As Virginia Tech football kicks off its fall camp, a significant focal point for the Hokies isn’t just starting quarterback Kyron Drones, but the pivotal competition unfolding for the backup signal-caller position. This often-overlooked battle holds immense importance for the Hokies, especially considering Drones’ injury history, which underscored the critical need for a reliable second-string option in previous seasons.
Last year, circumstances forced Virginia Tech to rely on both Collin Schlee, who has since departed, and Pop Watson when Drones was sidelined, highlighting the depth challenge. With Schlee no longer on the roster, the spotlight now shines brightly on the ongoing contest between the maturing Pop Watson and newly acquired transfer Garret Rangel, intensifying the backup quarterback stakes for the upcoming season.
Hokies head coach Brent Pry recently offered a brief yet insightful update on the hotly contested position after a practice session. Pry acknowledged the dual progress of both contenders, stating, “I don’t know, they both made plays today.” His comments underscore the competitive nature of the training camp and the immediate impact both quarterbacks are having.
Delving into their individual strengths, Pry highlighted Pop Watson’s innate playmaking ability, noting, “Pop’s got some great instincts and can turn something into or nothing into something.” This speaks to Watson’s natural football acumen and his capacity to extend plays and create opportunities even when situations seem bleak, a valuable asset for any Virginia Tech Football team.
Conversely, Coach Pry praised Garret Rangel’s arm talent, observing, “Rangel’s got a whip man, I mean, he can get it in the hole.” This suggests Rangel possesses a strong, accurate arm capable of delivering precise passes, a characteristic that could significantly bolster the Hokies’ aerial attack under pressure and provide a different dynamic to the offense.
Rangel’s journey to the Hokies included three seasons at Oklahoma State, with his most extensive playing time coming in 2022. During that season, he amassed 711 passing yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions, completing 51% of his passes. Pro Football Focus (PFF) recorded him for 229 snaps in 2022, where he earned an overall offensive grade of 49.0, providing a statistical baseline for his collegiate performance.
Although his statistics from Stillwater may not be immediately eye-catching, Rangel brings valuable experience from a Power Five conference. His potential integration into Phillip Montgomery’s offensive scheme at Virginia Tech could unlock greater efficiency and effectiveness, suggesting that his skill set might be better suited to the Hokies’ system than his previous one, making him a compelling candidate in this backup quarterback battle.
As the fall camp progresses, the competition between Garret Rangel and Pop Watson will undoubtedly remain a crucial storyline for Virginia Tech. The outcome of this contest will not only determine who serves as the primary understudy to Kyron Drones but could also significantly influence the team’s strategic flexibility and overall performance throughout the challenging ACC Football schedule ahead.
