ESPN NEEWS:Virginia Tech Hokies football has confirmed that quarterback Kyron Drones is stepping down from the… read more

In a surprising announcement today, Virginia Tech Hokies football has confirmed that quarterback Kyron Drones is stepping down from the team, effective immediately. The decision, which has shocked both fans and the coaching staff, comes as a result of personal reasons, though the details surrounding his departure remain private.

Drones, who transferred to Virginia Tech from Baylor University, had been one of the most anticipated additions to the Hokies’ roster for the 2024 season. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound dual-threat quarterback had shown great promise in the spring and fall practices, drawing attention for his strong arm, mobility, and leadership on the field. His decision to leave the program mid-season raises questions about both the immediate future of Virginia Tech’s offense and Drones’ future in football.

In a statement released by the team, head coach Brent Pry expressed his disappointment but also offered his full support to Drones during this difficult time. “We want to thank Kyron for his contributions to our team and for his hard work since arriving at Virginia Tech. While we are saddened to see him step away, we understand and respect his decision,” Pry said. “Kyron is a talented individual both on and off the field, and we wish him nothing but the best as he moves forward with his personal journey.”

Drones’ departure comes after a string of notable performances in the first few games of the season, where he had shown flashes of brilliance. Despite a few struggles with consistency, his potential as the starting quarterback had many hopeful about his future with the Hokies. In his short time with the team, he displayed an ability to extend plays with his legs and make tough throws under pressure, becoming a key part of Virginia Tech’s offensive game plan.

For now, the Hokies will need to make adjustments to their depth chart at quarterback. The backup quarterback, junior Grant Wells, is expected to take over the starting role, with true freshman Jake McNamara also stepping into a more prominent position on the depth chart. Wells has experience as a starter and was expected to compete for the top spot in the offseason, but Drones’ early performances had led many to believe he had the edge.

The Hokies’ quarterback situation is now one of the top storylines as the team moves forward with the remainder of the season. Virginia Tech is in the middle of a challenging ACC schedule, and Drones’ departure leaves a significant hole to fill on the roster. Coaches and players alike will need to rally together to ensure the team remains competitive while dealing with the disruption caused by the unexpected loss of a key player.

While the reasons for Drones’ decision to step down have not been publicly disclosed, the move highlights the growing mental and emotional pressures faced by college athletes today. The demanding nature of Division I sports, combined with the constant scrutiny from fans, media, and coaches, can take a toll on student-athletes, many of whom are still in the process of balancing their academic, athletic, and personal lives.

As the Hokies move forward, the focus will shift to supporting the current quarterbacks on the roster and continuing to develop the team as a whole. Virginia Tech fans will also be hoping that Drones finds the support and peace he needs during this time away from football.

In the meantime, the Hokies will look to regroup as they prepare for their next game, with their quarterback position now a central focus of their preparations.