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2025 Fall Camp Notebook: Drones Shines on First Day of Camp

By Ryan Castle | July 31
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Devin Alves shows his hops at his new WR position (via @hokiesfb on Instagram)

It was not the beginning to Fall Camp that Brent Pry was expecting, but after a slow start to the first practice of the season, Pry says the “energy was way better the second half of practice”. Coach Pry and the Hokies will try to get off to a better start to the season with a pair of SEC opponents to open the year. 

To try and turn the tide after a disappointing 6-7 season, Pry brings in two new coordinators and reinforcements from the high school ranks and the transfer portal. One of the transfers Pry highlighted was former Pitt safety Jordan Bass, who is now listed at safety.

The former top tier recruit from the 757 Bass is joined in the safety room by Brennan Johnson, also switching over from linebacker. Pry says Noah Jenkins swapped the other way and joins the linebacker corp.

"You wouldn't expect them to be so close and the fellowship to be so good"

— Brent Pry on the team's chemistry despite roster turnover

With almost half the roster being flipped over from last season, Pry says the team is meshing together well. He says the staff prioritized team building this offseason just as much as on-field scheme and physical and mental toughness this offseason. 

Pry highlighted quarterback Kyron Drones as one of the top performers of the day, saying he looked sharp and rhythmic. I asked Coach about Drones as he tries to bounce back under new Offensive Coordinator Philip Montgomery after a season marred by injuries 

"We've tried to slow him down, to be cautious and to minimize reps and he hasn't been interested in that, to be honest. We had some reps that weren't his reps today that he wouldn't come out... He's worked tremendously hard to get back" 

— Pry on quarterback Kyron Drones

Coach Pry also addressed some off-the-field news, including the allegations of tampering made by NC Central’s head coach last week. Pry says he is “not concerned” and that the university vetted it and researched the issue. Pry says he is confident with where the program is on the matter, and that he is not aware of any potential disciplinary measures that could come from it.  Pry concluded his thoughts on the allegations by saying, “I know that our university vets those types of things very seriously and takes them very seriously.” 

Pry wrapped up the presser with his thoughts on some news that broke earlier in the day that the Hokies will no longer be playing ODU in Norfolk:

We’ll be back at practice on Monday to bring you the latest from Fall Camp. Until then, check out Billy Ray's breakdown some ACC win totals for this coming season as well as Sam and Pete from Two Deep talking all about the Tech's mindset going into a pivotal 2025 season. 

Two Deep 2024 Logo Final

I was born into Hokie football, going to my first game at just 3 months old. My greatest memory in Lane came in 2009, when Danny Coale caught the ball down the sideline to set up the game winning TD (“Tyrod did it Mikey!”)

I was born in Woodbridge, VA but raised in Blacksburg. I played high school football there before continuing my academic and athletic career at Christopher Newport University.

This is my first season with the Sons covering Tech football. I am excited to be in Lane, covering the team I love. Go Hokies!

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