Virginia Tech received some great news today as star pass rusher Antwaun Powell-Ryland announced that he will forgo the NFL Draft and return to the Hokies for the 2024 season.
Forever a Hokie🦃 pic.twitter.com/raZ8JwhU7y
— Antwaun Powell-Ryland (@TwaunPowell) December 3, 2023
Powell-Ryland chooses to return to Virginia Tech after shining in his first season with the Hokies following his transfer from Florida. Powell-Ryland had 39 tackles including 13.5 for loss with 9.5 sacks plus three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. His performance earned him All-ACC Second Team honors in what was a loaded year of pass rushing talent in the ACC which also featured Louisville' Ashton Gillotte, Florida State's Jared Verse, and North Carolina's Kaimon Rucker.
The Hokies needed pass rushing help last offseason and got it in the form of APR who was always a force averaging over three pressures per game per Pro Football Focus. He was fourth in the ACC in that stat overall and helped Tech make a big jump in their sack production this season.
His presence also seemed to elevate the pass rushing standard in the Hokies' defensive line room helping them reach greater heights. Having APR back to be a leader of Tech's defensive line is another huge bonus for a unit that is having to bring in tons of defensive tackle talent with Pheldarius Payne, Norell Pollard, and Mario Kendricks all being out of eligibility.
APR also has a very good chance to be a Preseason All-ACC Team member and will be a feared man for opposing quarterbacks and offensive coordinators in 2024.
