Transfer Jerod Evans named Virginia Tech's starting QB

BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) - Junior college transfer Jerod Evans will be Virginia Tech's starting quarterback in the opener against Liberty.

First-year Hokies coach Justin Fuente made the announcement Thursday.

Evans beat out redshirt senior Brenden Motley and freshman Josh Jackson. All three learned the decision before practice.

"To be honest, it still hasn't hit me yet," Evans said. "I am still in a grind. I am still trying to make sure that I'm right as an individual. I also have to make sure that we are right as a team for Liberty. I want to make sure that we have all out Ts crossed and that we are 100 percent rocking and rolling by the time Liberty comes around."

The Hokies host the Flames on Sept. 3.

Evans threw for 38 touchdowns with just three interceptions last year in eight games at Trinity Valley Community College in Texas.

Fuente says Evans has "had a few more predicted outcomes in terms of executing at a little bit higher level." He also says that all three quarterbacks need to be ready to play and the coaches will continue to evaluate and develop all three.

Motley started six games last season, throwing for 11 touchdowns with seven interceptions.

Evans said he's not sure what made him stand out enough to win the job.

"To be honest, that is a great question for coach Fuente," Evans said. "He is the mastermind behind this whole deal with the quarterbacks, so I couldn't answer that for you to be honest.