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It’s crazy how much can change in a month.
At this time in January, Justin Fuente and his coaching staff was in the middle of figuring out what to do for depth in the quarterback room, after both Josh Jackson and Hendon Hooker announced their decisions to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal.
Fast forward to the end of February. The Hokies now have options abound at the position, and the depth has been restored. Hendon Hooker has withdrawn his name from the transfer portal and will rejoin the team, 2019 3-star QB Knox Kadum flipped from James Madison to Virginia Tech, and Ryan Willis and Quincy Patterson haven’t gone anywhere.
While this is all evidence that the sky is not falling as was once perceived, there is a new addition to the QB room that should have fans and players alike excited for the future.
On Saturday evening, Virginia Tech football announced that QB Braxton Burmeister, a former 4-star recruit, has transferred into the program from the University of Oregon. Burmeister is not a graduate transfer, so he is expected to sit out the 2019 season.
Burmeister played in 11 games over his last two seasons at Oregon, but only appeared in four games this past year for the Ducks, making him eligible for a redshirt. Over his 11 games the last two seasons, Burmeister is 49-for-87 (56%) for 373 yards with two touchdowns and six interceptions. He also rushed for 131 yards and three touchdowns on the ground in his two seasons with the Ducks.
While his future eligibility has not been readily determined, Burmeister should have at least two seasons remaining beginning in 2020. Since Burmeister only played in four games in 2018, he is allowed to be granted a redshirt for this past season. In order for him to have three seasons of eligibility beginning in 2020, Burmeister would likely have to apply for a sixth year of eligibility with the NCAA.
Regardless, the Hokies have added another talented player to their quarterback room, who could make an impact at the position in the years to come.