Glennon Gets the Nod Over Taylor as Hokies' QB
After a preseason full of deliberation and speculation, Virginia Tech announced that Sean Glennon, left, will start the season opener and sophomore Tyrod Taylor, right, will use a redshirt season in 2008.
(Matt Gentry - AP/The Roanoke Times)
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Senior Sean Glennon will be Virginia Tech's starting quarterback this season, Coach Frank Beamer announced yesterday, creating the possibility that sophomore Tyrod Taylor will redshirt this season.
"They competed, they've both done well, they're both good players, they both give you the things to win football games," Beamer said yesterday. "For the overall long-term good of the program, this is a good thing."
Beamer allowed the quarterbacks to compete during preseason training camp before making the decision over the weekend. Throughout Beamer's news conference, he continued to refer to the "long term," a clear indication of his interest in allowing Taylor to develop along with a talented group of freshmen that Beamer has raved about.
The duo split quarterback duties last season, but Beamer hoped to identify a firm starter for the season.
In 2007, Glennon passed for 1,796 yards, 12 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Taylor, a dual-threat quarterback, passed for 927 yards and five touchdowns and rushed for 429 yards and six touchdowns.
Glennon brings experience, having entered the past two seasons as the starting quarterback. However, a poor showing against eventual national champion Louisiana State last season forced Taylor onto the field as a freshman. Glennon rebounded and threw three touchdown passes in the ACC championship game.
With questions at skill positions lingering for the Hokies, Taylor could have provided more of a playmaking presence. Instead, Beamer opted for Glennon's reliability and the hope that Taylor will retain three years of eligibility, almost assuredly as the starting quarterback.
Senior Cory Holt will serve as the backup quarterback. However, Taylor will continue to travel, opening the possibility that he still could be utilized if injuries or poor play become an issue.
"A lot could happen as the season goes on," Beamer said. "But as of today, this is what we're going to do."
-- Zach Berman
