The Virginia Tech football team will begin the 2024 season with high expectations, opening the season on Labor Day weekend in Nashville, Tennessee against SEC rival Vanderbilt University.
The SEC is holding its annual Football Media Days in Dallas this week, and Commodores head coach Clark Lea spoke with the media on Monday to discuss camp and the quarterback situation heading into the start of the season.
Vanderbilt will have a new quarterback under center this season, but who that will be may not be known until the season opener against the Hokies. New Mexico State transfer Diego Pavia and Utah transfer Nate Johnson will compete for the starting spot in camp.
“Diego brings experience and a competitive spirit. His presence has already been felt in the locker room. We currently face a quarterback competition that will continue until we face Virginia Tech. We are excited to have him on board, just as we are excited to have any player join our team. Those who know Diego know he is a unique competitor and exudes acumen. We are truly proud to have him in the black and gold.”
– Clark Lee
Pavia is a dual-threat signal caller who passed for nearly 3,000 yards, 26 touchdowns and nine interceptions for the Aggies last season, while he also rushed for 928 yards and seven more touchdowns. Johnson played in seven games for Utah last season, passing for 499 yards and three touchdowns and rushing for 232 yards and four more touchdowns.
Even if Coach Lee doesn't name a starter, it shouldn't have a huge impact on Virginia Tech's strategy heading into the game, as the school has a number of returning players on defense and also adding key additions through the transfer portal.
Overall, Virginia Tech should win no matter who Coach Lee names as the starter for the season opener.
