When the Virginia Tech Hokies signed linebacker Gabe Williams in the 2024 recruiting class, he was not only their top recruit, but he was also their best recruiter. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound Bowie, Md., native was considered a future star for the Hokies at linebacker.
Unfortunately, things haven’t gone as planned, due to no fault of Williams. As a freshman in 2024, Williams appeared in two games, but suffered a season-ending injury in a November loss to Clemson. Sadly, only one month later, Williams would lose his father, Chance.
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Hokie Nation stuck by Williams and rooted hard for a comeback in 2025. As a redshirt freshman last season, Williams appeared in four games, but was poised for a much more significant role in 2026. Sadly, Williams recently suffered a “long-term injury” and will be out indefinitely.
It’s difficult news for Williams and the Hokies. Head coach James Franklin and defensive coordinator Brent Pry were counting on Williams to play a significant role for the 2026 Hokies.
On Friday, Franklin spoke about what the Hokies will do in light of Williams’ injury.
“Obviously, you make plans on your roster numbers; you make plans based on everybody being healthy, so whenever you lose a guy, it obviously affects you,” Franklin said.
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“We got some young guys that we gotta get ready sooner rather than later; we also are going to have to create some position flexibility. I think you guys already know that Covil has been moved. As much nickel as we plan on playing, I think that also helps. But Covil has actually done a nice job. He’s a physical guy. He’s a veteran guy. I talk about it with the players all the time; everybody’s journey is different. And I think sometimes decisions on players are made too soon. I’ve had players who haven’t started until their senior and played nine years in the NFL.”
Covil is a 5-foot-10, 196-pound native of Chesapeake, Virginia. A former four-star recruit, Covil began his career at Clemson before transferring to Virginia Tech after the 2024 season.
Noah Chambers and Kaleb Spencer will lead Virginia Tech’s linebacker corps in 2026, but keep an eye on Covil.
We at Gobbler Country wish Gabe Williams a speedy recovery.
