The Hokies’ defensive line is set to make a powerful impact this season as Fall Camp progresses.
With a blend of standout portal additions and returning talent, and under the guidance of associate head coach J.C. Price along with assistant coach/quality control Jan Johnson Jr., this unit aims to enhance a defense that ranked No. 20 nationally in total defense last season. Every week of Fall Camp, the position preview series, presented by Farm Bureau Insurance, will break down the Virginia Tech football roster. In this position preview, let’s look at the defensive line and how it adds to the anticipation for this season’s defensive potential.
Redshirt senior Antwaun Powell-Ryland is a force to be reckoned with and one of the key reasons Lane Stadium lived up to the nickname ‘Sacksburg’ last season. In his first year as a Hokie, Powell-Ryland played in all 13 games, starting 12, and became the cornerstone of a defensive line that was second in the ACC in sacks while consistently limiting opponents to under 250 passing yards per game. His impact was undeniable, registering 40 tackles and a team-leading 9.5 sacks—ranking second in the ACC and 14th nationally. The Portsmouth, Virginia native also tallied 14.5 tackles for loss, placing him 25th in the country and fifth in the ACC.
These numbers earned Powell-Ryland a spot on the 2023 All-ACC Second Team and a 2023 Phil Steele Honorable Mention All-American nod. The edge rusher also secured the No. 72 spot on On3’s Top 100 Players in College Football. Pro Football Focus (PFF) further highlighted his abilities, ranking him as one of the highest-graded returning edge rushers in the ACC with an 80.7 overall grade.
One of the key questions surrounding this position group is who will join Antwaun Powell-Ryland in the starting rotation on the edge. Four returning players are vying for that spot: Keyshawn Burgos, Cole Nelson, Jorden McDonald and CJ McCray. Nelson brings valuable experience to the field, having played in all 13 games last season with seven starts. He totaled 27 tackles, including 7.5 for loss and 4.5 sacks, proving himself as a consistent force on the edge. Burgos is another name to watch, especially after being listed at No. 21 on ESPN’s Post-Spring Sleeper Pick Watchlist. He played in all 13 games last season, recording 21 tackles, including five tackles for loss. The Chesterfield, Virginia native made a strong case for himself during the spring game, where he notched three sacks, four solo tackles, and a pass breakup. McDonald and McCray round out the group, further offering veteran presence and potential. The competition for the starting edge position will be fierce, with each player bringing a unique skill set and the potential to make a significant impact on the Hokies’ defensive line.
Other returners with limited in-game experience include Jason Abbey and James Jennette. These players have a chance to demonstrate their progress to coaches Price and Johnson, vying for more playing time. Alabama transfer Khurtiss Perry will also slate in as a potential impact player on the edge. Freshmen Deric Dandy boasts an impressive high school résumé and will benefit from learning alongside this seasoned defensive line group, gaining valuable time to develop.
Joining Powell-Ryland on On3’s Top 100 Players in College Football is Aeneas Peebles, a highly touted transfer from Duke.
Peebles is regarded as the biggest impact addition from the Hokies’ 2024 recruiting cycle. Last season, he co-led the Blue Devils in tackles for loss (8.5), ranked second in sacks (4.0), recorded 40 tackles, four quarterback hurries, two pass breakups and one fumble recovery. These statistical achievements claimed him a spot on the 2023 Pro Football Focus All-ACC First Team and the 2023 All-ACC Third Team as a defensive tackle. The transfer also posted an impressive PFF pass-rushing grade in 2023, ranking second among players at his position—trailing only Byron Murphy II, a Texas standout and the 16th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Peebles is anticipated to anchor the interior alongside veteran Josh Fuga, bolstered by a mix of experienced returners and promising new talent. Fuga brings four years of experience, having registered 56 tackles, three passes defended and 2.5 sacks across his collegiate career. Wilifred Pene, Ishmael Findlayter and Malachi Madison also return, with Pene appearing in all 13 games last season.
Other key additions added through the transfer portal include Iowa Western Community College’s Kemari Copeland and Oklahoma’s Kelvin Gilliam Jr. Copeland has already made a name for himself, breaking Virginia Tech’s all-time squat record with 605 pounds for 10 reps and earning recognition on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks list as well as a 247 Sports ACC spring football rising star. Perry, ranked as the No. 2 player from Alabama by 247Sports in 2021, gained experience with the Crimson Tide, including game action against Middle Tennessee. Gilliam Jr. is a seasoned lineman who saw action in all three years with the Sooners, adding depth and experience to the line.
High school recruits Gerard Johnson and Emmett Laws also join the team, bringing additional promise for the future. Laws ranked as the No. 12 overall recruit from Maryland by Rivals, should add depth and potential to an already stacked interior.
Tech’s defensive line is set for a breakout season, featuring a strong mix of seasoned veterans, impactful transfers and promising recruits
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