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Virginia Tech Football: Josh Jackson officially named starting QB

By Shannon Sickmon

BLACKSBURG, VA - OCTOBER 20: Head coach Justin Fuente of the Virginia Tech Hokies looks on in the second half of the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Lane Stadium on October 20, 2016 in Blacksburg, Virginia. Virginia Tech defeated Miami 37-16. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - OCTOBER 20: Head coach Justin Fuente of the Virginia Tech Hokies looks on in the second half of the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Lane Stadium on October 20, 2016 in Blacksburg, Virginia. Virginia Tech defeated Miami 37-16. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /
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In a surprising ending to Virginia Tech football’s race for the QB position, Justin Fuente named redshirt freshman Josh Jackson as the starter.

In a press conference today, Virginia Tech Hokies’ head coach Justin Fuente announced that redshirt freshman Josh Jackson will be the starting quarterback for the 2017 season.

More: Virginia Tech Football: 2017 season preview, predictions

https://twitter.com/HokiesFB/status/897140150660157441

The Hokies had three men up for the starting quarterback position: Jackson, true freshman Hendon Hooker and JUCO transfer AJ Bush. The latter stands as a strong second-string quarterback. Hooker will most likely choose to become a redshirt candidate.

Jackson is originally from Ann Arbor, Mich. — home of the Michigan Wolverines. He committed to with the Hokies in the 2016 recruiting class. He has football in his blood. In fact, his father, Fred Jackson, was one of the longest-tenured assistant coaches at Michigan, staying 22 years from 1992-2014. He is currently the head coach at Ypsilanti High School in Ypsilanti Township, Mich.

The younger Jackson redshirted in 2016. This gives him four full years of eligibility remaining.

According to a statement from head coach Fuente, “It’s been an ongoing evaluation and Josh has continued, in our estimation, to prove he is the guy. I think the biggest thing is he is very consistent. He has been able to deliver the ball on time.”

The Hokies still have some unanswered questions before the start of this season. The defensive line rotation looks a bit shaky and there are no premiere running backs that have come forth. Travon McMillan is excellent, but he doesn’t seem to have a propensity to become a lead back. If Jackson can utilize some creative play-calling and establish a play-action attack the Hokies should have a solid ground game.

Next: Virginia Tech's projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

Congratulations to Josh Jackson on winning the starting position. We look forward to seeing what he brings to the table.

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