The 2024 Spring Game is just about here for Virginia Tech amidst an offseason with a buzz around the Hokies' football program unlike anything we've seen in at least several years after a strong finish to the 2023 season and impressive roster retention. So with that said, here is my look at the top storylines entering it for the Hokies.
1. Where Do Things Stand With The Backup QB Competition?
The quarterback position will usually produce the highest-profile competition and that is one again the case even with Kyron Drones being locked in as QB1 after his strong debut season in Blacksburg.
The focus has been on the backup QB battle this spring between the redshirt freshman duo of Pop Watson and Dylan Wittke with Watson appearing to have the edge from all accounts. Watson has shown more to date between the two quarterbacks and while Wittke may have more upside in some ways given his size and other capabilities, Watson has looked like a guy who could be relied on for the backup QB spot.
With Drones being cemented as QB1, I wonder how many reps Brent Pry and Tyler Bowen may choose to give Watson and Wittke, and wonder if some of those may come with first team guys to see how they would fare if they had to be called upon this fall in that capacity. When you have a team like Tech does, you know you can't afford a QB injury to completely derail your season and this Spring Game will be another test to see if they have a backup QB ready for it between Watson and Wittke.
Now it is important to note that the Hokies did reach out to some quarterbacks during the winter in search of a more experienced backup QB. That include Montana starting QB Clifton McDowell who fit the mold of a Kyron Drones-style QB and has the experience that Watson and Wittke simply don't have given their youth. While that didn't go anywhere, it became clear that the Hokies haven't ruled out bringing in more experience behind Drones.
Following the final spring data point on Saturday, Pry will have a scholarship allocation decision as to whether pursue a veteran backup QB or trust that Watson and Wittke can fill that role well. If Watson and/or Wittke can impress on Saturday, they may give Brent Pry the freedom to use the limited scholarships he'll likely have for the spring transfer portal window elsewhere.
