QB Kelden Ryan Embraces DeSoto's Championship Culture Ahead of Virginia Tech

Kelden Ryan (Photo: Greg Powers)

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2025 QB Kelden Ryan (6'2, 200), who is verbally committed to play at Virginia Tech, moved from Fort Worth All Saints to DeSoto for his senior season. 

"It has been great," Ryan said back at the time of his move. "I have been welcomed with open arms. Obviously, they have a lot of great playmakers over there, and the coaches are great. Workouts are tough. They are showing me why they are state champions over there."

"It definitely helps prepare you for what you are going to see in a college locker room, being around guys with 40 offers. That is definitely what you will see in college; everybody around you is capable, and it helps push me to be better and be a better athlete.

Compared to DJ Bailey, Ryan is more of a dual threat. He passed for 2,110 yards (19 TDs) and rushed for 783 yards (12 TDs) as a junior in 2022. 

"Right now, I am working on being mentally prepared and working on football's ins and outs," Ryan said. "I am going to continue to work with my new receivers and get my timing down."

The DCTF Hot 100 member patterns his game after Lamar Jackson. 

"I've been watching him since he was at Louisville, and I feel like our play styles are very similar," Ryan explained. "He has created a good narrative around himself that he is not only a good runner but also a great passer. I really respect him for that."

"That is what playing quarterback is always about. You have got to be able to distribute the ball to your playmakers, and then when things break down, you can make plays with your feet."

Ryan committed to Virginia Tech over offers from Baylor, Houston, Texas Tech, Arkansas, Miami (FL), Missouri, Oklahoma State, Penn State and more. 

"The main thing is the people there," Ryan said. "It all starts with the people you will be around every day. I love the school. I love the environment. As a football program, they are heading on the right trajectory. They doubled their wins from last season, and the program is just on the rise."

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