In the world of college football, two cousins, Cam Ward and Kyron Drones, are set to face off against each other in a highly anticipated matchup between No. 7 Miami and Virginia Tech. This unlikely encounter is a testament to the unpredictable nature of life as a quarterback. Both Ward and Drones, from Texas, were rated differently as high school prospects, with Ward barely recruited and Drones a four-star prospect. Yet, they both landed where they were meant to be, thanks to the transfer portal.
Their journey began when they met as quarterbacks seeking out the right personal coach to improve their skills. As they worked with quarterback coach Darrell Colbert Jr., their dads discovered they were related through their mothers’ sides. The familial connection grew stronger as they trained together, fueling their relentless competition.
Ward, now a leading early-season Heisman contender, started working with Colbert in 2021 after a year at FCS Incarnate Word. Drones, who initially favored playing college basketball, connected with Colbert his junior year of high school in 2019. As they trained together, they got closer, engaging in trash talk and picking each other’s brains on how to improve.
Their paths diverged as Ward graduated high school a year before Drones. Ward had plans to play basketball in college but was convinced by coach Steve Van Meter to focus on football. Drones, meanwhile, led Shadow Creek High to a state championship and eventually landed at Baylor. After two years, he entered the transfer portal and found a fresh start at Virginia Tech.
As they prepare to face each other, their competitive nature has only intensified. Ward, currently ranked second nationally in passing yards, has never been shy about talking trash. Drones, with 974 total yards of offense, six touchdowns, and three interceptions, is ready to show his cousin who’s the real No. 1.
Their quarterback coach, Colbert, has witnessed their growth and competitiveness firsthand. “This was never supposed to happen,” Colbert said. “I told Kyron, ‘Just know that the whole week Cam is not going to talk to you; don’t expect him to say hey before the game.’” But Colbert knows that the looming game has fueled their competition even more during offseason workouts.
As the two cousins take the field, their families will be watching with pride. Kevin Drones, Kyron’s father, won’t be able to attend due to a high school game, but his wife, Olinka, will be there, along with Patrice and Calvin Ward. The stage is set for a legendary game, one that will have everyone talking.
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