Virginia Tech Football: 2015 QB Fall Practice Preview: Depth Chart and Analysis

Quarterback problems have plagued the Virginia Tech Hokies on and off for four years now, since the departure of Tyrod Taylor after the 2010 season. Logan Thomas was under center for three years and had some great moments, however the majority of his tenure was marred by turnovers and inconsistent play.

Speaking of turnovers and inconsistent play, Michael Brewer gave the the Hokies plenty of both in 2014. Brewer, who transferred from Texas Tech before last season began, had his share of good moments, too. Specifically, Tech's win over eventual national champion Ohio State in September. 

As we head into the 2015 season, VT's last official depth chart had Brewer tied atop the depth chart with junior Brenden Motley. Brewer took the majority of first-team snaps in spring practice and was terrific. Motley being listed as co-No. 1 with Brewer was more likely a way for offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler to motivate Brewer before his senior season. 

While there may not be an all-out quarterback competition this fall for the Hokies under center, Brewer will have to play well—each week—to hang onto the job. VT has a ton of talent at the skill positions and will not waste it with inefficient quarterback play in 2015.

Here's a look at Tech's quarterback depth chart and some analysis on each player. 

1. Michael Brewer

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Brewer after the win at Ohio State

After a season in which he struggled with turnovers, Brewer had a perfect spring. In three scrimmages and the official spring game, Brewer did not turn the ball over once. That's the progress Loeffler and head coach Frank Beamer are looking for in Brewer's final season. 

Brewer definitely felt it was an area in which he needed to improve, per the Associated Press (h/t USA Today).

"It's been a big point of emphasis," Brewer said. "That was something we needed to improve upon last year, and I think we've done a good job of that this spring."

One thing is for sure, the leash will not be as long for Brewer this fall as it was in 2014. The Hokies feel they have a bit more talent at the position this fall. 

2. Brenden Motley

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Brenden Motley

Motley is a big (6'4", 228), athletic passer with a strong arm. However, Motley isn't the most seasoned passer.

Tech coaches obviously didn't trust Motley throwing the football, as he attempted just three passes in 2014. Even when Brewer was struggling with turnovers and his confidence was at an all-time low, Loeffler and Beamer would not make the permanent switch to Motley. Instead, coaches would use Motley only for snaps as a quarterback in the Wildcat formation. 

Motley is an excellent runner and showed he could move the offense some with his legs last fall. Coaches hope Motley has improved in the pocket and can help them this fall. His arm is strong, and Loeffler must put him in some advantageous situations to take advantage of his skill set. 

Expect coaches to still use Motley as a change-of-pace option to Brewer in the Wildcat formation. 

3. Chris Durkin

Credit: 247Sports

Chris Durkin

At 6'4", 242 pounds, redshirt freshman Chris Durkin is a physical specimen. The biggest question surrounding Durkin, though, is will we ever see him take a meaningful snap under center for Virginia Tech?

Durkin's quest for playing time was seemingly helped by the June transfer of fellow second-year passer Andrew Ford. Ford was ahead of Durkin on the depth chart. Ford was stronger in the pocket, while Durkin had the stronger arm. Ford's departure was likely due to the impending arrival of Dwayne Lawson on campus later this summer. 

Durkin needs a strong performance in fall camp so that the coaches decide to take their time with Lawson. Despite his enormous size, Durkin is a very good runner. If he shows coaches he has a good feel for Loeffler's offense, he could move his way up the depth chart, even ahead of Motley. Just don't look for Durkin to threaten Brewer as the starter in 2015.

4. Dwayne Lawson

Virginia Tech fans cannot wait for true freshman quarterback Dwayne Lawson to arrive in Blacksburg later this summer. Lawson is the most heralded quarterback prospect Tech has signed since Taylor back in 2007. If Lawson follows the career trajectory of Taylor, Tech faithful will be euphoric.

Lawson is big (6'6", 210), fast and possesses not only a strong arm, but an accurate one, too. Keep in mind, as easy as it is for fans to be enamored with Lawson's high school film, he was going up against lesser athletes on a weekly basis. As with any athlete adjusting to a new level, there will be a learning curve.

Lawson won't open the 2015 season as the starting quarterback for Virginia Tech. That's not to say he won't have a role this fall—he likely will. This situation could compare to Clemson's from one year ago. However, Cole Stoudt didn't have the experience Michael Brewer does and Lawson wasn't an early enrollee like Deshaun Watson was. 

If coaches want to get Lawson in on the action, they could give him some of Motley's snaps in the Wildcat formation. Or, Beamer could decide to redshirt Lawson and have him get stronger and acclimate himself to college football.