Virginia Tech Football: 4 Hokies earn All-ACC honors this season
By Scott Roche
![Oct 14, 2023; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons quarterback Michael Kern (15) throws a pass against Virginia Tech Hokies defensive lineman Antwaun Powell-Ryland (52) during the fourth quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports Oct 14, 2023; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons quarterback Michael Kern (15) throws a pass against Virginia Tech Hokies defensive lineman Antwaun Powell-Ryland (52) during the fourth quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/6ccf3d596979633e7038d920065e82967d7969d7a724e4d74bc8e0281db176d9.jpg)
On Tuesday, the ACC released their All-ACC first, second, and third teams, for the 2023 football season as well as some honorable mentions. Virginia Tech finished tied for fourth place this season at 5-3 with Georgia Tech and had four players receive All-ACC honors, but they did not get anyone on the first team, which comes as a surprise.
Four Virginia Tech players earn All-ACC football honors
Four members of the Virginia Tech football team received All-ACC honors for this season, but none of the three earned first-team honors, which is a surprise.
Running back Bhayshul Tuten (all-purpose) and defensive end Antwaun Powell-Ryland were named to the second team and defensive back Dorian Strong and returner Tucker Holloway earned third-team honors.
Earlier this month, football coach Brent Pry made the case for Strong to earn All-ACC honors, and it comes as a surprise that he did not end up on the first team. Even more head-scratching was Powell-Ryland who was one of, if not the best pass rushers in the conference.
“You’re going to have to show me a corner who has played more consistent week in and week out in his coverage,” said Pry of Strong.
Tuten had a good season running the ball and he had a pair of kickoff returns for touchdowns against Florida State and Virginia.
Your All-ACC Hokies 🤩#ThisIsHome pic.twitter.com/86TTJJz0L7
— Virginia Tech Football (@HokiesFB) November 28, 2023
Powell-Ryland led a Virginia Tech defense that was tied for first in sacks in the ACC and tied for seventh in the country. The Florida transfer had 22 solo tackles this season and 9.5 sacks. Five Hokies were honorable mentions, Tuten at running back, defensive lineman Norell Pollard, linebacker Keli Lawson, kicker John Love, and tight end Dae’Quan Felton, who will enter the transfer portal.
The ACC was loaded this season with a lot of talent at different positions and this Saturday night, Florida State and Louisville will play for the conference title in Charlotte. Virginia Tech will find out most likely Sunday their bowl destination and opponent for next month.
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