Virginia Tech shook up its depth chart this week, putting Brenden Motley ahead of Mark Leal at quarterback.
The news did not appear to faze Leal much. While Leal was sidelined from a scrimmage last week with a sore knee, Motley took advantage of the opportunity and performed well, going 12-for-20 for 163 yards and a touchdown.
Leal said in a phone interview Wednesday that his knee is feeling much better, and he plans on playing in a scrimmage set for this weekend. As for his standing on the depth chart, Leal said, "Motley and Andrew Ford both had really good scrimmages. I'm not surprised that happened, but I have to keep going out there and competing."
Leal went into spring camp atop a three-way competition to replace Logan Thomas. The knee has set him back some, but the injury is not considered to be serious. When he has been healthy enough to practice, Leal and Motley have split reps with the first team. Offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler told reporters in Blacksburg that the depth chart would continue to change from now through fall camp.
"So far, it's been pretty good competition," Leal said. "I love the competition because it always brings out the best in you no matter what. When you're competing, you're giving it your all, you're giving it your best and you're making sure every rep counts. I wouldn't have it any other way."
The mindset this spring also has been different. Last year, he knew he was the backup to Thomas. And he also had to learn a new system. Now, he has a shot to be the starter in an offense that he knows much better.
But no matter what happens this spring, Virginia Tech will add Texas Tech transfer Michael Brewer and freshman Chris Durkin into the quarterback competition this fall. So the depth chart today hardly matters. Leal and all the quarterbacks know that.
