The announcement that Jeremy Webb is a JUC O transfer for Virginia Tech football roster came when many people were at their Christmas parties, studying for finals, or recovering from too many party days. Despite the fact that Webb is a JUCO transfer, there are many positives associated with his recruitment.
Webb is one of the top JUCO transfers in the country, and he came to Virginia Tech with high expectations. Prior to the start of the 2018 season, he was projected as the starter at cornerback. His injuries prevented him from playing a full season, and he ended up redshirting the year.
Webb played his junior college ball at ASA College in New York. He redshirted his first season at Virginia Tech after suffering an Achilles tendon tear during spring practice. In the following season, he made one tackle and transferred to Missouri State. In the 2020-21 season, he started nine games for the Bears (5-5) and made three interceptions.
Tech’s defensive backfield is weaker at the cornerback position, but its strong point is the safety spot. Caleb Farley will likely man one corner while Divine Deablo will start at the other cornerback position. On the punt team, Oscar Bradburn averages 42.6 yards per punt, but the team has never found a reliable returner. The team has held open auditions for the position in hopes of adding depth and experience.
The defensive line is another area of concern for Virginia Tech’s football roster. After losing Tim Settle, three of the four starting linebackers are returning. Ricky Walker, Trevon Hill, and Vinny Mihota all had solid seasons last season. Houshun Gaines played end last season and recorded seven tackles for loss and a fumble recovery.
Keonta Jenkins is a Rising Junior
Jenkins, a rising junior, has already started to make his presence felt on the Virginia Tech football roster. A former safety, Jenkins is a versatile defender who played in all three phases of the game last year. He moved to linebacker this fall after spending the first two seasons as a safety. Jenkins is a product of Jacksonville, FL.
The Virginia Tech football roster has a number of players who are capable of playing multiple positions. However, the wide receiver position is in the most flux, with Isaiah Ford, Keonta Jenkins and Devin Taylor all listed as starters. Offensive linemen are also in flux, with the likes of Rayshard Ashby, Dax Hollifield and Keonta Jenkins listed as co-starters.
As a rising junior, Jenkins is a versatile player with good athleticism. He is a versatile player who can play any position. Jenkins’ ability to play all three positions makes him an interesting prospect. The athleticism that he brings will allow him to play a hybrid role. With such a wide variety of skills and talents, he could have a big season for the Hokies.
While Jenkins has only played two seasons at Virginia Tech, he has already made an impact. Last fall, he played in eight games and started two. He was a key contributor on defense, with eight tackles and one QB hurry. He played free safety for Kelvin Smith and later switched to cornerback for his senior year.
The Carolina Panthers have lost several key players from last season’s squad. The offense needs to make some big plays. Last year, Virginia Tech allowed an average of 32.1 points per game and a dismal 6.2 yards per play. The Virginia Cavaliers, meanwhile, won the Coastal Division despite personnel turnover and injuries. They can be a surprising surprise, especially against a difficult schedule in ’21.
Devon Hunter is a Former Vanderbilt Linebacker
The Virginia Tech football team suspended Devon Hunter last month after he was charged with assault and felony strangulation. He also was charged with misdemeanor assault on a family member. In a plea deal last month, Hunter was sentenced to two years probation and 24 months in jail. He is eligible to play for Tech in 2020.
Hunter, a native of Nashville, was a redshirt junior last season but did not play because he was injured. He was a redshirt junior last season, but the NCAA did not count his previous season against his eligibility clock.
Hunter has only played three games so far, but he has a lot of promise. Last season, he had four sacks and one interception. He also played on special teams for the Hokies. He made seven tackles against South Alabama. In addition, he also made 1.5 tackles for loss and broke up one pass.
Hunter has been a key contributor for the Hokies in recent years, and his ability to protect the quarterback will be a major benefit. Hunter was one of the nation’s leading tacklers in 2019, making 42 starts in his senior season and becoming the first Vol with 100+ tackles since 2015. Hunter is a candidate for the Butkus Award and the Lott Trophy. Hunter originally played running back for the Vols, but switched to linebacker before the 2019 season. He now has 189 career tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and seven passes defended.
Keshon Artis is a Multi-Year Starter
Keshon Artis is an old school bruiser at linebacker. He is 6’0″ and 240 pounds. While he may not be as athletic as some other linebackers, he has excellent size and a big frame that is well suited for a Mike LB role. While he is not a three-year starter, Artis has two years left on his eligibility.
Artis is a two-year starter on the Virginia Tech football roster and is an impressive recruit. He will provide depth on the interior defensive line and will also contribute on special teams. He is also a two-time Academic All-Big 10 honoree and a graduate of Rutgers’ political science program. He will wear the number 55 for the Hokies.
In addition to Artis, Tech added two DE classes in the past two years. The hope is that both will be starters by the 2022 season. The program also added Wilfried Pene, a converted tight end, who made the transition from a tight end to a defensive tackle in a few weeks. The talented freshman could be a solid fourth-year starter or a 2023 prospect. However, it will all depend on the development of the young players.
The offensive line is one of Tech’s biggest weaknesses. It has lost three outside playmakers to the NFL. Meanwhile, Tre Turner transferred to Kentucky. Therefore, it is vital to find a transfer to strengthen this position. However, the team’s depth chart at linebacker is loaded with players with multiple years of experience.
The defensive backs have a lot to work on. While former four-star J.R. Walker has been redshirted this year, the new defensive backs could make a difference quickly. With the addition of two new players at free safety and a true ballhawk at strong safety, VT can remake the look of its defensive backs quickly. A few of these newcomers are also capable of being starters.
Divine Deablo is a Veteran Safety
The senior defensive back was a surprise starter against West Virginia Tech football roster, but has shown good instincts as a pass defender. In fact, he was part of three consecutive stops for the defense. Deablo’s rising stock comes at a perfect time. He impressed Virginia Tech’s defensive coordinator, Bud Foster, on special teams last season and has been given a starting role on defense.
Deablo played in 14 games in 2017, starting nine games. His numbers were impressive. He finished second on the team with 84 tackles and added an INT, forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. In addition, he earned the No. 25 jersey from coach Beamer twice.
The Tech safety corps features veterans as well as young, high-upside athletes. Deablo, a 6′-3, 222-pound fifth-year senior, has been a valuable contributor since his true sophomore season. He’s now entering his third year as a full-time free safety. In his first two seasons, he split time between free safety and whip safety. In his third season, he made the transition to free safety, recording 84 tackles and a scoop-and-down touchdown.
Deablo is one of the most level-headed Raiders. His early exit from the team’s preseason opener was a difficult one for Deablo, who would have preferred to play a bigger role. However, he understands his coach’s decision to put his health ahead of his ego.
Deablo’s absence will likely mean that the defensive line’s defense will be weakened by the loss of two starters. However, the other three starters are all healthy. As a result, the Virginia Tech defense will be able to withstand the loss of Deablo and one of the top linebackers.
ALSO READ: car accident attorney los angeles cz.law