Inside HOKIE SPORTS | Vol. 13 No. 1 | August 2020

20 Inside Hokie Sports by Jimmy Robertson DEFENSIVE LINE SEASON PREVIEW 2020 DEFENSIVE LINE DEPTH CHART (in numerical order) Ends 8 Emmanuel Belmar (6-2, 245, r-Sr.) 9 Justus Reed (6-3, 270, Gr.) 38 Amaré Barno (6-6, 235, r-Jr.) 41 Jaylen Griffin (6-1, 260, r-Jr.) 45 Tyjuan Garbutt (6-1, 238, r-Jr.) 46 Eli Adams (5-11, 240, r-So.) 94 Nigel Simmons (6-2, 231, r-So.) 95 Derrell Bailey Jr. (6-6, 255, Fr.) Tackles 5 Jarrod Hewitt (6-1, 288, r-Sr.) 13 Zion Debose (6-1, 246, r-Jr.) 36 DaShawn Crawford (6-0, 290, Sr.) 58 Josh Fuga (6-2, 308, r-Fr.) 92 Jaden Cunningham (6-2, 306, r-Jr.) 93 Mario Kendricks (6-0, 293, So.) 96 Norell Pollard (6-0, 265, So.) 99 Maxx Philpott (6-0, 297, r-Fr.) PLAYER TO WATCH Emmanuel Belmar has been a steady performer for the Hokies as a starter for the past two seasons and this season hopefully turns out to be his best. With 35 career games, including 24 starts, Belmar ranks as the most experienced of Tech’s defensive ends and outside of Jarrod Hewitt, the most experienced of the Hokies’ defensive linemen. Belmar started all 13 games last season and finished with 39 tackles—a 10-tackle improvement from his redshirt sophomore season. He also had 5.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks, improving his numbers in those categories from the previous season as well. Belmar isn’t necessarily flashy—he reminds many of former Tech defensive end Noland Burchette. But he consistently produces, and Tech’s staff hopes Belmar’s numbers continue their upward trend this fall. OTHERS IN THE MIX The Hokies return three of four starters on defensive line in tackles Hewitt and DaShawn Crawford, and of course, Belmar—all seniors. A fourth starter, end TyJuan Garbutt, missed August practices while dealing with a personal matter and may miss the entire season. His status remains up in the air. Hewitt set career highs last season with 33 tackles, 6.5 for a loss, and four sacks—the first four of his career. He more than doubled his tackle total from the previous season. He and Crawford form a strong tandem inside, as Crawford finished with 27 tackles (6 for a loss) and 3.5 sacks. Tech added graduate transfer Justus Reed in the offseason, and Reed could be an X factor after registering 19 tackles for a loss and 13 sacks last season at Youngstown State. He, Jaylen Griffin and Eli Adams are battling to replace Garbutt at the other end spot. Griffin had 19 tackles and 2.5 sacks last fall, while Adams finished with 18 tackles. The Hokies’ line also features some intriguing backups. At one of the tackle spots, Norell Pollard finished with 22 tackles and three sacks as a true freshman, and the coaches expect him to push for more playing time. Mario Kendricks had two sacks as a freshman, and the staff loves the potential of Josh Fuga, a 300-pounder, on the interior. Emmanuel Belmar Tech’s staff moved 6-6, 235-pound Amaré Barno from backer to end during the first week of practice, and he brings intriguing skills with his long frame. He took a redshirt season last year INTERESTING FACTS • Ten of Tech’s returning defensive linemen played in a game last season and eight of them played in at least 10 games. • Tech’s returning defensive linemen combined for 20 sacks and 35.5 tackles for a loss in 2019. • Belmar’s 35 career games and 24 career starts lead all of the Hokies’ defensive linemen. He has started 17 consecutive games. • Hewitt’s 6.5 tackles for a loss last fall ranked first among Tech’s defensive linemen and third overall on the team. 2020 OUTLOOK There is a lot to like about Tech’s defensive line entering this season, starting with its depth and experience, with a combined nine juniors and seniors. The unit may lack a true star—a difference maker with the ability to change a game—but collectively the group features a bunch of solid, workmanlike performers who play consistent football on a down-by-down basis. It will be interesting to see how the combination of Bill Teerlinck and Darryl Tapp mold this group. As the new defensive line coaches, the two bring impressive NFL credentials to Blacksburg. Rest assured, this unit will be physical and fast like those of the past—and hopefully they become even more productive this fall. BOLD PREDICTION Emmanuel Belmar continues the upward trend of his production and finishes with more than 50 tackles, more than 10 tackles for a loss, and eight sacks.