Hokie ClubHOUSTON, Texas - Virginia Tech defensive end Antwaun Powell-Ryland is one of 12 semifinalists for the prestigious Lombardi Award, the Rotary Club of Houston announced on Thursday.
The honor is given annually to a college football offensive or defensive lineman, tight end or linebacker based on the discipline and character of former NFL head coach Vince Lombardi, in addition to performance and ability on the field.
Powell-Ryland (6-3, 252) has registered 12 sacks through nine games this season to lead the country. The Portsmouth, Virginia product has also tallied two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, six quarterback hurries and a blocked kick.
Powell-Ryland has led or co-led Virginia Tech in TFLs on four occasions. He is the first Virginia Tech player to record double-digit sacks in a season since 2005.
APR recorded four solo sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery during Tech’s 37-13 win against Old Dominion in September, matching the school record for sacks in a single game for the second time in his career. He was named ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week, Walter Camp National FBS Player of the Week and Bednarik Award Player of the Week by the Maxwell Football Club for his efforts.
Powell-Ryland registered his second four-sack performance of the season and the third of his Virginia Tech career in a 42-21 win over Boston College. He was also named ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week for a second time this season.
A group of four Lombardi Award finalists will be named on Nov. 20 with the 2024 Lombardi Award winner being announced at a banquet in Houston on December 11.