BLACKSBURG – The wait is lastly over. After 207 lengthy days, the Nationwide Soccer League returns for the 2024 season with a matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and defending champion Kansas Metropolis Chiefs on Thursday evening. Storylines are a dime a dozen this season, most notably the return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, new Texans vast receiver Stefon Diggs and the debut of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Among the many motion will likely be one other crop of former Hokies trying to shine for his or her groups this season. Throughout a number of positions and a number of groups, Tech alums proceed to prosper on the skilled stage. On this version of NFL Hokies, introduced by Coca-Cola, let’s have a look at which Hokies are primed for a robust season.
RB Khalil Herbert
Herbert is certainly one of two former Hokies trying to carry out for the Chicago Bears this season (Tremaine Edmunds). In his third season, Herbert posted 611 yards over 132 carries for a mean of 4.6 yards per carry. His finest video games have been in opposition to Atlanta (18 carries, 124 yards, one landing) and Arizona (20 carries, 112 yards, 1 landing), and his general efficiency earned him a 79.4 dashing grade from Professional Soccer Focus (PFF) final season. Search for Herbert to solidify himself as a playmaker alongside D’Andre Swift for the Bears this season.
RB Raheem Blackshear
Blackshear comes into his third yr because the Panthers’ RB3 on the depth chart. The Philadelphia native is poised to offer help behind operating backs Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders and goals to develop additional on the place. Blackshear completed the 2023 season with a 68.8 dashing grade and a 63.7 general grade from Professional Soccer Focus. In his function this season, search for the 5-foot-9 speedster to benefit from alternatives on offense and particular groups.
S Chamarri Conner
On the heels of his first Tremendous Bowl win, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs security Chamarri Conner appears to be like to reprise final season’s function within the secondary. The Jacksonville, Florida native posted 28 tackles (24 solo) within the championship marketing campaign and now finds himself with a 72.7 general grade from PFF. Alongside expertise like security Justin Reid and cornerback Jaylen Watson, Conner offers precious protection on the third stage and was an integral a part of the crew’s success. Because the Chiefs goal to make one other run on the Lombardi Trophy, Conner will certainly be alongside for the experience.
LB Divine Deablo
A Winston-Salem, North Carolina native, Divine Deablo will likely be coming into his fourth season with the Raiders this fall. The gifted linebacker posted the second-highest whole tackles (105) and solo tackles (64) on the crew final season, his finest efficiency being a 12-tackle affair in opposition to the Chargers. With one other alternative to point out dominance on the highway this Sunday, search for Deablo to start out his season on the suitable foot.
LB Tremaine Edmunds
Edmunds enters his seventh season within the NFL however solely his second with Chicago this fall. Throughout his first yr with the Bears, Edmunds posted 113 tackles (69 solo) and was tied for first in interceptions (4). After signing a big contract throughout free company final yr, search for additional proof that the previous Hokie has distinctive talents that may profit Chicago’s linebacker corps. Edmunds will begin his 2024 marketing campaign with Herbert in opposition to the Tennessee Titans.
Followers can watch NFL Hokies throughout many video games on Sunday afternoon. Learn beneath for featured matchups in Week 1:
Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants – Sunday, Sept. 8 at 1 p.m. ET on FOX
OT Christian Darrisaw will go well with up for the Minnesota Vikings after touchdown an enormous five-year contract extension value $140 million this offseason. The deal, which provides Darrisaw $90 million in assured cash, is without doubt one of the most historic offers for a former Hokie. The fourth-year professional will goal to guard Sam Darnold’s blindside in opposition to the likes of New York’s Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals – Sunday, Sept. 8 at 1 p.m. on CBS
Hokie Nation kicker Joey Slye will costume for the Patriots of their opener in opposition to Cincinnati. The Albuquerque, New Mexico placekicker drilled three area targets within the preseason for New England. After setting the Commanders’ franchise report for its longest area aim (61 yards), observe Slye all through the season as he goals to set a brand new career-high with New England.
Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland Browns – Sunday, Sept. 8 at 4:25 p.m. on FOX
Because the premier matchup within the 4 o’clock time slot, two NFL Hokies will showcase their abilities within the trenches. Professional Bowl guard Wyatt Teller will present inside safety for Cleveland’s Deshaun Watson, who returns from season-ending shoulder surgical procedure. For the touring Dallas Cowboys, Heart Brock Hoffman will reconnect along with his former teammate in Cleveland and fellow NFL Hokie, Teller, to showcase his pass-blocking prowess within the season opener.