Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG - Virginia Tech defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles has been named to the watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy by the Football Writers Association of America. The award has been presented annually since 1993 to college football’s best defensive player.
Peebles (6-1, 290), who spent four seasons at Duke before transferring to Tech in the offseason, was chosen to the 2023 Pro Football Focus All-ACC first team and was selected to the 2023 All-ACC third team at defensive tackle. The Raleigh, North Carolina native played in 12 games last season. He co-led Duke in TFLs (8.5) and ranked second on the Blue Devils in sacks (4.0). Peebles registered 40 tackles (11 solo), four quarterback hurries, two pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery on the season.
The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce finalists for the 2024 trophy on Nov. 20 and the winner will be unveiled Dec. 9 at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet in Charlotte, N.C.
The FWAA has chosen a National Defensive Player of the Year since 1993. In 1995, the FWAA named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football, then became a star for professional football’s Chicago Bears in the 1930s. Bronislaw "Bronko" Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.