Virginia Tech Football Faces Critical Spring – Can They Avoid a Quarterback Crisis?
Spring is always an unpredictable time for college football teams, and for Virginia Tech, this spring could hold significant challenges. After last year’s events, Hokies fans and coaching staff alike are hoping that history doesn’t repeat itself in a way that would lead to a potential quarterback crisis. Head coach Brent Pry is particularly focused on ensuring that Virginia Tech avoids a situation that could leave them scrambling for a quarterback in the coming weeks.
Last spring, things took an unexpected turn when Dylan Wittke, who was competing for the backup quarterback position, entered the transfer portal shortly after the Hokies’ spring game. Wittke ultimately chose Minnesota, a team that would go on to defeat Virginia Tech in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl in January. While Wittke’s departure wasn’t catastrophic, it did leave a hole in the Hokies’ depth chart. That situation became more complicated when Pop Watson, another quarterback in the mix, showed impressive performance in the spring game and was named QB2 behind Kyron Drones.
Fast forward to this spring, and the Hokies are facing another uncertainty. Kyron Drones, who had been expected to lead the team this season, has been sidelined for the rest of spring practices after needing a medical procedure. Though Coach Pry reassured fans that Drones is expected to return in time for summer workouts, the uncertainty surrounding his recovery has raised concerns. In today’s world of college football, where transfer portals and player movement are more frequent than ever, Virginia Tech must navigate this delicate situation carefully.
The Hokies cannot afford to lose another quarterback to the portal, especially with Drones’ health hanging in the balance. While Wittke’s departure last spring wasn’t a major blow, the situation is far more precarious this year, given Drones’ recent struggles with injuries. Fans are understandably concerned about the prospect of losing another key player, especially if the team finds itself in a position where they lack depth at the quarterback spot.
Fortunately, there’s reason for optimism. Pop Watson, a young and talented quarterback, has shown the potential to step up if needed. His confident and poised play during last year’s spring game suggested that he could handle the pressures of a starting role. In fact, some fans were already championing Watson as the potential QB1 should Drones leave through the portal. Still, there’s a lot of uncertainty, and it’s crucial for Coach Pry and the Hokies to maintain a stable quarterback situation.
As spring unfolds, all eyes will be on Virginia Tech’s quarterback depth. While Drones is expected to return by summer workouts, the next few weeks could make or break the Hokies’ quarterback situation. If Virginia Tech can keep their signal callers intact, they’ll be well-positioned for the 2025 season. But with the transfer portal looming, the Hokies must tread carefully to avoid a potential quarterback crisis.