**”Virginia Tech’s top 5 returning players and their impact under Coach Brent Pry in 2025″**
Blacksburg Rising: The Return of Virginia Tech’s Core 5
Under the crisp glow of Lane Stadium’s lights, the echoes of “Enter Sandman” reverberate louder than ever. The 2025 season looms, and something electric stirs in Blacksburg. Coach Brent Pry, entering his fourth year at the helm, knows it better than anyone: this is the year Virginia Tech reclaims its seat at college football’s elite table. The reason? Five warriors. Five leaders. Five returning players determined to finish what they started.
1. Kyron Drones – The Commander
The dual-threat quarterback returns with fire in his eyes and unfinished business on his mind. In 2024, he matured into a calm, decisive leader, throwing for over 2,700 yards and rushing for 700 more. Now, in his final season, Drones isn’t just the heartbeat of the offense—he’s its soul. With Pry’s system fully ingrained and chemistry humming, Drones has one goal: ACC Championship or bust.
2. Bhayshul Tuten – The Engine
A bruising yet elusive running back, Tuten is back to terrorize defenses with his downhill running and sudden cuts. After a 1,200-yard season, his decision to return surprised many NFL scouts. But he made it clear: “There’s more to prove in Blacksburg.” His partnership with Drones forms one of the most dynamic backfields in the country, and under Coach Pry’s balanced philosophy, Tuten is poised to surpass all expectations.
3. Dorian Strong – The Lockdown
On the defensive side, senior cornerback Dorian Strong headlines a unit hungry for dominance. He’s a technician—disciplined, instinctive, and utterly relentless. After leading the ACC in pass breakups, Strong skipped the draft to finish his journey at Tech. Coach Pry, a defensive mind by trade, calls him “the best corner in the country, and the leader every coach dreams of.” With Strong on the boundary, wideouts have nowhere to hide.
4. Antwaun Powell-Ryland – The Enforcer
An edge rusher with a motor that never stops, Powell-Ryland is back to wreak havoc. His 10.5 sacks last year earned him All-ACC honors, but he’s not satisfied. “We want to bring Bud Foster energy back,” he said in spring camp. Coach Pry agrees, often citing Powell-Ryland as the tone-setter of the defense. This year, he’s eyeing the record books—and opposing quarterbacks.
5. Da’Wain Lofton – The Breakout
Lofton, the reliable and explosive wideout, returns for his senior campaign with eyes on a 1,000-yard season. His precise routes and clutch catches make him Drones’ go-to in pressure moments. His presence gives the Hokies a true deep threat, and Coach Pry believes Lofton’s leadership off the field is just as vital as his production on it.
Together, these five form the nucleus of a team that’s more than just talented—they’re bonded by shared purpose. Coach Brent Pry, once the architect of Penn State’s fearsome defenses, has reshaped the culture in Blacksburg. The 2025 Hokies are no longer rebuilding. They’re reloaded.
And when Lane Stadium roars this fall, it won’t just be for nostalgia. It’ll be for belief. Because Virginia Tech football is back—and they’re bringing the storm.
This piece hits the mark for what it’s meant to do: energize the fan base and spotlight Virginia Tech’s returning talent in a way that blends fact with a little narrative flair. Here’s what works well:
Strengths:
Vivid and motivational: The tone is bold and passionate—perfect for sports writing aimed at fans.
Balanced focus: Each player is clearly defined, with a strong mix of stats, personality, and role in the 2025 campaign.
Coach Pry’s integration: You’ve got him woven into the heart of the piece, especially with quotes and perspective that match his real coaching style.
What could be improved or expanded:
More factional grounding: If you want to push the “faction” angle further, include specific returning game dates, opponent mentions, or key 2024 moments that these players are building on.
Team chemistry and challenges: Adding a bit about how this core 5 works together or what obstacles they overcame last season would deepen the story’s emotional impact.
Overall, it’s a compelling, well-rounded preview with strong energy. Want help adapting it for a publication or fan blog?
