The Virginia Tech Hokies have a ton of returning offensive talent in 2024. Everyone knows about quarterback Kyron Draughns, running back Beischul Teuten and wide receivers Ali Jennings, Quan Felton and Jaylin Lane, but Virginia Tech has an equally impressive list of returning starters on defense.
On3 recently released their top 100 college football players heading into the 2024 college football season. Three Virginia Tech players made the list, but surprisingly, none of them are on the offensive line.
Cornerback Dorian Strong tops the list at No. 45. The fifth-year cornerback had the best year of his career in 2023, starting all 13 games and setting career highs in tackles, passes defensed and interceptions. Somehow, Strong was only selected to the All-ACC third team. This was a big win for head coach Brent Pry, who convinced Strong to postpone his NFL dreams and spend his final season in Blacksburg. He and Mansoor Delane form one of the best cornerback duos in college football.
Next up is defensive end Antwuan Powell-Ryland at No. 72. Powell-Ryland is a Virginia Tech representative, showing other Virginia freshmen that it's not always better off living outside of Virginia, but you can still come home to your hometown. A native of Portsmouth, Powell-Ryland transferred from Florida to Virginia Tech and had the best year of his career. Powell-Ryland recorded a career-high 9.5 sacks (2nd in the ACC and 14th in the nation), 40 tackles and 14.5 tackles for loss. He was named to the All-ACC Second Team last season.
Finally, coming in at No. 88 is defensive tackle Aneelu Peebles. Peebles, a transfer from Duke University, was named Pro Football Focus First Team All-American and Third Team All-ACC in 2023 while with the Blue Devils. Peebles will be Tech's starting defensive tackle in 2024.
Is anyone surprised that none of Virginia Tech's top offensive players made the top 100 list?
The good news is that many believe the offense will be the team's strength in 2024. Can the Hokies actually excel on both offense and defense? Let's take a look.
