Virginia Tech Football: Hokies transfer Aeneas Peebles gives a preview of what to expect in Blacksburg in 2024

It was an active last couple of weeks in the transfer portal for the Virginia Tech football team. Head coach Brent Pry got four commitments, two on the defensive line, one on the offensive line, and one at linebacker.

One of the defensive linemen who committed was one of the bigger names in the portal, Aeneas Peebles from Duke. He has been a very good player for the Blue Devils and after head coach Mike Elko left for Texas A&M, he entered the portal. Like some of the Hokies who are in the transfer portal, Peebles committed to finishing the season with his teammates in the Birmingham Bowl Saturday afternoon against Troy. The 6-foot-1, 286-pound Raleigh, North Carolina native showed Virginia Tech fans the type of impact he's going to make in 2024.

Aeneas Peebles leads Duke over Troy

In Duke's 17-10 win over the Trojans, Peebles had four tackles, two hurries, and a sack in the game. His two hurries resulted in a quick throw on fourth down by Troy quarterback Gunnar Watson for an incomplete pass, then one the final Trojans drive he forced a quick throw from Watson that resulted in a game-ending interception at midfield.

Peebles had 40 tackles, 11 solo, and four sacks for the Blue Devils. Next season in Blacksburg, his numbers have the potential to be bigger. He is joining a line that also got Iowa Western Community Colege transfer Kemari Copeland along with Antwaun Powell-Ryland and his 9.5 sacks coming back with Josh Fuga.

Opposing teams are going to have their hands full at blocking the Virginia Tech front and Peebles and Copeland are only going to a unit that got a lot of pressure on opposing quarterback this season to get even more in 2024. Peebles closed out his Duke career in style before coming to Chris Marve's unit.