Practice Power Rankings: Who’s Climbing and Who’s Crashing
After nine days of fall camp, Virginia Tech’s depth chart is already shifting. Marlion Jackson’s size-speed combo has him vaulted into the “up” column, flashing big-play potential after a spring absence. The scramble for the No. 3 wide receiver spot is equally fierce, with seven contenders—Takye Heath, Jackson, Tyseer Denmark, Jeff Exinor, Chanz Wiggins, Keylen “Brodie” Adams and more—vying for snaps alongside Ayden Greene and Que’Sean Brown. Meanwhile, the linebacker corps is depleted, missing starters Antwone Santiago and Gabe Williams, forcing underclassmen like Kaleb Spencer, Noah Chambers and Keon Wylie into primary roles.
Welcome to Hokie Camp Drama, where every dropped rep is dissected with the solemnity of a presidential debate. Jackson’s “up” status is apparently tied to his uncanny ability to be both “big” and “fast” at once—a revelation so earth-shattering it could rewrite the laws of physics. The WR derby feels less like a competition and more like musical chairs, except the loser buys the team lunch. And the linebackers? They’ve ascended to legend status by simply showing up. Antwone Santiago and Gabe Williams are like the Beatles—everyone keeps asking “Where did they go?” while the rest improvise a reunion tour.
From Huddle to Route: A.J. Brand’s New Mission
Redshirt freshman A.J. Brand, originally signed as a quarterback and South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year, has voluntarily shifted to wide receiver in pursuit of immediate playing time. Brand recalls early receiver experience after a high school elbow injury, posting 50 catches for 500 yards and four TDs. His quarterback background provides insight into route timing and separation, with veteran Hokies mentoring him through details of route-running and technique. Embracing a “six-second mentality” to erase mistakes quickly, Brand aims to contribute to a program coming off a 3-9 season and reinforce Virginia Tech’s renewed culture.
Ladies and gentlemen, step right up for the gridiron magic act: watch a quarterback vanish and reappear as a wide receiver faster than you can say “position coach panic.” Brand’s career pivot is the football equivalent of switching from quarterback to replace your grandma’s knitting club—nobody saw it coming, but everyone’s clapping. His “six-second mentality” basically means he has the attention span of a goldfish, which is perfect for route corrections. Meanwhile, the veteran wideouts are texting him tricks like GPS coordinates—because nothing says team chemistry like a group text titled “WR Secrets.” Brand’s plot twist is ready for prime time; now let’s hope he catches more than feelings.
Tight-End Takeover: The X-Factor to Stabilize VT’s Offense
Virginia Tech’s offensive line surrendered 29 sacks in 2025, a fatal flaw for pocket passer Ethan Grunkemeyer. Offensive coordinator Ty Howle, known for tight end-heavy schemes at Penn State, plans to rebuild the Hokies around that position. Bringing in former five-star Luke Reynolds and retaining Benji Gosnell, Howle aims to use TEs as dual blockers and safety valves, blending pass protection with quick-release targets. Spring game stats (205 of 428 receiving yards via tight ends) hint at a dramatic shift. With four of five OL starters returning and Oklahoma transfer Logan Howland at tackle, the margin for error remains slim, but the TE-centric upgrade could define Virginia Tech’s season.
Behold the grand masterstroke: turning tight ends into Swiss Army knives. Who knew the secret sauce to fixing a collapsing pocket was strapping on an extra blocker who moonlights as a pass-catcher? Reynolds and Gosnell are about to become the Hokies’ version of Batman and Robin—if Batman had sticky hands and Robin could pancake a linebacker. Sure, they’ve been ghosting on the stat sheet, but now they’re ready for a breakout like an ’80s rock band reuniting for a nostalgia tour. If the line holds, Grunkemeyer might actually survive beyond Week 3. If not, it’ll be a live reenactment of The Hunger Games—quarterback edition. Place your bets.
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