VMI had traditionally played the run well over the past several years thanks in part to the now graduated trio of Wine, Brandt, and Alexander. However, several backups who had seen substantial action in a reserve role during that time will now step into starting spots. Among them are nose tackle Charlie Jones (Hampton, Va.), and ends Justin Smith (Maryville, Tenn.) and Shawn Chapman (Cocoa, Fla.).

Jones played in ten games last season and lettered for the second time and finished with 25 tackles on the year. Smith saw substantial playing time throughout the season in a reserve role on the defensive line and played a season-high 37 snaps in the win at CSU and had six tackles and a half tackle-for-loss. Chapman also participated with substantial playing time throughout the season in a reserve role and was on the field for 311 snaps. All three had productive spring sessions as both on the field and in the weight room and are looking to stabilize the VMI run defense.

Quality depth could also come from redshirt sophomore Patrick Goulden (Laurel, Md.), redshirt freshman John Washington (Midland, Va.), and converted offensive lineman Phillip Pickens (Norcross, Ga.) who capped a strong spring practice with two sacks and a quarterback hurry in the final spring scrimmage.