Why Virginia Tech football's Antwaun Powell-Ryland could lead the ACC in sacks in 2024

Last season, the Virginia Tech offense benefitted greatly from the transfer portal. A lot of the Hokies production came from players that head coach Brent Pry brought in from other schools. Not to be outdone, the defensive side of the ball also saw some additions and one of them played a big role in the turnaround over the final eight games of the season.

Virginia Tech's offense took off when Baylor transfer Kyron Drones got comfortable along with running back Bhayshul Tuten and wide receivers Jaylin Lane and Da'Quan Felton. On defense, the term "Sacksburg" was used a lot because of the pressure and sacks the defense had. Nobody had more sacks than Florida transfer Antwaun Powell-Ryland who led the unit with 9.5.

Powell-Ryland was one of many Hokies who announced that they were returning for the 2024 season and that was big news for a number of reasons. Now that the edge rusher is back, there is no reason to think that he can't lead the ACC in sacks this fall.

Why Virginia Tech edge Antwaun Powell-Ryland can lead the ACC in sacks in 2024

Last season, Louisville's Ashton Gillotte led the conference in sacks with 11 with Powell-Ryland finishing second. Yes, Gillotte is back for Louisville this season too, but it's not out of the question that Powell-Ryland can lead the ACC in sacks.

Virginia Tech added some key defensive line additions in the transfer portal and no one bigger than Duke transfer Aeneas Peebles. His addition will create some openings for Powell-Ryland as offensive lines are not going to be able to double-team both of them. Peebles was big for the Blue Devils last and finished with 44 tackles and five sacks; both should rise in Blacksburg this season.

The Hokies also added Kelvin Gilliam from Oklahoma, Kemari Copeland from Iowa Western Community College, and Khurtiss Perry from Alabama who provide depth. Out of that group, the real wild card could end up being Copeland.

The transfer portal additions have not only made the defensive line one of the better ones in the ACC, but it also causes problems for opposing offenses when it comes to blocking, and that will open things up for Powell-Ryland to get more pressure on the quarterback this season and see a jump in his stats and production. Don't be surprised when the season ends if he's on top of the ACC for sacks.