Virginia Tech's defense, which finished the 2017 season as one of the best in the country, now has even more holes to fill next season.
Terrell and Tremaine Edmunds, both starters for the Hokies, announced their decision on Wednesday to forgo their final year of college eligibility and declare for the 2018 NFL Draft. The two brothers announced their decision on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/rell_island6/status/951151994198085632
https://twitter.com/maine_savage23/status/951152330841509890
Tremaine, who just wrapped up his junior season at Virginia Tech, is projected to be a first-round pick by ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay. Tremaine started at linebacker for two-plus seasons, totaling 226 tackles, 35 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and four forced fumbles in his career. At 6-foot-5 and 250-pounds, Edmunds has the size and athleticism to play outside linebacker in either a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense at the NFL level.
Terrell, a redshirt junior, started 31 of his career 37 games. Terrell has experience at cornerback, rover and free safety, and his versatility should resonate with NFL teams. Terrell finished his Virginia Tech career with 182 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 14 pass breakups and six interceptions.
The loss of Tremaine and Terrell will be felt next season. The two combined to start 60 games for Virginia Tech, and served as anchors for the Hokies' defense. At backer, sophomore Dylan Rivers is expected to take over for Tremaine, while Divine Deablo and Khalil Ladler are both candidates to replace Terrell at free safety.