The quarterback poised to make waves this college football season

Following a dismal 3-9 record two years ago, going 1-6 in conference, play, Virginia Tech football was revitalized by quarterback Kyron Drones , who stepped into the spotlight midway through last season. Under Drones' leadership for the majority of the year, the Hokies finished with a 6-6 record and secured a bowl game victory against the Tulane Green Wave.

Drones demonstrated remarkable prowess after earning the starting job as the Hokies' quarterback. In the passing game, he averaged 195.3 yards on 25.6 pass attempts per game. His ability to maximize each play is evident, as he averages a solid 13.02 yards per completion. This level of production has been instrumental in elevating the Hokies' offensive performance, providing a reliable and consistent aerial attack that keeps defenses on their heels.

While some may view his passing yards as modest, Drones' running abilities are equally significant and well-displayed. Averaging 14 rushing attempts per game, he adds a dynamic element to the Hokies' offense, making it more unpredictable and difficult for opponents to defend. With an average of nearly 4.5 yards per attempt, Drones consistently gains valuable yardage, often turning potential losses into positive plays. His dual-threat capability not only opens up the playbook, but also keeps the opposition guessing, contributing significantly to the Hokies' improved performance this season.

Drones' dual-threat capabilities were on full display in Virginia Tech’s Military Bowl victory over the Tulane Green Wave, where it triumphed 41-20. Drones ran for 176 yards on 20 attempts, scoring a touchdown with his legs and securing the Hokies their first bowl win since 2016.

Delving deeper into the numbers, Drones excels at protecting the football and avoiding costly turnovers. His impressive TD/INT ratio of 5.67 highlights his careful decision-making and precision. Moreover, during conference play, Drones guided the Hokies to an average of 32.1 points per game, which surged to an outstanding 41.8 points per game in their victories. These statistics underscore not only his effectiveness, but also his ability to elevate the team's offensive performance.

A strong indicator of Drones’ future success in Blacksburg is the return of 20 starters, the highest number in college football. Running back Bhayshul Tuten, a complete receiving corps of Ali Jennings, Da’Quon Felton and Jaylin Lane as well as four of the five offensive linemen will all be back.

As Drones grows more comfortable with his teammates and the system, he is well-positioned for continued development and success.