Virginia Tech linebacker Carson Lydon is leaving the program and transferring, according to 247Sports.
A sophomore, Lydon arrived in Blacksburg as part of the Hokies’ 2015 class. He graduated early from East Lake High School in Tarpon Springs, Fla., where he developed into a consensus 3-star prospect during his prep days, and enrolled at Virginia Tech in January 2015.
As a freshman last fall, Lydon saw action in 11 games and recorded four tackles on the year, including a tackle for loss against East Carolina on Sept. 26. Most of his action came on special teams.
Lydon wasn’t in line for a starting spot this fall, but he did see significant time in the spring as junior walk-on Sean Huelskamp recovered from a knee injury. However, with Huelskamp and junior starter Andrew Motuapuaka ahead of him on the depth chart, Lydon wasn’t going to be in position to see regular playing time for another two years.
Motuapuaka is Virginia Tech’s only returning starter at linebacker for the 2016 season. Sophomore Tremaine Edmunds will step into one starting role, while junior Anthony Shegog and sophomore Mook Reynolds will compete for a first-team spot at the hybrid spot.