Virginia Tech Football Has 2 Players Make Preseason All-ACC Team

There is a lot of hype surrounding the Virginia Tech football team going into the 2024 season for several reasons. As the calendar turns to August, preseason awards and watch lists are being released and Thursday, two members of the Hokies defense were named to the Preseason All-ACC team.

Cornerback Dorian Strong and defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles were selected to the Preseason All-ACC team. Strong is one of many members of the 2023 team that announced last season that he was coming back for another season in Blacksburg with fellow teammate in the secondary Mansoor Delane.

Strong is coming another good season for defensive coordinator Chris Marve and he named one of the Top 10 returning cornerbacks for the upcoming season by Pro Football Focus.

"There isn't much to complain about with Strong’s stats this past season. The senior led all FBS cornerbacks in completion rate allowed (27.3%) and yards allowed per coverage snap (0.24) while ranking second in passer rating allowed (11.8).

Strong has excellent mirroring ability with great footwork and quicks for the position."

- Max Chadwick

His best game last season came against Boston College in November when he had a pair of first-quarter interceptions of Eagles QB Thomas Castellanos that led points by Virginia Tech's offense in a key late-season victory to help the Hokies become bowl-eligible.

Peebles transfered from Duke and is set up for a huge season along the defensive line with the Hokies filling tackle spot. Last season for the Blue Devils, he had a good year, but with transfer portal additions and the retainment, it should open things up for Peebles to make a big impact.

Three noticeable names missing from the list for Virginia Tech are quarterback Kyron Drones, running back Bhayshul Tuten, and defensive edge Antwaun Powell-Ryland from the list released, but all three got votes for ACC Preseason Player of the Year, which Miami QB Cam Ward had the most votes for.