If a coach plans to play a true freshman as a significant part of any unit, they likely will look to get them reps in non-conference play, especially against a Group of 5 or FCS opponent. It's not often where a true freshman gets thrown into the fire at the heart of the defense a month into the season against a quality conference opponent, but that was the case for Virginia Tech true freshman LB Noah Chambers against NC State.
Many would likely have their struggles out the gates for understandable reasons. However, Chambers got off to about as fast of a start as you can imagine on his way to a statement making performance.
The true freshman linebacker went out and started his collegiate career by having three tackles on his first three career defensive plays. That's not something you see everyday to state the obvious, and something I'm not sure I'll ever see again from a player making his collegiate debut at any position.
This was the beginning of a strong night for Chambers, who was Tech's primary backup linebacker and delivered an impressive performance with six tackles including a sack to help the Hokies upset NC State 23-21. There were times when Chambers looked like someone who not only should burn his redshirt, but should probably start moving forward alongside Kaleb Spencer, though Jaden Keller had some big plays late amidst an inconsistent night for him.
Chambers' big game wasn't a surprise to anyone inside the Virginia Tech locker room including interim head coach Philip Montgomery given what he's seen in Chambers since his arrival this summer.
