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Virginia Tech’s Pursuit of JUCO QB Chad Kelly

By Tim Thomas

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Nov 2, 2013; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Chad Kelly (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Virginia Tech Hokies had a very good defense this season but their disappointing season cost the Hokies in many games, leading them to a 6-6 record. Part of the reason for the offensive issues was the inconsistent play of Michael Brewer with Brenden Motley getting some playing time near the end of the regular season.

Right now, this spring seems likely to include a quarterback battle between Brewer and Motley. However, there might be another addition to that group.

Former Clemson and current East Mississippi Community College quarterback Chad Kelly is one of the remaining top targets for the Hokies for the Class of 2015. Kelly got kicked off the Clemson football team this past spring but has a lot of talent and if he is willing to get along with his coaches, it could be a great pickup for someone.

Kelly is ranked as the top JUCO quarterback by 247 Sports and ESPN, and clearly has a lot of talent as proven by how he could have been the starter at Clemson when they opened the season. The concern with Kelly is his interactions with coaches which makes him a huge risk-reward recruit.

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It is uncertain if Kelly is going to enroll in the spring wherever he goes but he is definitely going to look to start immediately. The Hokies were the first to offer the former Clemson quarterback back in late October with Indiana extending an offer to Kelly on November 29th. LSU also is showing interest but hasn’t offered a scholarship yet while Ole Miss also seems like a possible contender.

Indiana head coach Kevin Wilson is actually the primary recruiter for Kelly and that has to be a big benefit for the Hoosiers. Kelly also will have a great chance to start immediately at Indiana which is likely to be a serious consideration. However, Indiana is not a big time football program which likely will be a factor.

Virginia Tech does have the big time program boost along with the fact that Kelly would get an opportunity to fight for the starting quarterback job. Also, Kelly could get the chance to face Clemson and Kelly might want to prove to Dabo Swinney that he shouldn’t have kicked him off the team.

LSU doesn’t seem to be a sensible contender with freshman Brandon Harris having tons of potential. Meanwhile, Ole Miss is a big sleeper especially with Bo Wallace graduating and Hugh Freeze seeming like someone willing to take a chance. However, Ole Miss still has not offered a scholarship which obviously has to happen.

If Ole Miss doesn’t get involved, the Hokies should be the favorites to get Chad Kelly.

Next: The Good, Bad, and Ugly: VT vs UVA