Five Thoughts the Day After Virginia Tech’s Spring Game
The echoes of “Enter Sandman” have faded, but the energy at Lane Stadium still lingers. Virginia Tech’s 2025 Spring Game offered more than just a scrimmage — it was a glimpse into a team quietly evolving. With the season opener five months away, here are five vivid takeaways that Hokies fans should chew on.
1. Drones Is the Guy — No Doubt
Kyron Drones didn’t just jog onto Worsham Field as QB1 — he owned it. From the opening snap, the junior displayed the dual-threat ability that made him so dangerous last fall. He went 13-for-17 with 192 passing yards and two touchdowns, adding a 37-yard scramble that left defenders flailing. But it wasn’t just the stats — it was his poise, command of the offense, and timing with receivers. Drones looks like a player who knows it’s his team now, and he’s acting like it.
2. The WR Room Is Legit — And Deep
If there’s one unit that stole the show, it’s the wide receiver corps. Ali Jennings made a triumphant return after last year’s season-ending injury, hauling in a 42-yard toe-tap bomb on the sideline. Jaylin Lane was electric in the slot, slicing through zone coverages with ease. But perhaps the biggest surprise was true freshman Jaden Skinner, who caught everything thrown his way, including a one-handed grab that brought the spring crowd to its feet. This unit could quietly become one of the best in the ACC.
3. Defensive Front Seven Showing Teeth
The Hokies’ front seven came to play. Antwaun Powell-Ryland looked like a man on a mission, recording two sacks and a forced fumble that nearly turned into six the other way. Middle linebacker Keli Lawson was everywhere — sideline to sideline, blitzing gaps, and barking out coverages. Brent Pry’s fingerprints are all over this defense, and it’s becoming clear that toughness and speed are back in the Blacksburg DNA.
4. Secondary Needs Refinement
There were moments where the defensive backs looked out of sync. Miscommunications led to a couple of deep completions, and tackling in space was hit-or-miss. While Mansoor Delane continues to be a reliable anchor at corner, the safety group looked shaky at times. That said, it’s April, and these reps are meant to expose weaknesses now — not in September.
5. The Culture Feels Different
Something intangible was in the air — and not just because the sun broke through after a morning drizzle. From the sidelines to the stands, the energy felt… hopeful. Brent Pry’s third spring is showing the kind of cohesion and competitiveness that programs crave. The players look bought in, the coaches focused, and the crowd? Fully behind this group. There’s no flash or hype machine here — just a gritty team with chips on their shoulders and something to prove.
Final Thought
Spring games aren’t definitive, but they’re revealing. What Virginia Tech showcased was a team not just preparing — but building. And if yesterday was any indication, the fall in Blacksburg might be a whole lot louder than anyone expects.
