Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Entering his second season with the Hokies this fall, quarterback Kyron Drones has helped revitalize Tech football. After taking over the starting role last fall, the offensive captain is looking to grow from his offensive output in 2023, where he recorded 22 total touchdowns (17 passing, 5 rushing) and over 2,900 all-purpose yards. With preseason watch list nods from the Manning Award, Davey O’Brien Award, Maxwell Award, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, expectations for the dual-threat quarterback are as high as ever. Partnered with an exciting running game and explosive wide receiver room, Drones is poised to produce under offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen in their first test at Vanderbilt on Saturday, Aug. 31 at noon ET. The game can be caught live on ESPN.
After assuming the reins in the third week of the 2023 season, Drones quickly found success through his passing game. Over 13 games and 11 as a starter, the redshirt junior posted 2,084 passing yards with a touchdown-interception ratio of 17-3. The ACC signal caller threw for a season-best 321 yards against conference rival Wake Forest, where 20 of his 29 attempts led to a 30-13 victory. Against in-state rival Virginia, the Houston, Texas native found the endzone three times alongside 244 passing yards. When facing Vanderbilt, look for Drones to favor the long ball against a defense that allowed 36.2 points per game (129th out of 133 teams) and an average of 6.5 yards per play.
Drones’ accuracy will also be on display against the Commodores. The Tech quarterback achieved an adjusted completion percentage of 72.7% last season, ranking higher than many of his ACC quarterback counterparts. Additionally, Drones has little reserve throwing downfield, as seen in gains of 84 and 75 yards last fall. With a wide receiver room made up of predominantly returning talent, look for Drones to attack opposing defenses across all levels of the field.
As the season developed, Drones utilized his legs in more of a dual-threat role. As one of the ACC’s most mobile quarterbacks, the redshirt junior rushed for 818 yards with an average of 4.9 yards per rush, his total being the second highest on the team. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 234 pounds, Drones’ stature makes him a force to be reckoned with in the run game, as seen in his 176-yard rushing game in the Military Bowl. Leveraging his athleticism within the offensive scheme will make RPO a strong option to exploit Vanderbilt’s defense.
By utilizing both his arm and his legs, Drones is primed for an explosive season. To see the Tech captain in action, make sure to purchase your tickets now before it’s too late.