IRVING, TX – Two North Carolina college football legends were among the nineteen former players announced as the 2024 class of the College Football Hall of Fame today. Julius Peppers, a former standout at the University of North Carolina, and Armanti Edwards, the record-setting quarterback of Appalachian State’s championship runs, were among the 2024 College Football Hall of Fame Class revealed today during ESPN’s “Championship Drive Presented by Allstate” before this year’s college football playoff championship game.

Julius Peppers, a native of Bailey, NC, and Southern Nash fame is no stranger to accolades. During his college career from 1999 to 2001, Peppers was an All-American and won the Chuck Bednarik Award for the nation’s top defensive player in 20011. He recorded impressive stats with 167 tackles, 30.5 sacks, 53 tackles for loss, five interceptions, and five forced fumbles. After college, Peppers was selected by the Carolina Panthers as the second overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft. He went on to have a stellar professional career, earning Pro Bowl selection in nine of his 17 seasons.

Armanti Edwards, whose illustrious college career at Appalachian State from 2006 to 2009 left an indelible mark on the sport, is being recognized for his exceptional contributions to college football. Edwards’ dynamic playing style and ability to perform under pressure were hallmarks of his college career. During his tenure at Appalachian State, Edwards led the Mountaineers to two Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) national championships. He also made history as the first player to win the Walter Payton Award, given to the most outstanding offensive player in the Division I FCS, twice.

The induction ceremony will occur later this year, where Peppers and Edwards will officially join the ranks of the greatest players in college football history. Their selection for this honor underscores their significant contributions to college football and cements their legacy as two of the sport’s most influential figures.

2024 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS

PLAYERS:

• Justin Blackmon – WR, Oklahoma State (2009-11)
• Paul Cameron – TB, UCLA (1951-53)
• Tim Couch – QB, Kentucky (1996-98)
• Warrick Dunn – RB, Florida State (1993-96)
• Armanti Edwards – QB, Appalachian State (2006-09)
• Deon Figures – CB, Colorado (1988, 1990-92)
• Larry Fitzgerald – WR, Pittsburgh (2002-03)
• Toby Gerhart – RB, Stanford (2006-09)
• Dan Hampton – DT, Arkansas (1975-78)
• Steve Hutchinson – OG, Michigan (1997-2000)
• Antonio Langham – CB, Alabama (1990-93)
• Randy Moss – WR, Marshall (1996-97)
• Julius Peppers – DE, North Carolina (1999-2001)
• Paul Posluszny – LB, Penn State (2003-06)
• Dewey Selmon – NG, Oklahoma (1972-75)
• Alex Smith – QB, Utah (2002-04)
• Kevin Smith – CB, Texas A&M (1988-91)
• Chris Ward – OT, Ohio State (1974-77)
• Danny Woodhead – RB, Chadron State [NE] (2004-07) 

COACHES:

• Mark Dantonio – 132-74-0 (64.1%): Cincinnati (2004-06), Michigan State (2007-19)
• Danny Hale – 213-69-1 (75.4%): West Chester [PA] (1984-88), Bloomsburg [PA] (1993-2012) 
• Frank Solich – 173-101-0: (63.1%) Nebraska (1998-2003), Ohio (2005-2020) 

BOONE – Senior Day at The Rock turned into a celebration of milestones and triumphs as the Appalachian State Mountaineers clinched the East Division title with a commanding 55-27 victory over arch-rival Georgia Southern. The win secured their spot in the Sun Belt Championship Game against West Division champion Troy, setting the stage for a championship pursuit.

Despite falling behind 14-3 in the opening quarter, the Mountaineers orchestrated a remarkable comeback, fueled by the arm of quarterback Joey Aguilar, who threw four touchdown passes in the game. Aguilar’s performance not only propelled App State to victory but also etched his name in the program’s history as the single-season record-holder with an impressive 33 touchdown passes heading into the postseason.

The turning point of the game came in the second quarter when App State, trailing 14-10, launched a relentless offensive assault, scoring 38 unanswered points over 16 minutes. The Mountaineers’ defense played a crucial role, capitalizing on turnovers, including three interceptions. Tyrek Funderburk was instrumental in the defensive effort, contributing two interceptions that set the stage for immediate scoring opportunities.

The halftime ceremony added extra flair to the Mountaineers’ resurgence, as the legendary No. 14 jersey of Hall of Fame quarterback Armanti Edwards was officially retired. Edwards, whose short and direct message to the crowd was a resounding “Thank you! Go App!” witnessed his beloved team transform an 11-point deficit into a commanding 41-17 lead by the end of the third quarter.

The Mountaineers’ five-game winning streak to close the regular season, including an overtime victory against James Madison, showcased their resilience and determination to earn a spot in the Sun Belt title game for the fourth time since 2018.

App State’s offensive prowess was on full display, with Aguilar’s 296 passing yards and a balanced rushing attack that accumulated 236 yards on the ground. Kanye Roberts, Anderson Castle, and Maquel Haywood each contributed rushing touchdowns, showcasing the team’s versatility.

The defense, led by standout performances from Tyrek Funderburk and Jordan Favors, played a pivotal role in shutting down Georgia Southern and forcing turnovers that translated into crucial points for the Mountaineers.

As the final whistle blew, App State had not only secured a convincing victory but also established themselves as a force to be reckoned with as they head into the Sun Belt Championship Game, fueled by a perfect blend of offensive firepower and defensive resilience.