Cardale Jones Starts at QB for Ohio State vs. Virginia Tech: Details, Reaction

Most four-year starting quarterbacks in college football don't put together a resume as strong as Ohio State's Cardale Jones did in only three games last year.

After guiding the Buckeyes to the national championship in the inaugural College Football Playoff, Jones beat out his teammate, Heisman Trophy hopeful J.T. Barrett, in the team's quarterback competition, per SportsCenter:

The decision wasn't revealed until Jones took the field for the first snap of Monday's road game against Virginia Tech.

What started as a three-way derby between Barrett, Jones and Braxton Miller turned into a two-way battle when Miller, a three-year starter, switched to H-back. Jones benefited from the groundwork Barrett laid in 2014 before the latter suffered a fractured ankle in the regular-season finale against Michigan.

But there's no denying Jones has the superior upside thanks to his unique skill set and physical tools. Listed at 6'5" and 250 pounds, it comes as no surprise Jones has the stronger arm—which also happens to be perhaps the best of any signal-caller in the country.

In addition to the zip Jones puts on the pigskin, he is uncommonly nimble for his size, evident in the 296 rushing yards he racked up last year in limited action. Sack yardage is included in that stat to boot.

Both Barrett and Jones were exceptional last season, presenting a unique, difficult but enviable dilemma for Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer, as ESPN highlighted:

Amazing as Jones' unforeseen run to postseason glory was, he remained humble when assessing his chances to remain atop the depth chart entering the 2015 campaign, per ESPN.com's Austin Ward:

"

We as a team and me as an individual get a lot of praise for how well we did in those games, but I didn't even grade out as a champion as far as coach's standards. I haven't proven anything yet. I haven't proven anything to myself, my teammates, my coaches to label myself as a starter.

"

Now Jones can say he's earned the right to run the show.

Barrett was extremely productive and exceeded expectations after he took over for an injured Miller before last season, even vaulting into the Heisman race. With a transcendent player in Ezekiel Elliott in the backfield, Jones' edge as a passer must have pushed him past Barrett and his superior running ability.

Some may write Jones off as a flash in the pan to whom defensive coordinators will adjust. But based on how well Ohio State quarterbacks have fared in Meyer's spread system, it stands to reason he will only improve and further realize his potential.

It also helps that the team around Jones is stacked. The Buckeyes return NFL-caliber starters on both sides of the ball, with four of five offensive linemen and seven defenders among them.

Although Barrett has to be disappointed to lose the competition, he can take solace in the fact that Jones will probably go pro next year. That will pave the way for Barrett to take the reins and still carve out a solid legacy in Columbus.