Two Virginia Tech football players named to preseason award watch list

Wednesday morning, the College Sports Communicators and Associated Press announced their preseason watch list for the Comeback Player of the Year Award and two returning members of the Virginia Tech football team who missed the 2023 season are on the list.

Wide receiver Ali Jennings and tight end Nick Gallo were on the list and both figure to be a key part of the Hokies offense in 2024. Gallo was lost late in fall practices and missed the entire season, while Jennings, who just transferred from Old Dominion, impressed in the season-opener, but went down in a Week 2 loss to Purdue with an ankle/leg injury.

Gallo has one year of eligibility remaining and there was some question as to whether or not he would use a medical redshirt for the season and he did, giving the Hokies a veteran tight end with a unit that is fairly young and somewhat unproven.

Jennings was impressive in Virginia Tech's win over his former Monarchs' teammates as he had five catches for 72 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He hauled in touchdown passes of 10 and 6 yards in the 36-17 victory at Lane Stadium on Labor Day weekend.

Like Gallo, it was up in the air whether or not Jennings would apply for a medical redshirt, but he did and he's back. Through the first week of practices, he has impressed head coach Brent Pry, offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen and his wide receiver teammates.

Against Old Dominion, Jennings showed just how good of a player he could be and big things are ahead for him and the offense this season if he stays healthy. Both Gallo and Jennings making the preseason watch list for the Comeback Player of the Year Award is no surprise as both are big parts of the Hokies' offense and quarterback Kyron Drones.