Virginia Tech has depth to maximize Kemari Copeland’s talent
BLACKSBURG — Brent Pry's eyes light up whenever Kemari Copeland's name is brought up. And those eyes widen even more as Pry gushes over how Copeland can be utilized in Virginia Tech's defense this season.
If there's a way to maximize Copeland's talent at defensive tackle, Pry's going to find it. Not often does a 6-foot-2, 305-pound ball of energy with the strength of a tackle and the agility of an edge rusher get to line up in the trenches. Pry wants to get the most out of Copeland’s ability to create havoc in the backfield.
“As quick as he is, slightly undersized but really strong, obviously, we’re a strike-strike-move ya, strike-move ya, strike-rip ya, swim ya. So it plays to his strengths,” Pry said. “We’re a single-gap defense, so there’s no reading, there’s no two-gapping. These guys can play fast. Our goal and objective is to get as many guys on their side of the line of scrimmage as we can. So we’re strike and rip and go. Fast flow backers also cater to his strengths. Pulling those linemen off quickly where they can’t stay on him too long.”
Copeland is the known commodity on Virginia Tech's defensive line. He's breaking records in the weight room. He was a bright spot on a defense that struggled to get stops last season.
Virginia Tech defensive tackle Kemari Copeland watches instruction from an assistant coach before running through drills on Aug. 13 in Blacksburg.
But Copeland can't do everything on the defensive line. He needs help. Pry feels the Hokies are in a better spot at defensive tackle behind Copeland and Elhadj Fall thanks to Randy Adirika, Eric Mensah and others taking steps forward over the summer.
“We've come along a long ways actually,” Mensah said. “… We've learned a lot of things from the bottom to the top, and we're going to have a good year for sure.”
The emergence of Akirika, Mensah and Gerard Johnson can give Virginia Tech a legitimate five-man rotation at defensive tackle to complement the rotation at defensive end.
“That was probably our biggest area of concern going into the offseason was the development of Randy Adirika, Eric Mensah, Gerard Johnson, (Andrew) Hanchuk, all those guys. And that has gone in the right direction,” Pry said. “Really pleased. Both Randy and Eric, the strength staff did a super job. They lost a bunch of weight. They’re in super shape. They’re moving better. They’re playing with better technique. We’ve got to keep them coming, obviously, but I like what I see to this point.”
Emmett Laws was expected to battle for a starting job next to Copeland, but an undisclosed injury has prevented Laws from suiting up during training camp. Pry said he is hopeful there is a chance Laws can get on the field this season and help add depth to the tackle rotation.
“I wouldn’t put anything past Emmett,” Pry said. “He’s a determined, positive energy. So we’ve all got our fingers crossed with him.”
That has allowed Fall to step up as the starter next to Copeland. The 6-foot-3, 308-pound Fall played a smorgasbord of positions in last season’s multiple-front defenses. He played 3-, 5- and 9-technique and even lined up at 4i when Sam Siefkes’ defense was in a five-man front.
This season, Fall is focused on playing 3-technique and learning from defensive line coach Sean Spencer.
“He just tells you whatever's your bag, whatever's your move, just work on it. Just telling you to get better at that,” Fall said of learning from Spencer. “He doesn't try to take you out of your game. He just wants you to work on your game. Because everybody has a different pass rush bag. Everybody does different things. He's trying to help you critique little things about yourself. He wants to keep you being who you are.”
Aycen Stevens, who hasn’t relinquished possession of the lunch pail since earning it in the spring, leads the way at defensive end. Despite his lack of starts over the last two seasons, he showed glimpses of his potential in this defensive style in 2024 when Chris Marve was the defensive coordinator.
Virginia Tech defensive end Aycen Stevens finishes a blocking sled drill during an Aug. 6 practice in Blacksburg.
Stevens’ growth comes from his ability to add to his pass rush. Instead of being a power rusher, he’s adding quick hands and some finesse to keep offensive tackles guessing.
“The reality is whether you’re a defensive end or a pitcher, you’ve got to have a fastball that you can depend on, and then you’ve got to have a counter to your fastball,” Hokies coach James Franklin said. “And to be honest, as a defensive end or a lot of these positions, if you have that, your main move, and then a counter or something that complements that, you can be really successful, and I think that’s what he did a really good job of this spring, and I expect him to continue to build on it. It won’t surprise me if he ends up having a really big year and there’s a lot of people talking about him come the mid-point of the season.”
The second starting defensive end has featured Jason Abbey and Mylachi Williams over the course of the 15 spring practices and throughout training camp. Williams has emerged as the potential starter in recent weeks, with his 6-foot-3, 253-pound frame allowing him to stand out in both getting to the quarterback and defending the run.
“Just really maturing on realizing the situation,” he said. “Picking up my situational awareness.”
Abbey is one of several defensive ends who could factor into the rotation this season. Penn State transfer Cortez Harris and Missouri transfer Javion Hilson were able to capitalize on the spring practices to fit into the scheme.
Colorado transfer Sam Okunlola missed the spring during his recovery from an injury that forced him to miss 11 games last season. Pry said he fits into the scheme and can climb the depth chart.
“I’ll tell you, he’s a guy that has taken all those young players on the defensive line under his wing. He’s constantly working extra with those guys. In the meeting room, in the indoor, he’s taken it upon himself. He is a true veteran,” Pry said. “He’s been around a long time. His retention is amazing. You can ask him, ‘What did coach teach you three years ago at Pitt on this stunt?’ And he’ll spit it right out to you. He’s got a great memory, he’s got a great football mind. He’s got a unique skill set where he’s really smooth. His pass rush, I think, has got a chance to be special.”
Harris and Hilson both have the same potential with their pass rush. Hilson was the No. 1-rated defensive end in the 2025 recruiting class by Rivals, while Harris was the No. 28 defensive end in the same class by ESPN.
Virginia Tech defensive end Cortez Harris lines up for a drill during an Aug. 13 practice in Blacksburg.
Hilson picked Missouri over Texas A&M and Spencer. Spencer spent three seasons recruiting HIlson, and the relationship paid dividends when Hilson entered the transfer portal.
“I adjusted by just studying my playbook and just mental reps after mental reps,” Hilson said. “And then just doing it and going over it and walking through stuff. OK, this play right here, I'm going to dominate and just get off.”
The Hokies are still searching for the dominating pass rusher that they had in 2023 and ’24 with Antwaun Powell-Ryland. The expectation is the group will accumulate the sacks and pressures, and that will help take the pressure off Copeland inside.
“I feel like everybody can step up,” Hilson said. “Everybody in the room, we're competing every day and all that. Everybody competitors in the room. Anybody can step up. We've got to be ready.”
Damien Sordelett (540) 981-3124
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Virginia Tech coach James Franklin discusses the impact defensive tackle Kemari Copeland can make this season.
