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Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas has yet to announce his decision as to whether or not he will be leaving college early to enter the 2013 NFL Draft. He has to announce his decision by Tuesday if he does plan on forgoing his senior season in Blacksburg. However, he has continuously said he wants to return for his final year, but how important is he in the Hokies plans for 2013?
If he does return, then he will be very important. Thomas did not have a very good 2012 season as a passer. His completion percentage almost dropped a full seven points from 2011 and his interception total ballooned from 10 to 16. However, fans and coaches saw how good he could be in 2011 when he passed for over 3,000 yards and led the Hokies to an 11 win season. If Thomas does indeed return for his final season and becomes the quarterback that he was in 2011 then that will immediately vault Virginia Tech back to the top of the ACC.
The Hokies are prepared if Thomas decides to leave early though. Backup Mark Leal is going to entering his junior season in 2013 and while he hasn’t had much in-game experience, when he has gotten in the game he has done alright for himself. In his career Leal has completed 13-of-19 pass attempts for 179 yards and two touchdowns. Leal has only played in mop up duty in the past, but you have to think he would make the most of any opportunity he received.
Leal isn’t Tech’s only option either. Four star recruit Bucky Hodges will be joining the Hokies this year. Hodges has a similar build to Logan Thomas. He is 6’6” and a solid runner. However, it is rare that a true freshman comes into a college football program and become the starting quarterback. The last player to do that at Virginia Tech was Tyrod Taylor.
I do think that Thomas will return for his final year in college. His performance in 2012 had to have a negative impact on his draft stock. Hodges is probably Virginia Tech’s quarterback of the future, and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he was redshirted in 2013. We will all find out the Hokies quarterback situation on Tuesday.
