Brent Pry is wearing more than one hat in Blacksburg these days - and both are pretty big. Not only is he taking over as Virginia Tech’s new defensive coordinator, but he’s also stepping in as the linebackers coach. That’s a bold move, and if it pans out, it could become a defining chapter in what Pry is building with the Hokies.
But make no mistake - there’s work to be done. Spring ball is right around the corner, and Pry will be diving headfirst into a linebacker room that’s long on potential but short on established starters.
There’s experience in the group, sure, but no one’s locked into a starting role just yet. That means competition will be fierce, and cross-training - having guys learn multiple roles - will be a key theme in the coming weeks.
Let’s take a closer look at who’s in the room and what Pry will be working with.
The Linebacker Room: Scholarship Players
- **Antwone Santiago (r-Sr.) **
- **Keon Wylie (r-Sr.) **
- **Kaleb Spencer (Sr.) **
- **George Ballance (r-Jr.) **
- **Curtis Jones Jr. (Jr.)
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- **Gabe Williams (r-So.)
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- **Noah Chambers (So.)
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- **Brett Clatterbaugh (r-Fr.)
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- **Terry Wiggins (Fr.)
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- **Mathieu Lamah (Fr.)
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That’s a solid mix of veterans and young talent, and Pry will need to sort through it all to find the right combinations. Let’s break down some of the key questions heading into spring.
Who’s Ready to Lead?
With Santiago, Wylie, and Spencer all in their senior seasons, there’s no shortage of experience. What Pry will be watching for is leadership - not just who knows the system, but who can command the huddle, make pre-snap adjustments, and be the vocal presence on the field. That kind of leadership is essential, especially in a linebacker corps that’s still finding its identity.
Can the Young Guys Push for Playing Time?
Players like Gabe Williams and Noah Chambers are entering that crucial second and third year where development often takes a leap. If they’ve made strides in the offseason - physically and mentally - they could absolutely push the older guys for reps.
And don’t sleep on the freshmen, either. Clatterbaugh, Wiggins, and Lamah are all talented, and while it’s tough to crack the rotation early, a strong spring could put them in the mix.
What Does Cross-Training Look Like?
This is going to be big. Pry has a history of developing versatile linebackers who can line up inside or outside, drop into coverage, or come downhill against the run.
Expect to see a lot of guys learning multiple roles - not just to build depth, but to create matchup flexibility. That kind of versatility is a weapon in today’s game, especially in a conference where offenses love to spread you out and test your personnel.
How Quickly Can Pry Establish His Identity?
This is the big-picture question. As both defensive coordinator and position coach, Pry has a unique opportunity to shape the defense from the ground up - and it starts with the linebackers. They’re the heart of most defensive schemes, and if he can mold this group into a smart, aggressive, and cohesive unit, it’ll go a long way in defining what Virginia Tech’s defense looks like in the coming years.
There’s no sugarcoating it - the linebacker room is a work in progress. But there’s talent, there’s depth, and now there’s a coach who knows exactly what he wants from the position.
Brent Pry is betting on himself to lead both the defense and the linebackers. If he can pull it off, it won’t just be a good story - it might be the foundation of something special in Blacksburg.