Antwaun Powell-Ryland Joins an Elite Club

The Walter Camp Foundation has released its Player of the Year semifinalists and Virginia Tech’s own Antwaun Powell-Ryland is one of the chosen few for this prestigious award. Currently, APR is tied for first place in the NCAA with 13 sacks. He has had two performances with four sacks in a single game this season against Boston College and Old Dominion. He is a pure pass rusher with a quick burst off the edge. Here is the entire list of semifinalists as reported by Brett McMurphy.

Just to be mentioned in this group of players is an insane honor. Considering the Hokies have a mediocre record of 5-5, it's even more amazing. The Florida transfer has had an amazing career at Virginia Tech, making an immediate impact on campus.

APR, as he is affectionately known to Hokie fans, has the size and speed to be highly coveted at the next level. This is but one postseason accolade to be garnered by Powell-Ryland. I currently expect him to be present and accounted for in Mobile, AL for the Senior Bowl after the season is over. Before that, however, there are two games remaining in the regular season for the Hokies who need to beat either Duke or Virginia (or both) to reach bowl eligibility for a second year in a row under head coach Brent Pry.

The Walter Camp Player of the Year will be voted on by the 134 Football Bowl Subdivision head coaches and sports information directors later this month.   Three finalists will be announced on Tuesday, Nov. 26, and the 58th recipient of the Walter Camp Player of Year award will be announced on the ESPN College Football Awards Show on Thursday, December 12.