Hokies Poised for Greatness: A Preview of the 2024 Season
Blacksburg, VA - As the 2024 season begins, the Virginia Tech Hokies football team, led by head coach Brent Pry, is focused on reestablishing itself as a force in the ACC. Entering his third season, Pry is determined to build on the program’s defensive tradition while making strides in offensive consistency. Key returner, quarterback Kyron Drones will play a pivotal role in the Hokies' quest to improve from recent rebuilding years. With a passionate fan base and the second easiest schedule in the ACC, Virginia Tech is eager to regain its competitive edge and return to ACC Championship contention. The Hokies aim to take significant steps forward in what promises to be a critical season for the program's resurgence.
Offense Preview:
Kyron Drones was the difference maker for the Hokies. The Baylor transfer, in 11 starts, accounted for 22 touchdowns and rejuvenated the running game. There are a ton of returning starts for the Hokies offense and should be able to keep up with scoring among the best teams in the ACC. The wide receiver room is finally getting healthy, they have their workhorse running back, and as long as the OL can improve, the sky's the limit for this electric offense.
Defense Preview:
For the first time since 2017, the defense finished the year ranked in the top 20 nationally. They ranked fourth nationally in passing yards allowed, 168.8 yards per game. Similar to the offense, they have key pieces returning and they filled in the gaps from the transfer portal. There is not a weak position group anywhere on the field. Don’t be surprised when this defense is able to finish inside the top 20, once again.
Top Returning Players:
Kyron Drones QB - Drones did not initially win the QB job at the start of the season but made the most of his opportunities when he got the chance. After taking the job from Grant Wells, Drones threw for over 2,000 yards and ran for over 800.
Antwuan Powell-Ryland LB - After leading the team in tackles for loss, 14.5, and sacks, 9.5, Powell-Ryland is in for another season with the Hokies. After his stellar season, teams are going to have to pay more attention to this guy.
Bhayshul Tuten RB - Tuten was a big part of their 23rd-best rushing attack in the country. The Hokies leading rusher returns for one more season in Blacksburg.
Ali Jennings III WR - Jennings III is entering his sixth season of college football. Injuries have plagued his playing time but he still has an incredible amount of talent to be displayed. After only playing two games last season, Hokie faithful are very excited to see him healthy.
Top Incoming Transfers:
Aeneas Peebles DT - Peebles was selected to the 2023 PFF All-ACC First Team. He was the co-leader in TFL’s, 8.5, and ranked second in sacks, four. Duke will miss his ability to fill the gaps on the defensive line and Virginia Tech is glad to have him.
Kelvin Gilliam Jr. DL - Gilliam Jr. is transferring into VT after spending three seasons at Oklahoma. He didn’t get a lot of playing time at OU so he was looking for a change. He’s gonna provide depth to a very dangerous defensive line.
Top Incoming Freshman:
Gabe Williams S - The only four-star recruit joining the Hokies is Gabe Williams. According to 247sports, Williams is the 15th-ranked linebacker in the nation. He might not get the amount of playing time right away, but his time will come after learning the system and spending time in the weight room.
Top Departures:
Pheldarius Payne DT - In his first season after transferring from Nebraska, he posted a career-best 31 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and four sacks. It was a good enough season for Payne to find himself on an NFL roster.
Under-the-Radar Players:
Jaylin Lane & Da'Quan Felton (WRs) - Hokie faithful should be excited about this one-two punch. CBS scouting services have projected that both Lane and Felton could go in the top three rounds of next year’s NFL Draft. Felton led the team with 667 yards and ranked third in the ACC with an average of 17.6 yards per catch. Lane had a team-high 41 catches and has elite speed to get away from defenders.
John Love K - Love is one of nine Hokies to be selected for the preseason All-ACC team. He has an absolute cannon of a leg and has excellent accuracy. Last season, he was 44/44 on XP’s and 22/24 on FG’s.
Win Total Prediction:
The Virginia Tech Hokies 2024 win total opened up at 7.5 but has jumped up and is now at 8.5. I’m going to follow Vegas here and take the over on their wins total. As I mentioned before, they have the second easiest conference schedule and have nine players selected to the preseason All-ACC team. Not to mention, they have 22 returning players across all three phases of the game. They should open the season at 4-0 and then play at a highly-ranked Miami squad. That matchup will be extremely entertaining to watch. The winner of that game will have a leg up on the rest of the ACC and could be the tie-breaker that gets them into the ACC Championship. The Hokies are going to be a formidable opponent in the ACC, without a doubt.
