Hokie rookies look to make impact at training camp

RICHMOND, Va.- Three rookies are trying to break into the 2018 Washington Redskins lineup, and all three are on the defense.

Rookie lineman Tim Settle             Doug Aylestock / CCS

Defensive linemen Tim Settle was drafted in the fifth round, and defensive back Greg Stroman was drafted in the seventh round. Adonis Alexander was a sixth round supplemental draft choice and missed all of the OTA's and mini camp. Alexander signed with the team just prior to the start of training camp.

Settle, a Stonewall Jackson (Manassas) graduate, Settle did not play as a true freshman in 2015 and chose to redshirt.

As a redshirt freshman in 2016, Settle played in all 14 of Virginia Tech's games, recording 17 tackles (seven for loss), two quarterback hurries and one blocked kick. He was named to the ACC All-Freshman Second-Team.

In 2017, as a redshirt sophomore, he played in 13 games, tallying 36 tackles (12.5 for loss), four sacks, one pass deflection, two quarterback hurries, and one blocked kick. Following the season, he was named to the 2017 All-ACC Second-Team. On January 4, 2018, Settle decided to forgo his remaining two years of eligibility and enter the draft.(1)

Rookie DB Greg Stroman                 Doug Aylestock / CCS

Stroman originally also attended Stonewall Jackson High School in Manassas. As a freshman, Stroman made an immediate impact for the Hokies on special teams as he fielded 36 punts for 249 yards. In his sophomore season, he recorded 27 punt returns for 109 yards and collecting 24 tackles on defense.

In his junior season, Stroman tied for second in the ACC in both pass breakups (11, including one for a touchdown) and interceptions (four for 47 yards). He added 20 total tackles and 36 punts returned for 397 yards and two touchdowns on special teams. Stroman ranks second all-time in Virginia Tech history with six career return scores, trailing just DeAngelo Hall (seven). In the 2015 Independence Bowl against Tulsa, he had a career-long punt return of 67 yards. (1)

Alexander, from Charlotte, NC attended Independence High School. Alexander played in 34 games for Virginia Tech, recording 35 tackles and 7 interceptions. (2)

The rookies all spoke with the media after Saturday's practice, that video can be seen below.

(1) Wikipedia (Settle, Stroman Bios)

(2) Hokiesports.com (Alexander Stats)