Two Virginia Tech DL named to Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List

One of the strengths of the Virginia Tech football team in 2024 will be along the defensive line. Along with retainment, the Hokies got some key players from the transfer portal to come in and solidify a line that could be one of the best in the ACC. One returning player and one transfer were named to a Preseason Watch List for the upcoming campaign.

Antwaun Powell-Ryland returns for another season in Blacksburg and Duke transfer Aeneas Peebles were both named to the Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List, which is given to the best defensive player in college football.

Powell-Ryland led Virginia Tech in sacks last season with 9.5 from his edge position and became a. tough matchup for teams. The Florida transfer recorded 40 tackles last season, 23 solo, and had three forced fumbles. Powell-Ryland was one of the bigger players to announce that they were coming back for the 2024 season after a win over Virginia Thanksgiving Weekend. His announcement started a couple of week's worth of big decisions that were made.

Peebles comes over from the Blue Devils after making 44 tackles, which included five sacks and 13 solo tackles. After he committed to Virginia Tech, he played in Duke's 76 Birmingham Bowl win over Troy and finished his Duke career with four tackles and a sack.

Both players are going to play a huge role this fall for defensive coordinator Chris Marve and the defense up front. Peebles will fill one of the tackle spots with the other to be determined during camp, while Powell-Ryland will be another nightmare matchup for opponents from his edge spot. With these players back along with Josh Fuga, and transfers Khurtiss Perry (Alabama), Kemari Copeland (Iowa Western Community College), and Kelvin Gilliam (Oklahoma), the front is going to be fun to watch in 2024.