One of the areas that Virginia Tech invested a lot in during James Franklin's first transfer portal cycle in Blacksburg was the defensive line with several new players being brought in amidst significant opportunities to earn roles throughout the two-deep.
Except for one spot, the starting defensive tackle sports where the Hokies have a clear starting duo that have the potential to be one of the ACC's best defensive tackle duos this fall.
Kemari Copeland and Elhadj Fall are the foundational pieces for Virginia Tech's 2026 defensive line as the only returning starters from last season.
Copeland had an impressive first healthy season with the Hokies as he had 47 tackles including 7.5 for loss with 4.5 sacks. His advanced numbers were strong with a 75.3 defensive grade, 73.9 run defense grade, 73.0 pass rush grade, 22 stops, and 20 pressures per Pro Football Focus.
He was arguably the top priority for James Franklin's retention work upon his arrival in Blacksburg for understandable reasons.
DL coach Sean Spencer also made Copeland his top priority to retain upon his arrival in Blacksburg for understandable reasons. From the first moment he met Copeland, the two were able to connect in part because of Spencer's reputation as a developer of NFL defensive linemen.
"Obviously, Kemari is special, right? He's special," Spencer said. "Kemari's a consummate professional. He wants to do everything right. He's a sponge for football. And one of the reasons we connected right away was because I told him the type of people that have coached in the past in the NFL. And the other places I've been, and he wanted to be a part of that."
