Virginia Tech's quarterback depth was relatively sketchy this year, but thanks to Jerod Evans's ability to remain mostly healthy, and Brenden Motley's ability to step in and take remaining reps, VT got through the year playing just two passers (plus a couple downs for walk-on Jack Click).
That sort of injury luck isn't likely to repeat two years in a row, especially in an offense that features the quarterback run. The Hokies will also have even less depth in 2017 than they did this year.
The presumed starter is redshirt freshman Josh Jackson, who in all fairness is probably a little further along developmentally than the standard freshman QB. Not only did he manage to get that redshirt in 2016 (thanks to Motley's health in the instances that Evans was out), but he enrolled for spring practice last year, and is the son of a longtime college coach in former Michigan RBs (and QBs at previous stops) coach Fred Jackson. He played for a power program at Saline in his home state, and should have the mental and skill preparation to be able to contribute.
Behind him though... walk-ons Jack Click and Chase Mummau are the only remaining quarterbacks on the roster behind Jackson. Fortunately, 2017 recruit Hendon Hooker will be able to enroll in just a few days and give himself at least a spring in Justin Fuente's system to be ready to serve as a backup - or maybe even earn the job if he develops very quickly, since he's raw-but-talented now.
There could also be another player on the roster by the time the Fall rolls around, or maybe even the practice sessions that begin in a couple months' time. Our sources in South Bend say it won't likely be Notre Dame grad transfer Malik Zaire (adding insult to injury, UNC is likely the front-runner if Mitch Trubisky declares for the NFL Draft, as expected). However, Justin Fuente and his assistant coaches and recruiting staff have zeroed in on another former major-college QB, as well. A.J. Bush was just a two-star recruit when he signed with Nebraska in the 2014 class, and left Lincoln after only two years without seeing the field. He was at Iowa Western Community College this year, where he split time with Robert Morris-bound Andre Nuñez.
Bush didn't put up insane JuCo numbers (unlike Jerod Evans), but could be a good fit for the system, and if not an immediate starter, at least a guy who can contribute and provide depth. We'll see what plays out here - and at this point, the Hokies have yet to officially offer, and it may be too late for him to arrive for spring term - but he's getting the full look from the Hokies.
One bonus? The Norcross (Ga.) High School grad would be another link between VT and the Atlanta area (particularly talent-rich Gwinnett County), building a pipeline that the Hokies have put plenty of effort into.
