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Virginia Tech’s defense has yet another departure in an off-season marred by off the field issues. The Hokies announced on Monday that junior defensive back Mook Reynolds has been dismissed from the program.
— Virginia Tech Football (@HokiesFB) July 9, 2018
In a statement the program also mentioned Reyolds was previously suspended from all team and football-related activities during the spring which explains why he was absent during spring practices.Ā At 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, Reynolds was the Hokies’ second-leading tackler with 70 tackles in 2017, playing in a hybrid linebacker/slot corner/ safety role.
Reynolds’ departure adds to a tumultuous off-season for the Hokies defense highlighted with three key departures in the secondary. Co-defensive coordinator Galen Scott resigned following his extramarital affair becoming public. He was accused of having the affair on the school’s dime among other things. Cornerback Adonis Alexander was dismissed from the program for academic issues. He is expected to be selected in the NFL’s supplemental draft on July 11.Ā Junior college-transfer Jeremy Webb is out for the season after suffering an Achilles injury during a workout.
Added to the unsuspecting departures to the Lunch Pail defense, is the plethora of talent that graduated or headed to the NFL after last season. Now, Virginia Tech is in a full rebuild of its defense.
Can't remember last time VT had to replace so much talent all at once. Hokies open at FSU on Labor Day night. https://t.co/RdOCo9LZNS
— Andrea Adelson (@aadelsonESPN) July 9, 2018
As far as the secondary, Virginia Tech’s returning secondary has just 14 career starts among them. Defensive back Reggie Floyd has 12 of those as a sophomore last season.
With Mook Reynolds' dismissal, #Hokies' secondary returns 14 career starts. Reggie Floyd has 12, Khalil Ladler two.
— David Teel (@ByDavidTeel) July 9, 2018
Virginia Tech finished with a 9-4 record last season, finishing second in the Atlantic Coast Conference Coastal Division with a 5-3 conference mark. If they are to replicate their success from a year ago, they’ll bank on a new-look defense maturing quickly and overcoming an off-season marred with distractions.
