Size Matters Not: Aeneas Peebles Proves Talent Prevails
When the National Team ran out of the north end zone at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama, defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles had the least imposing stature amongst everyone in a black jersey. Being officially measured just beyond six-feet tall and weighing 289 lbs, Peebles possesses less-than-ideal size for an NFL defensive lineman.
Donning his white and Chicago Maroon helmet, Peebles took the field on the first day of practice at the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Lining up near midfield, Peebles got in a three-point stance, aiming to make a large impact despite his smaller stature. On just the second play during nine-on-sevens, Peebles got past the center with a swift swim move, and the world was introduced to Aeneas Peebles.
“I just use my natural leverage that God gave me,” Peebles said. “Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses and I just try to accentuate mine.”
Former Virginia Tech defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles heads to the sidelines after making plays on the second day of practice at the Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. Photo by Kelii Horvath/East Coast Gridiron
Peebles certainly showed scouts and media what his strengths are, and he did so in a variety of ways. Peebles made multiple plays in the backfield against the run in Mobile, but he also excelled as a pass rusher in 2024. The former Hokie was not only the highest graded pass rusher out of draft-eligible interior defensive lineman according to ProFootballFocus, but Peebles also had the second highest pass-rush win rate in the class, with an astounding 17.7%.
“There’s nothing in the world like getting a sack,” Peebles said. “At the end of the day the NFL is all about being a complete player. I have tried to come out here everyday and establish myself as a complete player.”
Peebles followed through and made a name for himself throughout the week of the Senior Bowl, making big plays in practice and the game to cap off a big week. In the game, Peebles dressed for the American team due to opt-outs. Peebles got to line up alongside his former teammates Riley Leonard and R.J. Oben one final time, after last playing together at Duke in 2023.
“I’m always cheering for my guys and those are life-long friends,” Peebles said. “I haven’t seen those dudes in what feels like years but it’s only been one.”
After unforeseen circumstances set up a Blue Devil reunion on the American Team, Peebles got to dominate alongside familiar faces. Although Peebles’ helmet was marked by a Virginia Tech logo while Oben and Leonard had helmets of gold, all three donned the same orange jerseys on gameday. It was the perfect ending for the defensive lineman from Knightdale, North Carolina, being able to line up on the gridiron along with his former teammates.
Every morning at 11 a.m., Peebles would run out of the tunnel in his black practice jersey in front of hundreds of scouts and members of the media. Every afternoon, by the time practice had ended, Peebles had established that despite his size, he can still make an impact on a game against the best of the best.
