Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Newly transferred from Duke, defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles claimed the ninth spot on Pro Football Focus' (PFF) list of the top 10 returning interior defensive linemen for the 2024 season. Peebles is the only player in the top-10 who will be playing for a new school in 2024, finishing as one of the nation’s best defensive tackles in pressuring the quarterback last season.
This honor adds to an impressive list of accolades for Peebles, including being named to the 2023 All-ACC First Team by PFF and the 2023 All-ACC Third Team as a defensive tackle. He was also recently featured in On3’s Top 100 Players in College Football, alongside new teammates cornerback Dorian Strong and defensive end Antwaun Powell-Ryland.
The 290-pound lineman played in 12 games for the Blue Devils last season, making his lone start against No. 11 Notre Dame. In total Peebles registered 40 total tackles, four quarterback hurries, two pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He co-led Duke in TFLs (8.5) and ranked second in sacks (4.0). The defensive powerhouse also demonstrated remarkable consistency, recording four or more tackles in six games and matching his season-high of five tackles in three different contests.
As a testament to his effective rushing abilities, the fifth-year player's 90.1 PFF pass-rushing grade was second among all FBS interior defensive linemen, finishing behind Texas’ Byron Murphy II, the 16th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Peebles was also fifth among all defensive tackles in the nation with a 16.2% pass-rush win rate. As a senior, he was the fourth-most valuable returning Power Five interior defensive lineman according to PFF’s wins above-average metric.
Peebles’ transfer marks a significant boost to Virginia Tech’s 20th-ranked defensive lineup. With his impressive track record and ability to disrupt offenses, the Raleigh, North Carolina native is poised to make a major impact in 2024.
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