ACC Media Days was in full effect on Tuesday, with Virginia Tech quarterback Kyron Drones speaking with reporters in Charlotte.
Drones returns at the quarterback position comes after taking over as the starter two games into the season. In that time, the Baylor transfer showed substantial growth, completing 58.2% of his passes for 2085 yards and a very impressive 17 touchdowns with only three INTs.
Michael Vick Gives Candid Advice to Kyron Drones
It was likely Drones’ efforts on the ground that have drawn comparisons to the legendary Michael Vick and his time in Blacksburg.
While Drones is much more of a downhill runner, he racked up 818 yards on the ground with five rushing touchdowns and 4.97 yards per carry. He capped the 2023 season with a strong showing and a record-setting performance in the Military Bowl. Against Tulane, he rushed for 176 yards as the Hokies beat the Green Wave, 41-20.
Vick, as many will remember, was one of the most electric players in the history of college football. In his two years as a starter, Vick rushed for 1202 yards and 16 touchdowns, with a career average of 5.7 yards per carry. He also threw for 3074 and 20 touchdowns, but it was his ability to evade defenders and leave them grasping air that most fans remember.
MORE: Michael Vick Headed to College Football Hall of Fame
The former Hokies legend shared some advice with the next up-and-comer, as Drones shared with the media on Tuesday.
“He’s just told me to go out there and be myself,” Drones said.
Simple advice, but it may be just what the Hokies need to improve on the 7-6 mark from last season.
Head coach Brent Pry is entering his third season at the helm in Blacksburg, looking to improve on tying for a fourth-place finish in the ACC last year. Some predict the Hokies to finish in the middle of the pack, but with a bevy of starters returning and the improvement shown by Drones, they may be a sleeper pick by some to finish higher once the season ends.
Internally, it’s clear that Virginia Tech is taking the strong finish to last season in stride. Drones pointed to the advice of coach Pry when discussing the topic of their strong finish at Media Days.
“It’s a good feeling, but like Coach Pry tells us, don’t worry about it,” Drones said. “Last year is last year.”
While Drones downplayed the improvement, there’s no doubt things have turned much more positive for the Hokies. Pry showed improvement in his third year as a head coach after winning just three games in the previous year, and the 5-2 finish with a bowl victory has fans feeling like it’s 2000 all over again, the last year that Vick took snaps under center for the Hokies.
After hearing Kyron Drones on the mic at ACC Media Days, it may just add more fuel to the fan fires in Blacksburg.
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