Virginia Tech DL poised to make a big jump in 2024 according to national CFB writer

Last season, the talk of the transfer portal during the season was about the contributions that the Virginia Tech football team made on offense. Quarterback Kyron Drones came on in relief full-time in Week 3 at Rutgers for the injured Grant Wells, while running back Bhayshul Tuten, and wide receivers Jaylin Lane and Da'Quan Felton led a charge on that side of the ball helped to turn around their season.

Not to be on the offensive side of the ball, Florida transfer Antwaun Powell-Ryland stepped in was a big differece-maker for defensive coordinator Chris Marve with his play. The Hokies defense became a tough unit over the final two months of the season and was part of the turnaround for head coach Brent Pry and his staff.

Following the season, Powell-Ryland was one of several Virginia Tech players who committed to come back for another season in Blacksburg, and the Hokies and their fans know that it was a big decision for him. Why not, he led the team with 9.5 sacks and is expected to be a big part of their defense and one writer thinks that he is going to make a big jump in 2024.

"Snaps in 2023: 532

Antwaun Powell-Ryland is a twitchy and relentless edge rusher who tallied 9.5 sacks and added 14.5 TFLs for a much improved Hokie defensive front in 2023. APR is a natural pass rusher with wide variety of pass rushing moves at his disposal. He has an excellent get-off, speed around the edge, and can run the hoop to cause chaos. Expect a dominant season for Powell-Ryland and a Hokie defense that will to surprise people this season in the ACC."

- Blake Borckermeyer

The transfer portal on defense could turn out to be big for the Hokies this season, but it starts with Powell-Ryland along the defensive line. It wouldn't be surprising to see him lead the ACC in sacks this season and it would be surprising if he didn't at least match his number of 9.5 from 2023 with the portal additions that make the line that much deeper. There is no doubt he's ready to make an even bigger jump this fall.