Photo Credit: Harley Taylor
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to protocols that have limited the number of people allowed around athletic facilities and practices including the Virginia Tech footbal program. That does mean more limits on public access, but Virginia Tech has shown some clips including one that revealed a notable position change.
Notable to see video of Amare Barno spending time working at defensive end #Hokies https://t.co/ZFNjnJoXJ7
— The Tech Lunch Pail (@techlunchpaild) August 14, 2020
The clip showed 6'6'' JUCO transfer Amare Barno, who redshirted last season, working out with the defensive line. Barno arrived as a linebacker, and it wouldn't be surprising if he is still spending some time at that position, but it's clear that the Hokies see Barno as a potential defensive end given his size and impressive frame.
Barno spending time at defensive end may also be in response to some concerns about depth at defensive end.
In his first press conference of fall camp, Justin Fuente noted that he does have some concerns about the Hokies' DE depth. While Justus Reed has provided a welcome boost to that group as a whole for this season, not having TyJuan Garbutt currently (and possibly for the whole 2020 season) has left a hole on the depth chart and though Emmanuel Belmar is expected to be the other starting DE, there is lots of room for others to earn playing time.
Barno showed plenty of promise as a playmaker in the box during his time at JUCO with 71 tackles including 4.5 sacks during his 2018 season at Butler CC. Combine that with being coached by a former top NFL defensive line coach in Bill Teerlinck and a Hokie Hall of Famer who had a long NFL career in Darryl Tapp and that looks like a recipe for success.
Keep an eye on Amare Barno as a potential option for the Hokies at defensive end this upcoming season.
