Former Hokies Linebacker Makes Strong Impression in Preseason Debut
On Saturday, a former Virginia Tech linebacker made his presence felt during his NFL preseason debut, marking a promising start to his professional football journey.
Back in April, during the 2025 NFL Draft held in Green Bay, no Virginia Tech players were selected until Day 3, signaling a quieter year for the Hokies in the draft spotlight. While some players waited through several rounds without hearing their names, a few ultimately secured opportunities by signing as undrafted free agents.
Among them was linebacker Keonta Jenkins, who landed a deal with the Buffalo Bills shortly after the draft concluded. He joined two other former Hokies on the team — Dorian Strong, a cornerback selected in the draft, and Stephen Gosnell, a wide receiver who also signed as an undrafted free agent. The trio reunited in Buffalo, hoping to carve out roles with a team considered one of the top contenders in the AFC.
Their first true test came on Saturday afternoon, as the Bills faced off against the New York Giants in preseason action in Western New York. For Jenkins, it was a critical opportunity to showcase his skills to the coaching staff, and he wasted no time in making a strong impression.
Jenkins Stands Out Despite Injury
Midway through the second quarter, Jenkins suffered a laceration on his left hand, forcing him to the sidelines temporarily. Buffalo’s medical team quickly treated and wrapped the injury, but Jenkins showed toughness and determination by returning to the field without missing a full defensive series. His resilience and grit were on full display, reinforcing his commitment to making the most of this opportunity.
By the end of the game, Jenkins led the Bills with six tackles and also recorded a quarterback hit, highlighting his ability to contribute in both run defense and pass rush situations. The performance built on what had already been a solid training camp for the former Hokie, who has been turning heads and steadily building his case for a potential spot on Buffalo’s regular-season roster.
Though the Bills fell to the Giants by a score of 34-25, Jenkins’ standout effort was one of the key takeaways for the coaching staff. As he continues to battle for a role on a team with Super Bowl aspirations, outings like this will be crucial in determining his fate when final roster cuts are made.
Gosnell and Strong Also Contribute
Jenkins wasn’t the only former Hokie to make an impact on Saturday. Wide receiver Stephen Gosnell and cornerback Dorian Strong also saw action during the game, showcasing their own abilities as they push for roster spots.
Gosnell caught four passes for 30 yards, offering a glimpse of his versatility and consistency as a target. His connection with star quarterback Josh Allen in training camp has already turned heads, especially after he made a highlight-reel one-handed catch earlier in the week. That moment gained attention across social media and among Bills fans, further boosting his case to remain with the team heading into the regular season.
Strong, on the defensive side, contributed two tackles, continuing his steady preseason campaign. As a draft pick, Strong may have a slightly clearer path to the 53-man roster, but he still needs to continue performing well throughout the remainder of the preseason to lock in his spot.
All Eyes on Roster Spots
As preseason continues, the spotlight remains on these three former Hokies as they strive to earn permanent places in the NFL. Jenkins, in particular, seems to be making the most of every opportunity, combining strong performances with a tenacious attitude. His ability to overcome injury mid-game and still lead the team in tackles is a testament to both his physical and mental toughness.
The coming weeks will be critical as the Bills continue evaluating talent ahead of final roster decisions. But if Saturday’s debut is any indication, Keonta Jenkins is more than ready for the challenge — and he may just find himself a place on one of the league’s most competitive teams.
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