If the defensive line is the deepest and most well-rounded unit on the roster, the linebackers are a close second. The group has undergone plenty of changes, but the returning players continue to develop in both skill and versatility. Deciding who will emerge as the centerpiece could be tricky—if not for the presence of a familiar Hokie stepping in as the new position coach.
The Inside and Xavier Adibi
The biggest shift for the linebacking corps in 2025 comes from the coaching staff. With former DC Chris Marve moving on, Coach Pry needed to fill both the defensive coordinator role and the linebackers coach position that Marve also handled.
Enter Hokie legend Xavier Adibi. One of the greatest linebackers to ever wear maroon and orange, Adibi’s promotion marks the most significant sideline change of the year. While it shouldn’t overshadow the steady contributions of outside linebackers coach Shawn Quinn—arguably one of the most consistent assistants on Pry’s staff—the expansion of Adibi’s role is a major win for Virginia Tech.
Quinn’s experience paired with Adibi’s fast-rising coaching acumen under Pry’s guidance feels like a recipe for success. Better that Adibi builds his career in Blacksburg than at another program, as has happened with too many Hokies in the past.
Probably the Most Virginians of Any Squad
One reality of Virginia high school football is that elite offensive playmakers—especially quarterbacks—are rare. Many programs remain rooted in the read/option and power spread looks, just as they once clung to the Wing-T a generation ago. As a result, some of the state’s best athletes often migrate to the defensive side of the ball.
Fortunately for Tech, Virginia has long been fertile ground for linebackers. The challenge is that 4-star and above prospects tend to leave for SEC or Big Ten powerhouses, leaving ACC schools to compete for the next tier of 3-star talent. For the Hokies, though, that works just fine. Tech has always thrived by landing and developing those players—and right now, the roster boasts a strong two-deep at linebacker, with plenty of experience patrolling the middle of the field.
This season, the Hokies will lean on a traditional three-linebacker look: Sam, Will, and Mike. With some key Sam additions rounding out the group, the position room is as solid and Virginia-rooted as it’s been in years.
2025 Hokie Linebackers
Number |
Name |
Specific Position |
Class |
Height |
Weight |
Hometown |
Transfer |
High School |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53 | Will Johnson | Mike? | Graduate Student | 6-2 | 231 lbs | Leonardtown MD | St. Mary’s Ryken | |
| 24 | Jaden Keller | Will | Redshirt Senior | 6-3 | 235 lbs | Bristol TN | Tennessee (HS) | |
| 57 | James Jennette | Sam/DE | Redshirt Senior | 6-4 | 228 | Durham NC | William & Mary | Jordan |
| 8 | Christian Ellis | Sam/Safety | Senior | 6-0 | 202 | Jacksonville FL | New Mexico | Edward H. White |
| 26 | Antwone Santiago | Mike | Redshirt Junior | 6-3 | 227 lbs | Meriden CT | Temple | Platt |
| 20 | Caleb Woodson | Mike | Junior | 6-3 | 230 lbs | Haymarket VA | Battlefield | |
| 3 | Kaleb Spencer | Sam | Junior | 6-2 | 221 lbs | Gloucester VA | 2023 Miami | Life Christian Academy |
| 30 | Michael Short | Will | Junior | 6-3 | 226 lbs | Charlotte NC | North Carolina | Mallard Creek |
| 36 | Brody Jones | Redshirt Sophomore | 6-3 | 222 lbs | Bristol VA | Virginia High | ||
| 41 | George Ballance | Mike? | Redshirt Sophomore | 6-0 | 229 lbs | Virginia Beach VA | Frank W. Cox | |
| 50 | Darius Taylor | Redshirt Sophomore | 6-0 | 236 lbs | Richmond VA | Highland Springs | ||
| 12 | Gabe Williams | Mike? | Redshirt Freshman | 6-4 | 205 lbs | Bowie MD | St. Vincent Pallotti | |
| 19 | Noah Jenkins | Redshirt Freshman | 6-2 | 205 lbs | Richmond VA | Highland Springs | ||
| 44 | Brett Clatterbaugh | Freshman | 6-2 | 243 lbs | Culpeper VA | Eastern View | ||
| 16 | Noah Chambers | Freshman | 6-2 | 220 lbs | Prince Georges County MD | Dematha Catholic |
Sam I Am?
One of the more interesting wrinkles in the current linebacker roster is how few players have clearly defined positions. The “official unofficial” depth chart released on August 26th (which we’ll dig into more in the game review) shows some notable shifts. James Jennette arrives from defensive end, while Christian Ellis comes over from safety. Meanwhile, players without a specific positional tag don’t appear on the depth chart at all.
The Sam linebacker role functions much like the old Whip position—essentially a hybrid spot where a strong safety can cover the pass while also helping in run support. Typically lined up on the field side of the formation, the Sam could also morph into an edge rusher in a Bear front when filled by a smaller, quicker defensive end. The presence of such different player types—Ellis the converted safety and Jennette the converted end—suggests that “starter” here is more package-specific than ceremonial. Expect Kaleb Spencer to anchor the base defense at Sam, with Ellis working situationally and Jennette as a disruptive wrinkle. In truth, all three should see meaningful snaps depending on the scheme.
More Traditional at Will
Things are far more straightforward at Will linebacker. The depth chart stacks cleanly with Jaden Keller as the clear starter and North Carolina transfer Michael Short right behind him. Short has turned heads with his movement, technique, and physicality, while Keller’s steady growth last season proved he’s a core piece of the unit. This is the most stable and clearly defined of the linebacker spots heading into Week 1.
Mike: The Big Issue for the Opener
The Mike position is a different story. Starting linebacker Caleb Woodson’s arrest on August 23rd for DWI and reckless driving (96 in a 70) has shaken things up. On August 26th, Coach Pry confirmed Woodson was stripped of his captaincy but would have a chance to earn it back. Still, with a court date set for September 8th, his availability for the South Carolina game is doubtful.
That leaves redshirt junior transfer Antwan Santiago as the likely starter in the base defense. Santiago had been listed as a co-starter (“-or-”) with Woodson on the initial depth chart, so the staff clearly sees him as capable. The bigger question is who fills in behind him. Candidates include Will Johnson, Gabe Williams, and George Ballance—though none bring much in-game experience, and both Johnson and Williams battled injuries last season.
Bottom line: the Mike spot is the most unsettled position heading into the opener, and it could be a real stress point against South Carolina.
Big Picture
Overall, the linebacker room looks solid, though not without concerns. Several players remain on the roster without breaking into the two-deep just yet, which isn’t a negative so much as a reflection of Pry’s demand for tougher run fits, sharper coverage in the intermediate zones, and improved QB spy work. Expect movement throughout the season as players prove themselves in live action.
The linebacking corps has talent and depth—but it’s going to take some rotation, growth, and maybe a little patience before it becomes the kind of strength Hokie fans are hoping for.
Coming Up
Next, I’ll drop my full preview of the South Carolina game, along with the 2025 Season Risk Chart for the first third of the season (out Friday). Predictions and the new poll feature will follow Saturday morning.
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