Of the three major position groups on the Virginia defense last year, the linebackers were the clear strength. While Tony Elliott and his staff revamped both the front end and the back end with transfer acquisitions this offseason, the returning talent in this room is expected to provide the foundation behind Virginia’s potential breakout season. […]
Of the three major position groups on the Virginia defense last year, the linebackers were the clear strength. While Tony Elliott and his staff revamped both the front end and the back end with transfer acquisitions this offseason, the returning talent in this room is expected to provide the foundation behind Virginia’s potential breakout season. Let’s meet the cast.
The Starters
When healthy, Kam Robinson is the lifeblood of this defensive unit. After being named a freshman all-American in 2023, Robinson dealt with injury for much of the 2024 season, managing to play in all 12 games, but clearly not at full strength. Unfortunately, the injury bug has hit Robinson again and he is expected to miss ‘a couple of games’ to begin 2025. The hope is that Tappahannock, VA native could heal more thoroughly and play more freely the remainder of the year, utilizing his true sideline to sideline speed and playmaking ability.
With Robinson out of the lineup, James Jackson steps in as the field general. Jackson gained a special place in the Wahoo faithful’s hearts with the game clinching interception at No. 10 North Carolina in 2023, the biggest win in the Tony Elliott era to date. In essentially three seasons, Jackson has racked up 188 total tackles, four sacks, and six pass breakups for the Cavaliers. While Jackson does not bring the same speed to the table as Robinson, he is a sure tackler with decent coverage skills.
Key Rotational Players
Behind Jackson at the WILL linebacker spot is Maddox Mercellus, who was an all-conference player at Eastern Kentucky last season, helping the Colonels to an FCS Playoff berth. Despite his slightly undersized frame at 6-foot-2, 228 pounds, Mercellus is a physical tackler and an exceptionally smooth athlete. The coaching staff has described him as one of the transfers that has transitioned particularly well to the ACC level, and his spot on the two-deep depth chart reinforces that.
Meanwhile, Trey McDonald and Landon Danley are listed as the 1a/1b starters at the MIKE spot. Of the two, McDonald has significantly more snaps under his belt, playing a bulk of the 2024 season, and compiling 52 tackles, eight QB pressures, two pass breakups, one interception, and one sack. Danley, a third-year college player, projects into more nickel-based packages, as a converted defensive back who can cover and deliver the punishing hit. Both McDonald and Danley should see the field a substantial amount against Coastal Carolina.
It is also worth mentioning Stevie Bracey, a senior who is still nursing his way back from an injury that kept him out for the entire 2024 season. He is a good athlete who got some good run in 2022 and 2023 and should be implemented into the rotation when he gets healthy.
Category: General Sports
