Virginia Tech Football Spring Game 2017: 5 things to watch for

Nov 26, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies offensive lineman Augie Conte (72) and head coach Justin Fuente celebrate with the ACC Coastal Division Championship Trophy after beating the Virginia Cavaliers at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA;Virginia Tech Hokies head coach Justin Fuente talks with quarterback Jerod Evans (4) and teammates against the Clemson Tigers during the first half of the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Quarterback competition

Evans was a huge reason Virginia Tech won 10 games in 2017. He excelled as a passer, completing 63.9 percent of his passes for 3,552 yards and 29 touchdowns with just eight interceptions in 422 attempts – a 1.9 percent interception rate. Evans was also the team leader with 846 rushing yards and 12 TDs on the ground, though if you took the 32 sacks Virginia Tech allowed out of the equation, he would have gained more than 1,000 rushing yards.

But, Evans unexpectedly jumped to the NFL, and top backup Brenden Motley is out of eligibility. Though Fuente claimed he had “no idea who’s going to be playing quarterback” in prior to the spring, according to David M. Hale of ESPN.com, redshirt freshman Josh Jackson likely has the inside track to replace Evans under center.

Jackson made a strong impression in early practice opportunities last fall before losing the preseason competition to Evans. A.J. Bush, a JUCO signee, and true freshman Hendon Hooker, who is on campus and going through spring practice, are also in the mix. Jackson isn’t flashy, but has gotten good reviews for his poise and decision making. Hooker likely has the biggest upside, and is athletic, but obviously has the least amount of experience.

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Nevertheless, there’s no time to waste when it comes to selected a QB. Virginia Tech opens the season with West Virginia Sept. 3 at FedEx Field in the first of a four-game non-conference slate that’s underrated for its trickiness. Also, the Hokies host Clemson Sept. 30 in the ACC opener.

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