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For the second time in two days, Virginia Tech has added a veteran from the NCAA transfer portal.
On Monday, the Hokies picked up a big-time player in former Clemson defensive tackle Jordan Williams, which could pay off in 2021 and beyond for Virginia Tech.
On Tuesday, Virginia Tech picked up former Texas A&M quarterback Connor Blumrick.
Now, if you’ve never heard of that name before, it’s understandable. Blumrick didn’t play much in his four years in College Station. He redshirted in 2017 and was A&M’s third-string quarterback in 2018, seeing limited duty.
In 2019, Blumrick moved to running back out of necessity due to injuries and transfer. At 6-foot-5, 215 pounds, Blumrick wasn’t your average running back. He carried the ball seven times for 28 yards in 2019.
During his final season in Aggieland, Blumrick played in nine games for Texas A&M, mostly on special teams.
So, exactly what does Blumrick bring to Virginia Tech?
The Hokies lost Quincy Patterson and Hendon Hooker to the transfer portal. Blumrick’s role would fall more in line with Patterson’s former role as an athletic backup mostly used as a battering ram. He is athletic, having been timed at around 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
Texas A&M will always hold a special place in my heart. The friends and family that I have made here will stick with me forever. With that being said, I am excited to announce that I have committed to continue my football career at Virginia Tech University #gohokies pic.twitter.com/NU0qrUlTXs
— Connor Lee Blumrick (@ConnorBlumrick) January 12, 2021
The Hokies return Braxton Burmeister and Knox Kadum at quarterback in 2021. True freshman Tahj Bullock could also figure into the mix.
Blumrick could play various roles for the Hokies, but he certainly will not be a primary running back. Tech returns several talented players in the backfield, including Jalen Holston, Raheem Blackshear and Keshawn King.
The addition of Blumrick is somewhat puzzling in a sense the Hokies were looking for a veteran quarterback. Blumrick doesn’t address that need.
You can never have too many athletes, but Virginia Tech’s offensive brain trust hasn’t necessarily shown it knows how to use athletic and versatile players in recent years.
Perhaps Blumrick can shift that narrative in 2021.
Welcome to Blacksburg, Connor.