Virginia Tech will have one of the best defensive lines in the ACC this season and should be able to attack the quarterback this year. The defensive line is one of the many reasons people seem optimistic about Virginia Tech in the ACC this season, and Antwaun Powell-Ryland could be the best player in the group. Blake Brockermeyer of 247Sports has Powell-Ryland as one of the 21 greatest players to jump forward in the 2024 college football season, and here’s what he had to say about him:

Snapshots in 2023: 532

“Antwaun Powell-Ryland is a twitchy and relentless edge rusher who posted 9.5 sacks and 14.5 TFLs for a much improved Hokie defensive front in 2023. APR is a natural pass rusher with a wide variety of pass rushing moves. He has an excellent start, is quick at the rim and can run around the basket to cause havoc. Expect a dominant season for Powell-Ryland and a Hokie defense that will surprise people in the ACC this season.”

Here’s what our own RJ Schafer had to say about Powell-Ryland in the defensive line preview for the season:

“I think the defensive line is in a great position for next year. Defensive line coach JC Price has to be excited to bring Antwaun Powell-Ryland back into the fold. Powell-Ryland has collected 14.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks, both of which were the Hokies’ best marks. PFF was also excited about his 2024 season, giving him an 80.7 grade on defense, over ten points higher than in 2023. Opponents, especially ACC opponents, are now aware of the impact Powell-Ryland can make, and it would not be surprising to see Antwaun double-covered frequently during the season.

Virginia Tech may have one of the best defenses in the ACC this year and Powell-Ryland is certainly one of the reasons why.