Antwan Powell-Ryland was selected over Dorian Strong and Kyron Draughns to represent the Virginia Tech Hokies at the 2024 ACC Media Day press conference. Virginia Tech players had to answer questions about the Hokies’ high expectations, and Powell-Ryland was one of them. Antwan also answered questions about his activity in the transfer portal, his high school career and what he has yet to accomplish at the collegiate level.
All this and more from Antwuan Powell-Ryland.
WALLACE: Questions please.
question. What’s it like having all that love during the offseason and living up to those expectations?
Antoine Powell-Ryland: It’s always good to get exposure. We’re not looking for anybody’s approval but ourselves. So, yeah, it’s definitely great. We’re still working the same way.
question. You were at Florida for a few years, entered the transfer portal and returned to your hometown of Virginia Tech. What was the main factor? Was it your family? Or Coach Pry?
Antwan Powell-Ryland: Certainly, Coach Pry, having a defensive-minded coach is always a good thing, especially at my position.
I like this scheme because it allows me to play as a more traditional defensive end, which gives me more opportunities to get sacks.
question. You’ve done a lot of great things as a football player since middle school. What are some things you haven’t done yet as you continue on into high school and college?
Antwuan Powell-Ryland: I want to score a touchdown. (Laughs) I gotta do it. I don’t know how I’m gonna do it, but I gotta do it.
question. Sack and fumble.
Antwuan Powell-Ryland: You have to pave the way (laughs).
Yes, I definitely want to do that. I haven’t scored yet…
question. Last season, you won five of seven games late in the season. Your defense was stronger. What went well for your defense and the team as a whole late in the season?
Antoine Powell-Ryland: I think it was probably just the chemistry. We just felt comfortable with each other. Being able to play in games gave us the opportunity to practice in a real competitive environment. I think that was one of the main factors.
question. You were a four-star player in high school out of Virginia. You went to Florida and came back. You were very successful. Do you think what you did coming back from Florida is maybe a trend?
Antwon Powell-Ryland: Sorry, can you say that again?
question. You’re a former four-star player coming back to Tech, and you’re seeing players following the same path, do you think this is a trend going forward?
Antwuan Powell-Ryland: Well, I think you should, because in my opinion, it’s always better to be at home. Because I realized that it’s always better to be at home than to go somewhere else.
question. Tell us how challenging it was coming to college from a 7-5-7 work week and what did you learn to make the transition easier?
Antoine Powell-Ryland: The work. Being able to go out there every day and not complain about the work. I think it’s definitely a tough sport to be aggressive in.
