2014 Spring Football: Handicapping the Virginia Tech Starting Quarterback Battle
By Tim Thomas
Dec 31, 2013; El Paso, TX, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Logan Thomas (3) during the game against the UCLA Bruins in the 2013 Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium. UCLA defeated Virginia Tech 42-12. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Yesterday, Michael Brewer announced via Twitter that he would be transferring to Virginia Tech which added a fifth guy to what is one of the most wide open starting QB battles in college football. Mark Leal seemed like the favorite early on to replace Logan Thomas but the Hokies’ pursuit of Brewer and Max Wittek proves that Leal is not the ideal choice for the Hokies and an open, unbiased quarterback battle is coming. So, what are the odds of all five quarterbacks who will be involved in this battle to be the starting quarterback this fall.
QB Michael Brewer: Odds 7-1
Michael Brewer is the favorite to get the starting quarterback job for the Hokies but there is no one that is going to be a massive favorite. The fact that Michael Brewer won’t be in Blacksburg to learn the new offense till the summer doesn’t help but Brewer is still the favorite for now. The Hokies definitely wanted Brewer and there is something that they see in him as a potential starter. Brewer comes from a big time passing game at Texas Tech that puts a heavy emphasis on having a quality passer. Brewer played well when he was on the field at Texas Tech and definitely has the potential to be a very good quarterback next fall for the Hokies. Brewer is currently the favorite to get the starting job and that is a reason why Brewer is coming to Blacksburg.
Dec 31, 2013; El Paso, TX, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Mark Leal (6) drops back to pass the ball against the UCLA Bruins defense at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports
QB Mark Leal: Odds 13-1
Mark Leal had been the favorite for the job but the arrival of Michael Brewer shows that there might be a lack of trust in Leal from Frank Beamer and company. Mark Leal has the on-field experience for the Hokies that nobody else has which could be very valuable depending on how close this race is. Leal also has great speed and can make plays with his legs which makes him a little bit different from the rest of the quarterbacks. Leal could end up at wide receiver if he doesn’t win the starting quarterback job but that won’t be in a factor in deciding if he is the starter. Leal seemed like the favorite after the Sun Bowl but the arrival of Michael Brewer and the rumors about Max Wittek definitely prove that isn’t true.
QB Brenden Motley: Odds 25-1
Brenden Motley is somewhat of an unknown threat after injuries prevented him from battling with Mark Leal for the backup quarterback job this past season. Motley does have the size at 6’4” that most people like to see in a potential big time quarterback. Motley also has knowledge of the offense which is something that can’t be forgotten about since Leal is the only other quarterback with direct knowledge of the offense. Motley is the unknown guy but if the rumors about him are true, then Motley is definitely a contender.
QB Andrew Ford: Odds 40-1
It will be hard for either of the true freshman quarterbacks to get the job done but Andrew Ford seems to have the better chance of the two. Ford has already enrolled at Virginia Tech and is participating in Spring Practices which is a big advantage for him over Durkin. Ford doesn’t have the best arm but Ford is a fairly accurate quarterback that can make a lot of the necessary throws to have a lot of success in Blacksburg. Ford has the potential to get the starting job but it seems unlikely though the fact that he is already enrolled could help him avoid being redshirted this season.
QB Chris Durkin: Odds 55-1
Chris Durkin is the long shot of a ll the true freshman as the addition of Michael Brewer increases the chance that Durkin is redshirted this upcoming season. Durkin will not arrive till the summer and as a true freshman, that will put him behind eight ball and probably lead him to being redshirted. Durkin has the potential to get the job as he has a great arm that really makes him a guy that could be a big time player in the future. Durkin also has great size at 6’4” and Scot Loeffler has had success developing guys who have NFL skills into NFL quarterbacks. Durkin will likely be redshirted this upcoming year but he actually still has a chance of getting the starting quarterback job.
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