Hokies Add Mercer Transfer to Defensive Line
The Virginia Tech Hokies continue to strengthen their roster through the transfer portal. With the graduation of standout defensive players Antwaun Powell-Ryland (APR) and Aeneas Peebles, the team faced significant gaps to fill on the defensive line. Both APR and Peebles were key contributors, earning All-ACC honors and third-team All-American recognition in 2024.
Replacing such impactful players is no easy task, but the Hokies have turned to the transfer portal for reinforcements. In recent years, they’ve successfully added proven talent like Powell-Ryland from Florida and Peebles from Duke. This offseason, the team hopes to replicate that success.
Virginia Tech’s first defensive line addition this cycle was 6-foot-8, 260-pound Jahzari Priester, a developmental prospect. However, the Hokies landed a more immediate contributor on Monday night with the commitment of 6-foot-1, 275-pound defensive tackle Arias Nash from Mercer. Nash brings impressive stats to the table, having recorded 53 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and 14 quarterback hits last season. He’s expected to step into the role vacated by Peebles.
A Charlotte native, Nash has one year of eligibility remaining. His addition bolsters a defensive line that will also feature returning players Kelvin Gilliam and Kemari Copeland. Additionally, the Hokies are optimistic about the potential of freshmen Gerard Johnson and Emmett Laws, who made a strong impression in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. However, the team also lost veteran contributors Josh Fuge and Wilfried Pene to graduation.
Virginia Tech is not finished reshaping its defensive line. An edge rusher or two could still be added to address the loss of APR. While replicating APR’s 16-sack performance may seem unlikely, his rise from an under-the-radar transfer to a star player serves as a reminder of the potential impact of portal additions.
Welcome to Blacksburg, Arias Nash!
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