Virginia Tech announced Friday that starting quarterback Kyron Drones and backup William “Pop” Watson III will remain with the Hokies for the next season. Both players were considered potential candidates for the transfer portal due to their value.
Drones, a redshirt junior from Houston, has had a productive season, passing for 1,562 yards with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions over nine starts. Despite missing three games due to injury, he also contributed 336 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground. His last game was a Nov. 9 loss to Clemson, after which he has not played. Watson, a redshirt freshman from Massachusetts, started one game this season. In that game, he threw for 254 yards and a touchdown, leading Virginia Tech to a victory over rival Virginia while both Drones and backup Collin Schlee were sidelined.
The announcement coincides with staff changes in the football program. Offensive line coach Ron Crook, defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Chris Marve, and senior director of strength and conditioning Dwight Galt IV were dismissed on Thursday. The Hokies, currently 6-6, are preparing for the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against Minnesota (7-5) on Jan. 3 in Charlotte.
While Drones and Watson will stay in Blacksburg, the team is seeing some roster changes. Running back Malachi Thomas and offensive lineman Braelin Moore have entered the transfer portal, signaling potential shifts for the upcoming season.
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