2023 Virginia Tech Quarterback Preview: The Competition

Chris Coleman

Lead Analyst and Columnist

August 07, 2023 53

In the Virginia Tech quarterback competition, Grant Wells has been the superior passer. (Jon Fleming)

The Virginia Tech quarterback situation has been a hot topic since the offseason. The competition between Grant Wells and Kyron Drones began in the spring and has continued thus far through preseason camp.

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Pop Watson 2023 · QB Dylan Wittke 2023 · QB Kyron Drones 2021 · QB Derrick Canteen 2019 · CB Ali Jennings 2019 · WR Grant Wells 2019 · QB

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2023 Football Position Previews

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53 Comments

joepugh2 August 14, 2023 at 6:57 PM

Based on the comments below I can see that I am in the minority in believing that Wells will make play’s with better players around him. My concern has always been the O-line. We weren’t able to gain short yardage on third downs and pass protection was horrible last year. I rewatched the spring game and was encouraged and we have added talent to the o-lime since then. We have better running backs and receivers without a doubt. Wells will look totally different. My take was he tried to do much because he didn’t have help. I hope we will come back this thread at the end of the season. Drones passing in the spring game was horrible. It is to bad we couldn’t see his running ability. I believe he will get his chances in games but I don’t think he will ever overtake Wells as a starter.
SkykingHokie August 10, 2023 at 6:05 PM

I’m looking at OL as being the key to the season. I wish we had picked up one of the portal OLs out there that were rated highly. If they can play average power-conference level, I think we can have a winning season. If they are in the bottom 20% like last season… it will be another tough year. As always… Go Hokies!
VWhokiehi August 8, 2023 at 11:52 PM

Thanks CC, I think you have made a fair assessment of the two. Small sample size for Drones but he does lack experience. Wells will be better. Comfort in the system, a year more of growth, better WR group, better(?) OL play, better play calling should help. But better is a BIG IF, in all these areas. My guess is this whole competition and splitting reps has never been about who will start on September 2, it’s always been Wells. It’s about having some type of serviceable back-up. It’s the only prudent move to make in today’s game. The competition it appears to me is about having some semblance of an alternative if Wells goes down. And just maybe Drones is ready to take the helm next year if he can hold off Pop.
Two4VT August 8, 2023 at 2:28 PM

Just reduced our win total by 2 after reading this. Bummer, but appreciate the clear view.
MAHist87 August 8, 2023 at 1:54 PM

I remember when skinny flat-chested Trixie McGillicutty left for summer after 7th grade, and then when she returned to school the following fall for 8th grade; Holy Cow! Trixie "blossomed" over the summer! These are kids, college kids, but kids nonetheless. The notion that Wells, or any other young player, is incapable of improving is silly. Why then have coaches? Drones is being coached up for special circumstances and to give us a fighting chance should something happen to Wells. As far as our depending on some aerial assault plan, I for one certainly hope we never to that. Round up some good backs, and especially a good fullback, and pound the ever-loving shit out of the opposition's defense. Once we've established that, then we hit 'em through the air with our tight end corps. It's all about attrition.
MAHist87 August 8, 2023 at 1:17 PM

I remember when skinny flat-chested Trixie McGillicutty left for the summer after 7th grade and then when she returned to school the following fall for 8th grade; Holy Cow! Trixie "blossomed" over the summer! These are kids, college kids, but kids nonetheless. The notion that Wells, or any other young player, is incapable of improving is silly. Why have coaches? Drones is being coached up for special circumstances and to give us a fighting chance should something happen to Wells. As far as our depending on some aerial assault plan, I for one certainly hope we never to that. Round up some good backs, and especially a good fullback, and pound the ever-loving shit out of the opposition's defense. Once we've established that, then we hit 'em through the air with our tight end corps. It's all about controlling the clock and attrition.
jfhokie August 8, 2023 at 12:58 PM

Boy the pessimism. Wells is probably going to be the guy and with better personnel and more options I think 6-6 or better looks realistic. OL needs to stay healthy though
aint2Hokie4me August 8, 2023 at 11:33 AM

"One thing we can quantify is what Wells is capable of doing in the running game if you throw out sacks." Throw the ball away. An incompletion is better than a sack. I know it hurts his passing stats, but sacks hurt the team.
vtsquirm August 8, 2023 at 10:27 AM

Probably need to reset expectations for this year based on this assessment. The honest assessment is appreciated about the QB play during the offseason. Also worth noting, Drones athleticism is not so far advanced that he justify multiple turnovers per game. I seem to remember the defense in the spring game giving him absolute fits. Think what a strong defense like Pitt might do.
TreySmith14 August 8, 2023 at 9:58 AM

If VT wants mediocrity and a disappointed fan base than Wells is the clear #1 option. Wells is an easy selection that knows the plays and will lead us to a middle of the pack ACC team. If VT wants to establish a new identity and do some of the things Pry keeps preaching than turning the page to Drones is the best option. To even consider Wells like we are some air raid offense is laughable. At this point I don’t care who throws better, give me the mobile, more talented quarterback and keep us in ballgames. 1) keep the defense of the field 2) utilize the running game more to bring along the OLINE (biggest concern), and 3) play towards the strength of hokie football with good special teams, great defense and winning the games we should.
1. The_Phew August 8, 2023 at 12:49 PM
  
  The problem is that throwing interceptions doesn't "keep the defense off the field". Apparently Wells can run better than Drones can complete passes to his own team, which makes the decision pretty easy for the coaching staff.
2. Blake843 August 8, 2023 at 1:43 PM
  
  If Drones can’t throw the ball then he definitely won’t be able to run the ball with every team loading the box. The transfer side receivers are going to make the world of difference for Wells and in turn open up the run game this year.
farmville hokie August 8, 2023 at 9:10 AM

Thinking the play of our OL might be a key factor in our decision over who should be playing QB. Similar to Tyrod’s second season. We began with the plan to play Glennon and redshirt TT. But when the line didn’t hold up we were forced to play the guy with mobility TT. Really not Glennon’s fault. If we can protect Wells and add in a solid running game he has a chance to prove his self. But if not then possibly the mobile Drones is our best play.
Wtcarter12 August 8, 2023 at 8:01 AM

Wells looked like the clear cut starter in the spring game. We have to be realistic about drones and how coming into a completely new system is going to take time. Tyler Bowen concerns me as a play caller.
TOUGH TURKEY August 8, 2023 at 7:30 AM

Wells will be our starter so we should wish him a super season. I think he is very limited and VT will only win the 50-50 games if the running game shows some life. We are looking hopefully at a 6-6 season with the slate lined up this year IF Wells raises his performance to average. I see the future as being much brighter. The talent coming in will get VT back to being at least mid to upper pack in the ACC. If any of the Qbs really start to shine (Pop maybe?), VT can get back into the conversation of playing for at least an ACC (or B12?) championship. I have lowered my expectations and just trying to enjoy the ride!
mcannaday August 8, 2023 at 7:18 AM

I am really hoping the light comes on for Wells. He can look great at times, and then not so great. He doesn’t have the drive and will to finish plays like some of our previous quarterbacks. I noticed he would run out of bounds only needing a yard for a first down, and then we were Punting. Receivers can definitely make the quarterback look better with big plays. I don’t understand why the coaches would not give Drones a shot at running back with his physicality? You must get your best players on the field!
1. HokieDelNorte August 8, 2023 at 9:23 AM
  
  Because they will load the box if no passing threat.
Hokie67 August 8, 2023 at 6:55 AM

automatically demote him to #2. Using that logic - how many other players on O, D and Special Teams should be demoted to 2nd team? Hmmm. And - where are these 1st teamers gonna come from?
HokieCrazy1994 August 7, 2023 at 10:04 PM

In my opinion, this is a prime example of where not being able to blow out bad teams creates issues for us. When we were really good, we'd have developmental players getting good real-game reps for a quarter or even a half of lopsided games, which helps in evaluating and developing younger players. We have been unable to do that on a consistent basis for nearly 10 years, and creates a hard cycle to get out of. We absolutely need to start blowing out bad teams, again!! This is one the keys to turning around our program!
HokieKanger August 7, 2023 at 9:19 PM

Well's performance last year should automatically demote him to #2. Doesn't matter how great he is in practice, guy can't play in games.
1. Waxhaw Hokie August 8, 2023 at 2:21 AM
  
  Behind who? Drones??
  1. Hokie1992 August 8, 2023 at 6:34 AM
    
    Right. As noted by CC, from what he’s seen and heard, wells is the better overall QB at this point. Drones is a sophomore. The goal for him in 23 should be to back up wells and give some run package options. But the qb1 job is for wells to lose. Let’s hope he doesn’t because then it’s an ugly year
2. Hokie67 August 8, 2023 at 6:54 AM
  
  automatically demote him to #2. Using that logic - how many other players on O, D and Special Teams should be demoted to 2nd team? Hmmm. And - where are these 1st teamers gonna come from?
cdogvt August 7, 2023 at 8:13 PM

I think the staff lost trust in Wells. He fell apart in key moments and seems like someone that plays well in practice but struggles when the lights come on. Hope we have better QB play to take advantage of our improved talent but think we will be so so again this year. I may be wrong but next year, I would put my money on Watson. Seems like a gamer, has good mobility, and throwing skill. Wells is at his peak and don’t think he is an acc caliber QB. Drones may have too many years to make up competing with others that have a lot more experience. QB play requires so many nuanced skills and my view is some have it, some don’t, and the spring game and his early results are so so. More so, not confident we have the staff the develop the talent we do have and get. I hope I am wrong and Wells’ bad play was being new to the system, that the light bulb goes off for Drones, and the best of the two wins. But No faith that we are beyond bottom quarter of ACC play from our QB room right now.
VAHokie89 August 7, 2023 at 8:02 PM

Is then spliitting the reps this way hurting Wells?
134083Hokie August 7, 2023 at 7:51 PM

I believe Drones is getting some reps now at Tight End.
1. MDHokie79 August 8, 2023 at 8:35 AM
  
  TE, at 5-11 and skinny? Really?
  1. Chris Coleman August 8, 2023 at 9:01 AM
    
    Drones is 6-2, 231. You are thinking of Watson, who is 5-11, 176.
Hokiefied August 7, 2023 at 7:21 PM

You’ve seen 16% of Drones’ practices. Statistically speaking that’s a likely good enough to draw an inference and it’s supported with anecdotal evidence. Wells is going to be the guy. His rushing while not spectacular, if he can replicate last year will be good enough. The stats bear that out. You take your 4th year starter, get off the QB flavor of the day merry-go-round that the previous coaching staff condemned you to, and stick with him unless he becomes an INT machine. It’s boring but it’s also the path of the lowest risk and this team needs to minimize risk.
gemrooty August 7, 2023 at 7:15 PM

Thanks for the thoughtful and reasoned analysis, Chris. We are all unapologetic Hokie fans here. But it's nice that you're not attempting to blow smoke up our collective booties. We can have adequate to good quarterback play this year if the other pieces are in place.
khakiblue August 7, 2023 at 5:23 PM

Think opposing teams will no trouble scheming Tech.
MPopelka August 7, 2023 at 4:44 PM

Base level reading, but this seems like a 2007 situation with Sean Glennon and Tyrod. Glennon, the vet, had a better passing reputation while Tyrod was a younger, more explosive runner who needed time to develop their passing.
1. atlhokie1 August 7, 2023 at 10:51 PM
  
  Glennon >>>>>>>>> Wells. Wells makes poor decisions.
  1. Hokie1992 August 8, 2023 at 6:35 AM
    
    And Tyrod >>>>>> then drones.
    1. mdriver August 9, 2023 at 4:17 PM
      
      Enough said, unfortunately.
VaPoly07 August 7, 2023 at 4:38 PM

I’m sorry, what exactly does grant wells have in the passing game? Last year he was absolutely atrocious. I will be disappointed if he’s our starter. He is not a “gamer” whatsoever.
1. frankyfrankerson August 7, 2023 at 4:44 PM
  
  If everything was dysfunctional around a decent qb; what would it look like?
2. HokieLT276 August 7, 2023 at 5:29 PM
  
  Wells had his problems last year for sure, but I think the cause of his poor play mainly resided with the coaching staff. The play calling was horrible.
  1. PennaHokie August 7, 2023 at 6:45 PM
    
    So what changed???
  2. HokiePride August 7, 2023 at 10:02 PM
    
    When receivers can’t get open and the OL can’t block anybody, how is a QB (or running back, for that matter) supposed to have success?
3. Sportn August 7, 2023 at 5:44 PM
  
  Last year the offense was snake bitten and constantly playing long yardage situations with an OL that couldn't seem to figure out the snap count. It was a mess. I give Grant a mulligan on last year.
4. moneal August 7, 2023 at 6:56 PM
  
  At least he was better than Burrmeister
5. TimmyBarkVT August 7, 2023 at 7:59 PM
  
  +1 - Wells looked really bad last year. No accurately on deep balls, no touch on short & intermediate routes, stared down primary receivers, etc. But I’m optimistic and can’t wait to be proven wrong!
6. Waxhaw Hokie August 8, 2023 at 2:23 AM
  
  Then who is your starter? Not Drones?
George Baylor August 7, 2023 at 4:13 PM

CC, thank you for your honest and fair assessment of our two QB.'s: If WELLS = PASS and DRONES = RUN, it makes it very easy for the defense. If Wells & Drones can't both pass & run effectively we are in for another 3-5 win season, not what HOKIELAND is about. GO HOKIES, beat ODU!!
HokiesandHerd August 7, 2023 at 3:53 PM

I could see an Anthony Boone/Brandon Connette type situation with Wells and Drones, respectively. Boone handled most of the passing for Duke in 2012 and 2013 while Connette came in at the goal line and mostly ran. Connette had 14 rushing TDs in 2013, the year they made the ACC championship. Boone threw 322 passes that season to Connette's 145, though, and I doubt we throw that much, especially Drones in the Connette role. This is also per Sports Reference which has given me inaccurate stats in the past.
frankyfrankerson August 7, 2023 at 3:38 PM

Wells comparison (over the season) doesn’t consider 1 less game (UVA). Seems like it makes perfext sense to use drones to reduce wear and tear on wells (obvious rushing plays, maybe 1-2 sets of down a game). hopefully in garbage time they could let drones throw a few passes… Wells still seems like he has a decent ceiling - i.e. beating middle of the pack acc teams
1. reconhokie August 7, 2023 at 5:50 PM
  
  Let’s be Frank
jagerhokie August 7, 2023 at 3:34 PM

How long before we start the Drones should move to tight end or lb as he might be a great athlete out of position….Cam Chancellor, Logan Thomas etc…its a tough conversation but hopefully our coaches move players to their best positions for their talent ✌️
1. MYNAMEISHOKIE August 7, 2023 at 4:45 PM
  
  Lol it's WAY too early to even be *thinking* about talking about a full-time position shift for Drones, calm down. I think you have AT LEAST another full season before something like that would even be a slight possibility...the guy hasn't even had a full camp to get in sync with the rest of the team and the playbook, they're not going to just say "Well, guess you're not a QB!" and shift him to some other position if he couldn't beat out Wells in his first year.
  1. jagerhokie August 7, 2023 at 7:39 PM
    
    Yep ?….agree …wasn’t talking about me ✌️?
astrohokiebob August 7, 2023 at 3:27 PM

Thanks for the level-headed article. Everything you mentioned makes sense to me. Looking forward to the season kick-off.
Hokeedokee August 7, 2023 at 3:17 PM

Well...that is sorta underwhelming, but kudos for the info and the honesty Not sure we're going to have a significantly better season this year vs last with what Pry has to put on the field, so IMHO hang on the your Hokie hats and hope we get some BIG and POSITIVE surprises this Fall. IMHO we're going to need them!!

2023 Virginia Tech Quarterback Preview: The Competition

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