Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – After representing Virginia Tech at ACC Kickoff alongside head coach Brent Pry, defensive end Antwaun Powell-Ryland returns as a steady force on the Hokies' defensive front. Renowned for his relentless pressure and ability to disrupt opposing offenses, APR is set to elevate his game in his redshirt senior season. The Hokies are preparing for their home opener against the Thundering Herd on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 4:30 p.m. ET, available to watch on CW Sports.
The 6-foot-3, 256-pound edge rusher made an immediate impact in his debut season with Virginia Tech, appearing in 13 games, starting 12, and earning recognition on the 2023 All-ACC Second Team and as a 2023 Phil Steele Honorable Mention All-American. Powell-Ryland recorded 40 tackles and 9.5 sacks, ranking second in the ACC and tied for 14th nationally. He didn’t stop there, adding 14.5 tackles for loss, placing him 24th in the country and fifth in the ACC. With a Pro Football Focus pass rush grade of 89.8—just below the elite threshold of 90—APR forces offenses to adapt, as his explosiveness consistently proves too much for offensive linemen to handle.
The Portsmouth, Virginia, native has generated significant preseason buzz, earning spots on ESPN’s Top 100 CFB Players for the 2024 season and On3's Top 100 Players in College Football. Powell-Ryland was also named to the Bednarik Award watch list, solidifying his reputation as one of the top defensive talents in the country.
Looking ahead, defensive line coach J.C. Price noted in February that Powell-Ryland's game still has room to grow, considering 2023 was his first season playing defensive end. Surrounded by a bolstered defensive line this year, Powell-Ryland has strengthened his endurance to wear down opposing offensive lines and enhanced his run defense, showcasing the potential to be one of the most productive defensive ends Virginia Tech has seen in years.
In the season opener, Powell-Ryland gave a glimpse of what’s to come, recording four tackles and teaming up with Wilfried Pene for a sack in the second quarter. His presence was felt as he effectively stalled Vanderbilt’s offense, landing sixth on the team in overall defense earning a 66.7 grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF). With Marshall fielding three newly transferred quarterbacks, APR has the chance to demonstrate his heightened ability to penetrate blocks and apply pressure. As the epitome of Virginia Tech's defensive style, he is a dynamic force to be reckoned with.