Virginia Tech is experiencing “slow improvements,” according to an unnamed ACC football coach. However, the pressing question remains: Is this progress sufficient for the Hokies to retain head coach Brent Pry in the long term?
Current Assessment of Virginia Tech Football
The overall sentiment throughout the league indicates that the situation in Blacksburg isn’t up to expectations. “It’s harder than it ever was,” the coach explained to Athlon Sports. “However, if you bring the right person into the program, success will follow.” This raises a pivotal query: Can Brent Pry be that person? After all, he embodies the essence of Virginia Tech football.
Roster Improvements Under Brent Pry
The anonymous coach pointed out that Virginia Tech’s roster is currently in a better state than when Brent Pry first took the helm. Notably, the skill position players, including quarterback Kyron Drones, have shown marked improvement. These developments have stirred optimism among fans and analysts alike regarding the Hokies’ potential future.
Quarterback Kyron Drones: A Mixed Bag
Kyron Drones has completed his second season as the Hokies’ starting quarterback, accruing 1,562 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Additionally, he contributed 336 rushing yards and six touchdowns, becoming the team’s second-leading rusher. Despite these figures, it’s worth noting that his performance declined compared to his sophomore season in 2023.
Consistency and Performance Challenges
The anonymous coach described Drones’ play as “wildly different game-to-game,” highlighting both his talent and inconsistency. “Turn on the tape, and you see an extremely high level of talent but also an extremely high level of inconsistency,” he said. With offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery at the helm, questions arise about whether the team will maintain a run-heavy approach or shift towards a more spread-out offensive scheme in the coming season.
Strengths and Challenges in the Rushing Game
In 2024, Virginia Tech excelled in the rushing department, accumulating 2,319 rushing yards and ranking fifth in the ACC. However, this strength is tempered by the loss of their leading rusher, Bhayshul Tuten, who has entered the NFL. The next closest running back on the roster managed fewer than 200 yards last season, placing added pressure on the team to fill this crucial void.
2024 Season Overview
Virginia Tech wrapped up the 2024 regular season with a 6-7 record, securing bowl eligibility for the second consecutive year. Under Pry’s leadership, the Hokies hold a 16-21 overall record, with a 10-13 mark against ACC competition. As they transition into 2025, expectations and scrutiny will be high.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season
As Virginia Tech prepares for the 2025 season, a strong start is crucial. The Hokies face a daunting opener against a South Carolina team eager to make its mark in the College Football Playoff race. Following that, they will host Vanderbilt, continuing a challenging SEC stretch. Virginia Tech will kick off ACC play in Week 5 on the road against NC State, setting the stage for what could be a defining season for Brent Pry and his squad.
Virginia Tech Football: Progress Under Coach Brent Pry
As the Virginia Tech Hokies prepare for another football season, reports suggest that the team is experiencing gradual improvements. However, the pivotal question remains: will these enhancements be sufficient to secure the long-term future of head coach Brent Pry?
Current State of the Hokies
According to insights from an anonymous ACC football coach, while Virginia Tech is not yet at the desired competitive level, there are signs of progress. The coach emphasized the importance of finding the right leadership, stating that if the Hokies can secure the right fit, “you’re gonna roll.” Brent Pry’s connection to the Virginia Tech program may provide a foundation for future success.
Roster Improvements Under Pry
The anonymous source noted that the Hokies’ roster has improved since Pry’s arrival. Notably, the talent at skill positions has developed, alongside significant contributions from quarterback Kyron Drones. These advancements are crucial as the team aims to bolster its offensive strategy for the upcoming season.
Kyron Drones: A Mixed Bag
Kyron Drones, finishing his second season as the starting quarterback, threw for 1,562 yards, racking up 10 touchdown passes against six interceptions. His ability to run the ball also shone through, with 336 rushing yards and six additional touchdowns. However, his statistics reflect a decline compared to his sophomore season, prompting discussions about his consistency and potential for growth.
Offensive Strategy: Run or Spread?
Coaches are increasingly scrutinizing Drones’ performance and game-to-game variability. The discussion centers around whether offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery will implement a run-heavy approach or opt for a more spread-out offensive scheme to further develop Drones’ capabilities. These tactical choices could define the Hokies’ performance in the near future.
Challenges in the Rushing Game
Virginia Tech excelled in their rushing game last season, finishing with 2,319 rushing yards—ranked fifth in the ACC. However, the departure of star running back Bhayshul Tuten to the NFL raises questions about the effectiveness of the run game moving forward. With the closest returning running back tallying under 200 yards last season, the Hokies will need to find new talent to fill the void.
2024 Season Summary
The Hokies concluded the 2024 season with a 6-7 record, securing a bowl game appearance for the second consecutive year. Coach Pry’s overall record stands at 16-21, with a 10-13 mark within the ACC. These statistics reflect the uphill battle Pry faces in establishing a solid foundation for the program.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the Hokies gear up for the 2025 season, they aim for a strong start. The first challenge comes in Week 1 against a formidable South Carolina team, keen on making waves in the College Football Playoff conversation. Following this challenge, Virginia Tech will continue to face SEC opponents, starting with Vanderbilt in their home opener and an ACC matchup against NC State in Week 5.
With the future of Virginia Tech football hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on Coach Brent Pry and his efforts to lead the Hokies to renewed success on the gridiron.
