When Antwaun Powell-Ryland transferred to Virginia Tech from Florida two years ago, little did he or head coach Brent Pry know the impact he was going to have. As a junior, he chased and got after quarterbacks and opened a lot of eyes. This past season, he opened even more eyes with his play.
Powell-Ryland is one of six former Virginia Tech players who are in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium for the 2025 NFL Combine, which begins on Thursday with on-field workouts. The Portsmouth, Va. native was one of the top edge rushers not only in the ACC, but also the country.
Only Boston College edge Donovan Ezeiruaku was better in the conference and while both players are trying to move up teams' draft boards this week, Virginia Tech’s star had a message for NFL teams at the combine.
Antwaun Powell-Ryland sends a clear message to NFL teams ahead of Combine
When teams game planned for Virginia Tech this past season, a lot of the focus along the defensive line was Powell-Ryland. Teams had to double team and if they left him one-on-one, he generally made them pay. Just look at his stats. He had 16 sacks, including two four-sack games against Old Dominion and Boston College, 19 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
Meeting with the media ahead of workouts on the field, he had a message for teams looking to add him to their organization.
“Whatever team drafts me, whatever they want me to play, I’m here,’’ Powell-Ryland said. “I feel like I can do anything on the field, as far as being a defensive player.’’
There is no doubt that Powell-Ryland has an NFL future in front of him. He is quick off the ball and is a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. Factor in his confidence, he would be a nice addition to any team. Along with Aeneas Peebles, Thursday could end up being a big day on the field for the Virginia Tech duo.