CFB Rank 2024: Ranking the top 100 players before the season
Virginia Tech with multiple players. No different than any other team we play, I just didn't expect it from VaTech. Ever the optimist, I think we win this game.
UT's James Pearce Jr. comes in at #1. Missouri's Luther Burden III at #5.
2023 stats: 3 INTs, 8 PBUs, 2.8 yards allowed per target
2023 ranking: 80
Virginia Tech likes to tout its reputation as DBU, but it's been some time since the Hokies produced a genuine star at the position. Strong figures to change that. Last season, Strong was as dominant as any corner in the country, with QBs completing just 25% of their throws targeting him, allowing just 2.8 yards per target (third in FBS) and just 0.29 yards per coverage snap.
2023 stats: 23 solo, 9.5 sacks, 3 FFs
2023 ranking: NR
Powell-Ryland transferred to Virginia Tech last season from Florida and put up big numbers in his first year with the Hokies, with 40 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss (fifth in the ACC) and 9.5 sacks (second in the ACC). Powell-Ryland had multiple sacks in four games last season and is hoping for more consistency in 2024.
Virginia Tech with multiple players. No different than any other team we play, I just didn't expect it from VaTech. Ever the optimist, I think we win this game.
UT's James Pearce Jr. comes in at #1. Missouri's Luther Burden III at #5.
88. Dorian Strong
CB, Virginia Tech, Senior2023 stats: 3 INTs, 8 PBUs, 2.8 yards allowed per target
2023 ranking: 80
Virginia Tech likes to tout its reputation as DBU, but it's been some time since the Hokies produced a genuine star at the position. Strong figures to change that. Last season, Strong was as dominant as any corner in the country, with QBs completing just 25% of their throws targeting him, allowing just 2.8 yards per target (third in FBS) and just 0.29 yards per coverage snap.
63. Antwaun Powell-Ryland
DE, Virginia Tech, Senior2023 stats: 23 solo, 9.5 sacks, 3 FFs
2023 ranking: NR
Powell-Ryland transferred to Virginia Tech last season from Florida and put up big numbers in his first year with the Hokies, with 40 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss (fifth in the ACC) and 9.5 sacks (second in the ACC). Powell-Ryland had multiple sacks in four games last season and is hoping for more consistency in 2024.
