There’s no entry fee to join Virginia Tech’s defensive tackle room nor do newcomers have to endure any type of light hazing to feel like they’re part of the gang. 

There’s only one requirement for them to be welcomed with open arms to what’s a tight-knit group.

“They really showed me warm hospitality here as long as I was willing to work,” Duke transfer Aeneas Peebles said.

The early returns are positive for a trio of transfers who helped Tech replenish the ranks from a big graduating class of tackles. Peebles, Iowa Western Community College’s Kemari Copeland and Oklahoma’s Kelvin Gilliam Jr. are in, restocking the room with the departures of Norell Pollard, Mario Kendricks and Pheldarius Payne.

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