In one month, James Franklin will begin his first season as head coach of the Virginia Tech football team. That will happen when the Hokies kick off the season against VMI under the lights at Lane Stadium on Sept. 5.
When the Transfer Portal opened back in January, the big need was clear: a quarterback. Gone was Kyron Drones to the NFL, while Pop Watson and Garret Rangel each left through the portal. That left Kelden Ryan and AJ Brand as the two signal-callers on the roster. Franklin needed two quarterbacks from the portal, and that's what he got.
North Carolina transfer Bryce Baker committed, and then it was no surprise that Penn State transfer Ethan Grunkemeyer committed to the Hokies. The choice is pretty clear, unless an injury occurs, as to who will be the starter on Sept. 5, but Franklin still isn't ready to announce his starter.
James Franklin explains the timeline as to when a starting QB will be named at Virginia Tech
It is widely expected that Grunkemeyer will be the starter, given how he played last season for Penn State after starter Drew Allar went down. That experience should serve Grunkemeyer well in Blacksburg. However, he's not been named the starter yet, and Franklin explained when he might have an idea of who it will be.
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"We're not gonna be like some of these people now, like they do the Daffy Duck lineup, like we're not gonna play those games with you,'' said Franklin. "I think that's disrespectful to you guys and the fans. Yeah, so we will, you know, before game week, right? It may be the day before game week. I'm not sure. It could be before that. Again, it's not as big of a deal for us as you guys, but out of respect for your guys' jobs and what you've got to do, once it becomes clearly obvious, then we'll do that."
That comes across as coaching talk, and you love to hear it. Again, unless an injury occurs, it'll likely be Grunkemeyer under center in Week 1 against VMI. There is a lot to like about the transfer, and the quarterback room is very young. Grunkemeyer and Baker, while Ryan is back after one year at Virginia Tech, and Troy Huhn is a very promising young player. According to Franklin, they're all getting reps in practice to make an impression.
So, for now, the Hokies don't have a quarterback named for the upcoming season, but the signs are pointing in one direction. However, until one is named, it'll be anyone's guess as to who will be Franklin, quarterbacks coach Danny O'Brien, and offensive coordinator Ty Howle's signal-caller on opening night.
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