Virginia Tech Quarterback Kyron Drones Sidelined for Rest of Spring Practice
Virginia Tech announced on Saturday that starting quarterback Kyron Drones will not participate in the remainder of spring practice due to an upcoming minor medical procedure.
“Kyron will undergo a minor procedure, and we’ve decided to hold him out for the rest of spring workouts,” said head coach Brent Pry in a statement. “He’s shown excellent leadership and had a strong winter and early spring. We fully expect him to be back in time for summer conditioning.”
The 6-foot-2, 235-pound quarterback had been fully involved in practice during the early part of spring camp. However, when the media attended a session on April 1, Drones was seen wearing sweats and not practicing. While Pry did not speak with the media that week, the program initially labeled it a “load management” decision, suggesting it was merely a rest day. With the Hokies’ spring game scheduled for April 12 at Lane Stadium, Drones will now officially miss the remaining practices.
Drones had a solid campaign in 2024, starting nine games and throwing for 1,562 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also added 336 rushing yards and six scores. However, injuries hampered the end of his season — including an MCL issue, turf toe, and a stress fracture — which caused him to miss four of the final five games.
Heading into spring, Drones appeared close to returning to full strength. Coach Pry previously praised his performance during winter workouts, noting his competitiveness and physical readiness.
“He looks like his old self,” Pry said on March 18. “In winter workouts, we pit players against each other in different challenges — sled pushes, agility drills — and Kyron was dominant. He had one of the best winning records in those matchups.”
This spring has been a critical period of development for both the program and Drones, who is learning the new offensive system under recently hired coordinator Philip Montgomery. The Hokies are optimistic that Drones can return to the level he showed during the 2023 season, when he passed for 2,085 yards, rushed for 818 yards, and totaled 22 touchdowns over 11 starts.
With Drones out for the spring, the focus now shifts to the rest of Virginia Tech’s quarterback depth chart. Redshirt sophomore Pop Watson (5-11, 201) is expected to lead the group. Watson filled in during the final three games last season, throwing for 481 yards, including a standout performance against Virginia, where he went 14-of-21 for 254 yards.
Behind Watson, the Hokies’ quarterback room is filled with youth. Redshirt freshman Davi Belfort (5-11, 196) and true freshmen A.J. Brand (6-2, 210) and Kelden Ryan (6-2, 195) are the remaining signal-callers. With Drones sidelined, Watson and Belfort will likely get most of the attention in the upcoming spring game.
Although Drones’ absence is a short-term setback, Virginia Tech remains confident in his return and development heading into the summer.
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