One unit that the Virginia Tech football team needs to replace from last season is along the defensive line, after they lost some key players to the NFL Draft. However, head coach Brent Pry and J.C. Price added some key players through the Transfer Portal to go along with some young players returning.
One player who is returning is Kemari Copeland. Last season, after coming to Blacksburg from Iowa Western Community College, he opened some eyes with his work in the weight room, which became a social media must-watch every time something was posted. For his efforts, he was recently named to the Freaks List, joining teammates Donovan Greene and Cameron Seldon.
While he is a freak in the weight room, he is on his way to becoming a freak on the field as he is looking to bounce back from a frustrating first season in 2024 at Virginia Tech after it was cut short with an injury. It's only been a short sample size so far in this fall camp, but his coach, Price, certainly likes what he's seeing from him.
J.C Price has a message for Virginia Tech football opponents in 2025
Virginia Tech is hoping that Copeland can stay healthy this season, and if he does, he could be a big-time difference-maker for the Hokies. Price says he's putting in the work for the upcoming season, and he's doing it the way coaches love to see it done.
"He just does everything you ask him," Price said. "He's a worker. He gives you everything he's got every day. He shows up early, he stays late. He is doing everything that a guy in his position needs to play. His preparation is as good as anybody's I've been around at this point."
One of the keys to the Hokies' 2025 season is going to be along the defensive line, which Price is excited about having depth with this upcoming season. A lot of people might not know some of the names early in the season, but Price thinks opponents will quickly learn about Copeland in 2025.
"I think he is flying under the radar right now, and that's the way he likes it, and that's the way I like it," said Price. "Not a lot of people know about him, but they are going to find out about him real quick."
Flying under the radar is the way a lot of people like to play, and Copeland is poised for a breakout season, and the ACC will learn about it soon enough.