Dorian Jones works in a tackling drill at Virginia football practice. ~ Photo by Kris Wright/TheSabre.com

With Jonas Sanker, James Jackson, and Kam Robinson all back, the Virginia football team can send its top three tacklers from last season on the field in 2024. That’s part of an overall experienced defense that’s looking to hit the reset button after injuries challenged the unit last fall.

Still to get defensive coordinator John Rudzinski’s scheme back in more familiar territory – last season marked the first time a defense with him as a coordinator ranked outside the top 50 nationally in total defense – the Hoos will need some players in addition to the veterans to fill in roles. At linebacker, that became an elevated need when Stevie Bracey suffered a meniscus injury right before the start of preseason practice.

With Jackson easing his way back into practices after an offseason clean-up procedure, there have been snaps available alongside Robinson to get some of the depth options up to speed. A trio with varying backgrounds has taken advantage of that the most so far in training camp at Virginia.

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