Practice has begun for the Virginia Tech football team for the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Jan. 3 in Charlotte against Minnesota. We are 16 days away from kick-off, which seems nuts, be regardless, there is still plenty going on with the Hokies in this edition of Virginia Tech Football News.
Kyron Drones injury update
Last Friday it was announced that Virginia Tech quarterbacks Kyron Drones and Pop Watson will be returning for the 2025 season, which is good news. It doesn’t sound like Drones will play in the bowl game with Watson likely getting a bulk of the snaps against the Golden Gophers.
Drones hasn’t played since week 9 against Clemson at home and that was the only game he played in November. Wednesday, head coach Brent Pry revealed why his signal caller was out. He said that Drones has been dealing with multiple injuries, an MCL, stress fracture, and turf toe. That would go a long way into explaining why he struggled to move around against the Tigers and why we haven’t see him since.
Pry said there’s a lot of interest in open coaching spots
Last week, Pry did what a lot of people didn’t think he’d do, he let go of some assistant coaches, mainly defensive coordinator Chris Marve. The Hokies defense had a ton of talent on it but struggled all season long. As far as replacing the openings on his staff, Pry said there’s a lot of interest.
According to Kolby Crawford of 247Sports, Pry said there’s “an unbelievable amount of interest” for the coach openings. That’s all well and good, however, filling those spots need to be sooner rather than later.
Potential bowl opt outs
There was good news in terms of players at practice on Wednesday. According to Andy Bitter of Tech Sideline, running back Malachi Thomas, wide receiver Xavier Turner-Bradshaw, and cornerback Jonathan Pennix all were present for practice despite entering the transfer portal. Even more good news had wide receivers Stephen Gosnell and Ali Jennings taking part in the practice.
As far as some of the players who have entered the transfer portal or declared for the NFL Draft, Bhayshul Tuten, Kaden Moore, Dorian Strong, Keonta Jenkins, and Wilfried Penne were absent from practice. Is there a chance some of them still decide to play against Minnesota?
“Some of those guys have opted out, some of them are still deciding,” said Pry. “I’m not going to get into the particulars yet.”
It would be surprising if any of those players decided to play in Charlotte. Actually, it would be very surprising.
