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Two Virginia Tech Football Players Named to Maxwell Award Watchlist

Two key members of the Virginia Tech offense in 2024 were named to the preseason award watchlist.

By Scott Roche

Nov 11, 2023; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones (1) hands the ball to running back Bhayshul Tuten (33) during the first half against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2023; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones (1) hands the ball to running back Bhayshul Tuten (33) during the first half against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
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Preseason award watchlists are slowly being released with fall camps about to begin. Monday, the Maxwell Award released their Preseason watchlist and two members of the Virginia Tech football team were listed.

The Maxwell Award, which has been presented to the College Player of the Year since 1937 and is named in honor of Robert “Tiny” Maxwell, had Hokies' quarterback Kyron Drones and running back Bhayshul Tuten on the watchlist. It's no surprise to see those two names on there as they headline an offensive unit that brings back a ton of talent at all positions in one of the bigger retainments in college football from 2023.

Kyron Drones and Bhayhsul Tuten deserving of being on the watchlist

Again, it should come as no surprise to see Drones and Tuten on the list as they were two big reasons why the Virginia Tech offense took off over the final two months of the season. Drones, who is one of the better duel-threat quarterbacks in the country, threw for 2,084 yards last fall for 17 touchdowns and just three interceptions for a quarterback rating of 137.2. As good as he was with his arm, he was just as good with his legs. he rushed for 818 yards and five touchdowns while averaging nearly five yards a carry. His 6-foot-2, 234-pound frame makes it difficult for defensive players to bring him down after first contact.

Tuten rushed for 863 yards last season and 10 touchdowns and averaged five yards a carry. Not only was good out of the backfield, but he also returned a pair of kickoffs for touchdowns against Florida State and Virginia. He rushed for 1,363 yards two years ago at North Carolina A&T and it would be surprising if he didn't eclipse another 1,000-yard season in 2024. As Tulane saw in the Military Bowl last December, Drones and Tuten are going to be a handful for defenses this fall.

The semifinalists for the Maxwell Award will be announced on Nov. 12, with the finalists being announced two weeks later on Nov. 26. The winners will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show held on Dec.12, 2024.

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