National CFB writers take on Kyron Drones is spot on going into 2024

When Virginia Tech football coach Brent Pry named Grant Wells his starting quarterback before last season, the second-year Hokies coach made it known that there were plays in the playbook for Baylor transfer Kyron Drones. Little did anyone know what would happen next.

Wells suffered an ankle injury in Week 2 against Purdue back in September and from that point on, it was Drones under center. After getting his feet wet against Rutgers and Marshall, Drones took off once ACC play began with confidence. Aside from getting confidence in the pocket and throwing the ball downfield, he became a threat as a runner as well. 

Kyron Drones listed as a potential breakout QB in 2024

After watching Drones last season, all Hokies’ fans know the potential that Drones has to take his game to another level in 2024, but Clint Brewster of 247Sports agrees and listed Drones as one quarterback who could break out next season and gave him a "strong and steady'' superlative.

"Drones got his feet wet last season when he replaced Grant Wells as Virginia Tech's starter. Drones has a powerful arm and can also do some damage on the ground. His maturation as a passer was evident as the season progressed — Drones threw 17 touchdowns compared to three interceptions in 2023. Expect him to keep trending upward this year."

- Clint Brewster of 247Sports

After taking over full-time in Week 3 against Rutgers, Drones threw for 2,084 yards, 17 touchdowns, and only three interceptions. He was a tough runner, with the ability to run over defensive backs in the second level who tried to tackle him and he finished with 818 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. Against Tulane in the Military Bowl in December in a wind-driven rain, he rushed for 176 yards on 20 carries. Running back Bhayshul Tuten, who is also coming back next season, and Drones formed a formidable rushing duo over the final two months of the season.

Strong and steady is the correct term for Drones right now, as he is a big tough player who is hard to bring down and he rarely makes a bad mistake. Expect him to be in the next tier in Brewster's list with a high ceiling before the 2024 season is over.

Drones and Virginia Tech without a doubt can go to the next level in 2024 and be a breakthrough quarterback as he’ll have a lot of top wide receivers returning too. Jaylin Lane, Da’Quan Felton, and Stephen Gosnell are coming back. Ali Jennings, a transfer from Old Dominion who was hurt in Week 2 against Purdue as well, is coming back and if he can remain healthy, that’s just another receiver who can make plays after the catch for Drones. There is no doubt the Virginia Tech offense will be fun to watch next season.