Virginia Tech: Justin Fuente needs to pick a starting QB
Can Justin Fuente find similar quarterback success at Virginia Tech like he did at Memphis with Paxton lynch?
Virginia Tech is coming off a stint of average years including multiple 7-6 seasons. The Hokies went out and grabbed Justin Fuente from the Memphis Tigers to revamp the program. His first major decision is who start at quarterback for the 2016 season.
The Virginia Tech football program was known for its many athletic playmaking quarterbacks during Frank Beamer’s era. However, towards the end of his tenure, the quarterback position suffered through inconsistencies and injuries.
New coach Justin Fuente is ready to return the Hokies to national prominence. In order to do that, he has to make a solid decision on the 2016 starting quarterback. This year he has two solid options at the quarterback position.
Experienced senior Brenden Motley and highly sought after transfer Jerod Evans are the two candidates for the job. If Fuente can pick the right one, then it shouldn’t take Virginia Tech long to return to the top of the ACC.
More from ACC
- ACC Power Rankings: Can #4 FSU overthrow Clemson at Death Valley East?
- College Football Playoff: Projected top 4 after Week 3
- Biggest winners and losers from College Football Week 3
- #21 Duke Football: 3 takeaways from home against Northwestern
- Wake Forest football: 3 takeaways from comeback win at Old Dominion
The veteran, Brenden Motley, comes back after starting six games last year. He filled in admirably for last year’s starting quarterback Michael Brewer. Motley threw for 1,155 yards, 11 touchdowns to just seven interceptions while rushing for 224 yards and three touchdowns.
However, he had some inconsistent games as shown by his 3-3 record during the six games. The three losses weren’t against dominant squads. He lost to a 5-7 East Carolina squad and two 8-5 squads in Pitt and Miami. It should help his case that Virginia Tech football didn’t have a great year overall. But, he still holds an experience edge over Evans.
Evans comes in from Trinity Valley Community College as a four-star dual threat quarterback. He put up mind-boggling numbers in two years. Evans threw for 4,165 yards, 52 touchdowns and five interceptions adding 772 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.
Both have similar play styles and size, but Fuente needs this choice to be solid. In my opinion, he has an established quarterback in Motley and that’s where he should head. He still has another year with Evans, but he is also the quarterback whisperer. Maybe he can get Evans ready for his first season under center.
More saturday blitz: 20 Best NFL Players from ACC Teams
Either way, Fuente needs to pick a starter and fast. He rebuilt Memphis with a sure-fire quarterback like Paxton Lynch. Motley or Evans could easily fulfill that for him.