Virginia Tech Hokies News: NFL Draft, transfer QB commits in the portal

In this edition of Virginia Tech Hokies News, the 2024 NFL Draft begins Thursday night and at least one former Hokie is hoping to hear his name called over the next three days, a football quarterback transfer commits less than a week after entering the transfer portal, and more.

NFL Draft begins in Detroit

The 2024 NFL Draft kicks off tonight in Detroit with the first round. One former Virginia Tech defensive lineman is hoping to hear his name called over the three-day event in Detroit.

Pheldarius Payne had a good Pro Day in March in Blacksburg and became a player on a lot of the team's radars. He recently had a Top 30 visit with the New York Giants and in some mock drafts, he’s been a late-round projected pick. Whether or not that happens remains to be seen, but Payne hopes to follow Chamarri Conner's footsteps and get drafted. Last season Conner was picked by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth round and 119th overall.

Dylan Wittke commits in the transfer portal

Less than a week after entering the transfer portal, former Virginia Tech quarterback Dylan Wittke committed to a Power 4 school for the 2024 season when he announced he was going to the University of Minnesota.

Wittke was one of four Hokies to enter the portal last week and it came four days after head coach Brent Pry said that Pop Watson was QB2 behind Kyron Drones following Virginia Tech’s Spring Game on April 13. Pry and offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen need to add another quarterback in the portal as they currently have Drones and Watson with Davi Belfort coming in over the summer. This upcoming weekend, UCLA transfer Collin Schlee has a visit scheduled in Blacksburg.