Hokie ClubCHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has announced that Virginia Tech football student-athletes quarterback Kyron Drones, cornerback Dorian Strong and defensive lineman Antwaun Powell-Ryland will join Head Coach Brent Pry at the ACC Football Kickoff on July 23.
For the first time ever, the ACC Football Kickoff will span four full days of interviews, from July 22nd to 25th, at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown in Charlotte, North Carolina. The ACC Network will provide live coverage throughout the event, beginning at 9 a.m. ET each day. In addition to ACCN’s coverage, there will be a special edition of ACC Huddle on Monday, July 22, at 8 p.m. ET, airing on ESPN2. Fans can also follow the event on hokiesports.com and the Hokiesports app.
All eyes are on Pry, who has been named to the Preseason Watch List for the 2024 Dodd Trophy. This prestigious list features 21 of the nation's top college football coaches from all Power Four conferences and an independent. Entering his third season as head coach, Pry led the Hokies to notable achievements during the 2023 season, including a 5-3 ACC record, their best conference performance since 2019. The Hokies were also one of only eight Power Five teams to secure five conference wins by 17 or more points. Additionally, they finished in the top 20 nationally in total defense and improved their total offense ranking from 119th in 2022 to 58th.
Drones (6-2, 234)
The Pearland, Texas native is set to begin his second season as a starter, entering as a redshirt junior. Drones is poised to be one of the most versatile quarterbacks of the 2024 season, ranking fourth on CBS Sports' list of college football's top 12 most dynamic quarterbacks. The dual-threat quarterback wrapped up the 2023 season playing in all 13 games, starting in 11 of them. He amassed 2,084 passing yards, 17 passing touchdowns and 818 rushing yards. Drones capped off the season by earning the Military Bowl MVP title, breaking both Virginia Tech and Military Bowl records with 176 rushing yards in a commanding 41-20 victory over Tulane.
Strong (6-0, 185)
The fifth-year standout has garnered numerous accolades during his tenure at Virginia Tech, most recently securing a spot on Pro Football Focus' (PFF) top 10 returning cornerbacks for 2024 and On3’s top 100 players in college football. The Upper Marlboro, Maryland native started all 13 games in the 2023 season, recording 25 tackles, eight pass breakups and defending 11 passes with two interceptions. Strong became just the second FBS cornerback since 2014 with over 300 coverage snaps to allow fewer than 10 receptions and less than 100 receiving yards in a season. His impressive performance earned him a place on the 2023 Action Network Second Team All-American and the 2023 All-ACC Third Team.
Powell-Ryland (6-3, 246)
Hailing from Portsmouth, Virginia, Powell-Ryland enters his second season with Virginia Tech after an impressive 2023 campaign. As a redshirt junior, he made 12 starts, recording 40 tackles and 9.5 sacks, ranking second in the ACC and tied for 14th nationally. Additionally, he notched 14.5 tackles for loss (TFLs), placing fifth in the ACC and 24th in the country. His outstanding performance earned him spots on the 2023 All-ACC Second Team and the 2023 Phil Steele Honorable Mention All-American as well as a ranking alongside Strong on On3’s top 100 players in college football.
Experience the excitement of Virginia Tech football by catching Drones, Strong and Powell-Ryland in action this fall. Secure your season tickets today and witness the action and electrifying atmosphere of Lane Stadium.