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With 6 days left until Virginia Tech takes the field against Appalachian State, we turn our attention to number 6 on roster, Mr. Mark Leal. Leal entered this fall with his eyes set on being the backup quarterback this season and managed to win that battle in a decisive manner. Despite having a few more years in the system, JuJu Clayton just doesn’t have the raw physical skills that Leal possesses, which made this an easy decision for the coaching staff. From what I’ve seen so far, Leal is an impressive looking quarterback that should develop into a solid backup this year. Hopefully, he doesn’t have to start a game this fall but if he does, I have enough confidence in Leal to go out and get the job done.
Stats
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 199 lbs
Position: Quarterback
Year: R-Freshman
High School: Atlantic High School
How Did He Get Here
The Hokies have established a pipeline at Atlantic High School in Delray Beach, Florida. Leal is one of six Atlantic High grads to play at Virginia Tech in the last six years. Even with a decent offer sheet, Leal decided to commit to the Hokies on May 7th 2009.
2010 Season
Redshirted.
2011 Prospectus
I’m sure the coaching staff is hoping that Logan Thomas can make it through the season unscathed by injury. However, if he can’t at least the Hokies have a workable backup in Leal. After watching him in the two scrimmages, Leal has a little bit of Bryan Randall in him. He’s a good passer, smart with the football, and knows how and when to scramble. He’s not blazing fast but he has good enough straight ahead speed to run by defensive ends and some linebackers.
What concerns me the most is Leal’s lack of experience. If he is needed at some point this year, hopefully it comes later in the season after maybe 100 snaps in garbage time through the first four weeks. Getting him acclimated to the college game is a must in the month of September.
Career Highlight
Beating out JuJu Clayton for the backup job this spring.
Career Lowlight
Likely having to listen to a bunch of announcers screw up the pronunciation of his last name.
Look A-Like
Actor Cuba Gooding Jr.
Completely made up fact
Leal, the good Samaritan that he is, was so worried about Hurricane Irene that he evacuated the enter city of Delray Beach, Florida up to live with him at his apartment. Needless to say, there have been some noise complaints.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Did Michael Via get hurt this week? If so, is it serious?
Yes, he appears to have torn an ACL… again. I really feel for the kid especially since there’s a chance he could have been our starting RT against Appy State. Plus, an ACL injury kept him out most of last season. Still haven’t heard whether it was his left or right knee though.
Heard it was the same knee as last year
According to VTEffect.com, Frank Beamer called it a sprain and it also is not the same knee he tore last year. He was not put on the season ending injury report today and further information will be released on Thursdays injury report for the App State game.
Good stuff… thanks. Been in class and around campus most of the morning so haven’t had time to check. Hopefully it’s not as bad as first thought and he can still play this year. Would certainly be a boost to this line.
ignore me, I’m tired and confused… mixing Battle’s and Via’s injuries…