Going into spring practices under James Franklin, some players were looking to solidify a spot along Virginia Tech's defensive line. One of those players was Emmett Laws who quietly made an impression during the 2025 season.
However, the Maryland native suffered what was described as a long-term injury in the spring. It was a big setback not only for Laws but also for the Hokies and the new position coach, Sean Spencer. Laws's absence in fall camp has been big, but on Wednesday, the 6-foot-0, 302-pound sophomore was at practice, and according to Any Bitter of Tech Sideline, Laws was running off to the side during practice. Wearing a uniform but was not in pads. After practice, Franklin gave an update on where Laws stands in returning from his injury.
James Franklin drops promising Emmett Laws injury update
Running sprints is certainly a very good sign for Laws and Franklin said that he is progressing ahead of schedule.
"Way ahead of schedule right now; we've got to be smart about that," Franklin said. "What you're looking for is balance, right? Is one leg what percentage behind his other leg in terms of strength, in terms of movement, in terms of explosion, and he's way ahead of schedule. So, we'll be smart about that."
Franklin didn't put a timetable on a potential return, but that was certainly a positive update and with Laws running sprints is an outstanding sign that things are progressing in the right direction. He had 12 tackles last season, which included a season-high three with one sack in the season opener against South Carolina.
Virginia Tech's defensive line has been a work in progress this summer, and getting Laws back at some point would help answer questions as to just how deep the line will be this season. Franklin and Spencer should get some early-season answers as to how deep the depth is along the line against VMI and Old Dominion, but the true test will begin in Week 3 at Maryland and last throughout the rest of the season.
Laws opened some eyes last season against South Carolina and has a promising future, which makes his injury that much tougher. Kemari Copeland, Elhadj Fall, and Aycen Stevens are the projected starters against VMI, and after that is where the answers will come from. Once Laws returns, he'll be in the mix, and it appears he is ahead of schedule, which is great news.
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