Well we all know that Braxton is QB1, but recently at Tech QB2 has been an important position with injuries and lack of consistency.
247 Had a Piece on the offensive position Battles and here is their take:
Kadum and Blumrick duked it out in the spring, and Kadum is probably ahead at this point. Kadum doesn't have a high ceiling, but he has spent more time in the program and played against Clemson last season. Blumrick only recently started playing the position again after moving around to get on the field at Texas A&M. Bullock, meanwhile, is a brand-spanking-new true freshman.
I'm interested on your take on who should be the backup? Who gives us the best chance if BB goes down?
Again lets leave the Transfer Speculation out of the thread.
Forums:
DISCLAIMER: Forum topics may not have been written or edited by The Key Play staff.
Comments
I think Blumrick might have sub-package usage as the battering ram running QB in certain situations given that we both want to protect Burmeister, and that Burmeister isn't a huge "QB Power" type runner.
That said, I don't think he is necessarily the 2nd string QB. Kadum has the most experience in the system, and then you have perhaps the best overall fit for our offense in true freshman Bullock. My meaningless pre-camp conclusion is that Kadum is QB2 if Burmeister goes down as the best fit to run our entire offense.
This. Doesn't mean I am excited about it. I don't think Bullock has high enough upside to overcome the challenges of being a true freshman QB, and I don't know how Blumrick just jumps back in to playing QB.
Nonsense! Every freshman Hokie QB is a Trevor Lawrence prototype that we fail to give playing time to before they transfer.
I think Kadum is a one week fill in and Bullock maybe is used if BB goes out long term and the number 2 is a huge drop off regardless. Problem is though Fuente doesn't have the time to play for the future in that case. Haven't seen Bullock throw a snap though so who knows.
Bullock's tape shows him as a bit of a project, although people have been saying good things about him from his limited time here (they said the same about QP and Bullock is basically QP with shoddier mechanics but further along as a passer).
We'll see but I'm a lot more excited for Orji and especially Devin Farrell in the next class
I am scratching my head about Bullock having worse mechanics but further along as a passer. QP wasn't trusted to throw the ball he was a running back.
He threw the ball plenty against Notre Dame, he just didn't complete many.
Bullock literally didn't drop back in high school. He was stationary in the pocket, didn't look like he had been coached on fundamentals and was completely relying on athleticism. Even so his passing on film is more accurate than Patterson's was.
IIRC both Andy Dalton and Paxton Lynch started as either freshmen or R-fr under Fuente. I think Fuente wasn't the OC at the time Dalton started starting but I don't think Fuente is afraid of throwing a young guy into the mix.
I have to say that at no point in the last few years have I ever been able to look back and objectively say that Fuente consistently started the wrong QB. Maybe Willis was an exception, but even there I never saw anything afterwards that screamed "undeniably screwed up there!"
So what I immediately got out of this is maybe there's a chance for a return of the WILD TURKEY.
The most idiotically used lineup in our history... yay...
Bring in a wild turkey formation and run it every. single. time. It's always been someone who can throw. If you don't do something different, there is nothing to keep the defense honest.
Greg Boone attempted exactly 2 passes in college and completed 0 and averaged 3.7 yards per carry. That's still pretty effective in the situations we brought him in for.
(disclaimer I have no way of knowing if all of these stats were from the wild turkey or not but I don't remember him lining up in the backfield ever)
I miss Boone. Those were fun times.
He threw a pass to Tyrod against UVA in 2008 and Tyrod blew up the defender to prevent a pick in/near the EZ.
Oh yes I remember this one lol.
Exactly (if I understood your comment correctly). If we bring in the WT package such that the defense knows there is little chance that the QB is going to throw the ball, then it is doomed.
Screw the Wild Turkey unless it's an overly athletic and massive body doing it. Bringing Blumrick in is going to be a double edged sword. I think it's wise to not have BB be the battering ram QB, but at the same time, it completely tips our hand that a QB power is eminent when Blumrick comes in, ala basically a majority of QP's runs whenever he got subbed in on a 3rd and whatever. Everybody from Blacksburg to L.A. knew a QB power was coming.
Further, what's that say to the confidence in our RB's that a backup QB or a random 'wild turkey' that has to come in to convert a short yardage 1st down...
It's going to be a long season if BB has to sit for any amount of time.
Hopefully BB stays healthy and we don't need to find out who QB2 is. Unlikely, but a girl can dream!
I agree. It's going to get real ugly, real fast if he gets injured or sick.
I disagree, I think Kadum is going to prove some doubters wrong this season when BB inevitably gets nicked up for a game or two. Hope we don't need him because BB stays healthy, but recent history argues that we will have more than one starting QB this season.
Blumrick is an interesting prospect as it sounds like he is athletic enough to make a position switch worthwhile. But I don't have high hopes for him at QB. You would think it has to be Kadum at this point.
Bullock has a very high ceiling in my opinion. I hope we can develop a QB here who will be a 3+ year starter without transferring out.
Watched the Clemson game with a few non-Hokie college football fans and they were impressed with Kadum (granted it was against Clemson's reserves). Since he's the only other QB on the roster with P5 experience, why not name him QB2 going into the fall and let the other two try to knock him off.
Kadum had a hell of a high school career. He's been a career college backup so far.
Right now, it sounds like there's quite a gap b/t him and B2, so he's still gotta compete with Blumrick and Bullock for playing time. I think he's got 2 years left (not sure), but could close that gap to be a starter next year.
Kadum is only a redshirt freshman this season, so he's still got 4 years left.
Who is QB2 for va tech? If BB gets hurt, it may have to be fuente using some of his remaining eligibility so he can try to keep his job, as we will have another losing season on the books. Not negative here, just dealing in reality
Kadum is a pretty decent backup but yeah we're not beating Miami or Notre Dame with him under center
this is a surprisingly pessimistic take from Mr. Rosey himself
This is based on his few garbage time snaps against Clemson's scout team?
Considering he was a true freshman, it was over a full quarter, and he completed a few third down conversions, I would say yes it's fine to give home a lukewarm endorsement.
He completed 4 passes total. An my point is that do we know he is a "decent" back up QB? Not with that sample size, IMO.
See when you say it that way instead of using hyperbole it seems more reasonable.
Rayo with a slightly pessimistic take, DC looking for reasoned assessment and a valid sample size are we sure we aren't in the middle of
It sounds like Kadum is the Best Bet. I'm hoping that the coaches are working with Q2 whoever it will be to ensure that they are ready just in case. I also wish we had a full-time QB coach, I know that will be hard to come by but my reasoning was more for development of the QBs.
I thought we didn't need a full time QB coach because we have the QB whisperer. /s
This is the biggest and scariest question this season. There is no QB #2 in reality. There is an H Back, a walk on type, and a raw true freshman. That's what you are working with if Brax goes down, heaven forbid. This is where having 11 scholarship running backs and 2 4 star QB transfers make you scratch your head about this coaching staff.
Kadum. Hopefully we can finally blow out some of the easy teams on the schedule and get him lots of reps and rest BB through the season.
From Kadum's bio on Hokiesports.
Competition is always the question but still impressive lines.
The competition he faced in HS was great. I'm pretty sure they were the only team to beat Buford in a two year period. HS Football in GA is legit at multiple classifications. That doesn't make him a P5 starting QB by any means, but the competition he faced is not really in question.
The fact that we flipped him from JMU late in the process is a bigger indicator of future performance than his HS competition, IMO.
If I Recall:
Some weird stuff happens with that kids recruitment. Word was that before he committed to us that Kadum took a visit to FSU and would have gotten an offer from them had he not committed to us.
Yes, his offer list wasn't impressive, but given some odd and very public circumstances around his recruitment, I am actually quite bullish on what Kadum could do for us with enough development.
I am anxious to see what he can do sure, and I hope he is the next Michael Brewer... but VT sent out 275 offers this cycle. You think they were all real?
Does it really matter. The kid is ON the team. It really doesn't matter how many offers went out. He is here so his offer most definitely was real. He is a power 5 QB and a play away from being the starter. Support the kid.
Correct it doesn't matter- I was speaking to UGA and FSU "probably" going to offer him. I don't take much stock in that since teams offer 300 kids and take 25
Georgia's OC didn't sit in on 300 kids though. I agree, there is some REACHING in assuming he's ready and just waiting for his opportunity. That being said, he isn't a complete scrub, or at the very least wasn't seen as one coming out of high school.
Could always put three of our dozen running backs in the backfield and do what Kentucky did. Hey, it worked against us.
No doubt. Just go over the mountain to Giles County and talk to Coach Ragsdale and install the single wing.
Knox has major Brewer vibes to me. Undersized, tough-as-shit gunslinger.
I could definitely live with Brewer 2.0 as the backup QB. If Kadum has half of Brewer's intensity then he will do well. I still believe we would have beaten anOSU at Lane if a certain offensive lineman hadn't completely whiffed on the DT he should have blocked.
I honestly think Kadum may have more to offer than he may get credit for.
Let's see....
[sorts roster by TE]...
We need to use Blumrick the same way Duke used Brandon Connette back in 2013 and 2014. Connette had 14 rushing touchdowns in 2013 and was used primarily in short yardage situations.
Additionally, we have four games to strictly run him which opens up an opportunity against Notre Dame to hit a jump pass for a big play.
Great comparison. That damn play where they lead the RB through the hole with that QB drove me nuts. Everybody is complaining about "tipping your hand" with the QB power. But sometimes, the predictable QB power is the right call. Get that extra blocker and tell the O-Line to do work. The right three yards at the right time means something. Now, I would not be opposed to mixing in a pass every once in an while, but having a "running QB" rotate in every once in a while - especially if it keep BB healthy and fresh - is fine with me.
Would love that even more if every now and then he would pull up short of the line and throw a pop pass to the RB or TE. Ala Tebow at UF. That would legitimately catch them off guard and be a big play.
Yep. Hoping they save that for Notre Dame.
Like this one to Sam Rodgers.
https://youtu.be/1SlhGeR4zkk?t=27
I don't disagree that a QB power is sometimes the right call. My point on tipping the hand is that if you only do it with Blumrick in a short yardage situation. As you note, mixing it in with a package with him keeps the D honest so that it's not a 100000% given a QB power is coming. But also, again, why not just add that blocker like you say and use a *gasp* RUNNING BACK??
That's my primary issue with it. Using a backup QB essentially proclaims minimal confidence in your RB's to gain that yard or two.
Using a QB to run the ball gives you a numbers advantage that you can't get with handing off to a running back. Unless it's a direct snap to the back with the QB blocking, which is just a Wild Turkey package with the wrong personnel.
The one man play action by the QB that Meyer ran with Tebow is the best designed play in football.
Agreed, but the personnel at QB has to at least present a credible passing threat, or else everyone in the stadium knows what's coming. Hopefully Blumrick can sling the rock a little too when/if he comes in the game.
Maybe, but if the backup QB power or wild turkey was a play that provided such the gross advantage you suggest, then why doesn't every single team do it on 3rd and short? (QB sneaks aside, those are a different conversation and do not apply to what we're talking about). The teams winning conference & NC's are doing that crap on a regular basis. It had it's moment in the sun with McFadden and Blake Bell among others, but realistically, the teams doing it on a regular basis do it because of personnel shortcomings or have a freak athlete the coaches feel they have to get on the field somehow. I think we all know which one we are right now...
I don't think there's a gross advantage at all, just an inherent advantage in certain scenarios given that you pick up an additional blocker. If the defense knows what the offense is going to do, it's impossible to have consistent success unless there is a huge talent gap. Without the threat of a pass, misdirection, or some other type of option, a QB power is not very effective. Like all plays, it only works if you can trick the defense, out-athlete the defense, get lucky, or hopefully some combination of all three. We need to get better at all of the above.
It's not something to base a system off of but it definitely can work with the right personnel. Connette and the Belldozer both could throw the ball decently and had success, I agree it's important not to be run only with this package
Early, I think it's Kadum. After a few games, I think it's Bullock. He's as far along as Sims was for GT last year. If he can make a run read, he can get by.
Curious what makes you say that?
film of the two at the same stage
keep in mind GT was 3-7 and Sims threw for 55% w/ 13 TDs and 13 INTs...not dazzling stats
James Mitchell red zone end around package all day long.
In Kadum's play in the Clemson game as a backup QB, he appeared comfortable from his first snap. No moments of hesitation, second guessing, or miscoordination. Most backup pro QB's don't come in and fill the position this seamlessly from the get-go and perform well. And, I'm sure Cornelson and Fuente had him on a short leash play wise.
They actually ran him several times against Clemson, which led me to ask who our 5th string QB was last year. I wish I could say /s
I think I remember reading that it was James Mitchell
I just realized it's been so long since I've looked into VT football that I dont even know our QB1! Is it still Burmeister? Did all those other QBs leave?
Bro, you just locked the thread without locking the thread. Doing work!!
Clearly there is some potential significant risk if qB1 gets hurt, but I am not in the camp of Knox Kadum can't be good based on the recruiting news of years ago.
Knox is a different type of QB and that isn't all bad. From what I have heard is that he is incredibly smart and has great anticipation and accuracy. He doesn't have a huge arm and isn't going to be 225 and able to be a huge running threat, but he is not slow and has some ability to scramble and extend plays. If he is forced into action, can we adjust the offense based on his skills? Interesting thought...
He is a project for sure, but has a chance to be better than anyone is giving him credit for today. I also do agree that the Clemson sample size means little.
Hopefully, B2 stays healthy and is able to take the next step everyone seems to think he will take given the opportunity. Just don't sleep on a kid who is on the fringe in HS getting better over several years.
On the fringe is likely more due to his measurables than ability. If he was 6'4" 215 coming out of high school, I bet he is ranked much differently
I agree
https://twitter.com/MatejS247/status/1425882462425690114
Kadum is officially QB2 for now
Not surprising. Based on the experience in the room, that seems logical. Expecting either of the other two to be ready to are reins yet is setting oneself up for disappointment.
So that means we are going to play Kadum for half the games now?
Yes. Because we are going to be winning by such a large margin that Kadum comes in after halftime. Dreams do come true sometimes. Right?!?!?
I don't know whether to reply with 'Bartender, I'll have what he's having' or 'I like the way you think!'.
Unique situations means he will be the Battering Ram in place of Quincy
Pretty much. Inverted Veer specialist. Just for once, put the jump pass in for him at the goal line and the pop pass up the seam.
I would tell BB that the next time we get in a 2nd and short situation, come limping off the field and we run in the running QB everybody expects to safely run inverted veer in the short yardage situation and cut Gallo loose down the seam for an easy td pass. The real qb run plays will be much more effective for the rest of the season.
Fans at home seeing him limp off in game 1
