When the Virginia Tech football team took the field for its spring practice on Tuesday, there was a noticeable change for the Hokies. Quarterback A.J. Brand was not with his normal grouping; he was with the wide receivers. That certainly opened some eyes.
Going into spring practices, first-year head coach James Franklin had five quarterbacks on his roster. Penn State transfer Ethan Grunkemeyer, North Carolina transfer Bryce Baker, incoming freshman Troy Huhn, and returning true freshmen from the 2025 roster, Brand and Kelden Ryan. That's a lot of snaps to go around in spring ball.
Franklin ended up getting more snaps for everybody with Brand moving to wide receiver. That move is a big one and gives offensive coordinator Ty Howle another option with position coach Fontel Mines. After practice on Tuesday, Franklin hinted at some potential tricks up his sleeve this fall with Brand.
Virginia Tech coach James Franklin hints at potential trickery this fall with A.J. Brand
Every year, teams have tricks up their sleeve. Wildcat stuff has become big over the years, and it wouldn't be surprising to see some stuff from Hokies and Howle in the fall. Brand could be a part of it, according to Franklin.
"I also think there's a chance down the road, could we do some wild Hokie stuff with him, some wildcat stuff with him, because he's still a part of the offense,'' said Franklin. "He's on the field, and he's got a skill set with the ball in his hand. So, that's a possibility as well. But embracing special teams is going to be big, too."
Not every player can make the switch from quarterback to wide receiver. It takes a special athlete to do that. However, if Brand can make the switch and make an impact, that's just going to be another weapon for Grunkemeyer, or whoever wins the QB job. Lining him up in the wildcat could be fun as well. One thing that shouldn't surprise Virginia Tech fans is that James Franklin and his staff draw up any given week for any opponent.