spring Football Preview: A Look at the Defensive Ends

Virginia Tech has turned into a defensive end factory over the past few seasons, but this year, that factory may have to churn out a few extra pieces.

The Hokies have depth problems at defensive end, so this spring will be critical for the coaches to establish a two deep heading into the summer.

The good news is that Jason Worilds will miss all of spring practice. Now I know that doesn’t sound like good news, but when you need to develop depth, giving some younger guys extra reps is the only cure for that disease.

The Hokies did bring in four future ends in the 2009 class, so there is a chance that a few of those guys get a chance to play this fall, but all four of them need a redshirt year to maximize their potential.

Coach Charley Wiles really needs to nail down his top four guys this spring and give those players more reps when fall practice rolls around this August.

First String

Junior Jason Worilds is returning and should be 100 percent healthy for the first time in a while once fall practice rolls around.

However, Jason will miss all of spring practice and won’t return until sometime this summer after having shoulder surgery after the Orange Bowl.

Worilds played the entire 2008 season with the shoulder injury and still managed to lead the team in sacks with eight.

Nekos Brown will be the starter at the WEAK DE spot and will take over for a departed Orion Martin.

Brown is a good defensive end that will be a senior in 2009 and should be poised for a solid year.  The weak side defensive end is a key position in Bud Fosters' defense so it’s essential that Nekos plays well this spring.

Second String

With Worilds out for the spring, this will give Coach Wiles a chance to develop some depth at both the Stud end and Weak end positions.

Junior Stephen Friday is back and should finally be ready to contribute in 2009. 

Friday has bounced around from linebacker to defensive end, as he’s struggled to put on enough weight at times, but Stephen should see a large portion of reps this spring in place of an injured Jason Worilds.

Bruce Taylor started out at MIKE linebacker when he enrolled here at Virginia Tech last fall, but Bruce made the switch to defensive end late last season on the scout team.   

When spring practice opens on March 30th, Bruce may see some time at the MIKE LB spot, but eventually somebody is going to have to move to defensive end, and Taylor would be a more natural fit.

Expect Taylor to get some reps at both defensive end positions and potentially back up Nekos Brown this fall.

Third String

The Hokies brought in three very talented defensive ends in the 2008 class, including Isaiah Hamlette and Joe Jones.

Jones and Hamlette will receive some reps early on this spring and whoever wins that battle may end up being the fifth defensive end this year.

I doubt either player sees any meaningful playing time this fall, but both need a good spring if they aspire to be a starter in the future.

Summary

The Hokies really need to try and develop some depth at both defensive end spots this spring. If Coach Wiles can accomplish that, then the Hokies should be well off heading into this fall.

Jason Worilds has fought through injuries every year he’s been in Blacksburg, but if he can find a way to stay healthy for year, he could turn into one of the best to ever dawn a Virginia Tech jersey.

Coach Wiles has some young talent that he has the option to play, but this spring will definitely make Wiles earn his paycheck.

Lost from 2008

Orion Martin (Graduated)

Enrolling in the Fall

Lanford Collins

Duan Perez-Means

James Gayle

Tyrel Wilson