Why JD PicKell Likes Virginia Tech

After Virginia Tech quarterback Kyron Drones announced his return this offseason, there was little doubt who would be starting behind center for the Hokies. However, the QB2 title was up for grabs.

Collin Schlee and William ‘Pop’ Watson III were the two main competitors for the job. On Wednesday, Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry revealed who will be the team’s backup QB this season.

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“It’s Collin Schlee,” Pry said. “Just performance-based, not that we’re disappointed with Pop. He’s done some good things. He’s improved. He had a minor injury setback, but Collin’s been very impressive, particularly not being with us as much this summer.

“He’s a good student of the game, and he’s got a nice arm, and certainly he’s athletic. He can run our offense. So I think, again, it’s not necessarily a knock on Pop, as much as it is a compliment to Collin.”

Schlee transferred to Virginia Tech this offseason after spending the 2023 campaign at UCLA. He appeared in seven games for the Bruins, tallying 139 yards and one touchdown. However, he also threw two interceptions.

Prior to his lone season at UCLA, Schlee played three years at Kent State. In his final season with the Golden Flashes, Schlee completed 157 passes for 2,109 yards and 13 touchdowns, compared to just five interceptions.

Schlee boasts the obvious advantage in experience. Watson’s true freshman season was last year and he only appeared in two games. Although Schlee won’t be the Week 1 starter for the Hokies, he’s excited for the upcoming season with Virginia Tech.

“This is my third school now. The other schools, I had a lot of coaching changes and so I thought it would be best for me to just go back closer to home,” Schlee said. “So, Virginia Tech sounded like a great opportunity where I could show who I can be on the football field, be closer to home, and still get to play the game I love.

“[The offense] has the bits of ties of Kent State and UCLA. So being able to pick up the offense was just another offense. I’ve been through Chip Kelly‘s offense, which is very difficult, and I’ve been through Sean Lewis‘ offense, which is also pretty difficult. So, just being able to put things in my own words and be able to see it how I see it and how I read it. Coach (Tyler) Bowen‘s really helped me a lot with that… I’m here to win. So, whatever I can do to help the team win, I’m all for it.”