Chris Marve explains how Virginia Tech implemented a strong pass rush

Virginia Tech‘s defensive line unit looks to be one of the most powerful the ACC has to offer in 2024.

The unit will feature a host of transfer portal additions and returning talent led by redshirt senior Antwaun Powell-Ryland, who was an integral part of a pass rush that ranked second in the conference in sacks and regularly helped hold opposing offenses to under 250 passing yards per game last season.

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Hokies defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach Chris Marve joined On3’s Andy Staples on Tuesday to discuss the Virginia Tech defense. Staples asked the VT DC to explain how he’s implemented such a strong pass rush in Blacksburg.

“I appreciate you noticing the work and the guys really seeing the fruits of their labor from a year ago,” Marve told Staples. “You know, the way you get better at football is by playing football, right? And so we drilled it incessantly. How to get to the quarterback, how to finish at the quarterback and really not allowing the moment to get too big for you. Just trusting your training, finishing where you need to finish, and knowing the personality of the quarterback that you’re going against.

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“Does he like to spin on the back shoulder? Is he a step up guy when he when he scrambles? Does he look to run, or does he look to throw the football? All those things are imperative, knowing your opponent going in, so that you have a really good plan of attack.”

Joining Powell-Ryland — who came in at No. 72 in On3’s Top 100 Players in College Football — on the EDGE will be Cole Nelson and Keyshawn Burgos. Both showed flashes as semi-starters in 2023.

From the portal, former Duke DL Aeneas Peebles also joins Powell-Ryland in the top 100 list, coming in at No. 88 as a highly-coveted member of this year’s defensive line. He comes in have led the Blue Devils in tackles for loss with 8.5 and was an All-ACC First Team selection by Pro Football Focus for his efforts.

Virginia Tech will look to showcase their pass rush first-hand when they kick off the regular season on Saturday, Aug. 31 against Vanderbilt — Marve’s alma mater — on the road. Kickoff is set for Noon ET on ESPN.