By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Though focused on the future, Mark Leal’s finish to last season remains a constant motivation.

With Veteran Logan Thomas now gone, Virginia Tech will be breaking in a new starting quarterback for the first time since 2011. That fall, Thomas replaced reigning ACC Player of the Year Tyrod Taylor. Spring practice 2014 is underway in Blacksburg and redshirt senior Mark Leal is currently the first-team signal caller. A south Florida-native, Leal has 47 career passing attempts, 332 career passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. While Texas Tech-transfer Michael Brewer will join the Hokies this summer, Leal currently has the spotlight on him.

After working with the scout team his first season, Leal saw reserve action right away in year two. He completed 6-of-9 passes in Virginia Tech’s 2011 opener against Appalachian State, throwing for 113 yards and both of his career scores. That November, Leal attempted four throws, connecting on three for 30 yards, in the Hokies’ shutout victory over archrival Virginia. There were mop-up chances against both Austin Peay and Bowling Green in 2012 and versus Western Carolina last fall. A second-quarter injury to Thomas in the Hyundai Sun Bowl suddenly moved Leal into the starting role.

Facing a talented Bruin defense, Leal, like Thomas the two periods before him, struggled. He finished 12-of-25 passing for 130 yards and two picks in a losing effort. Virginia Tech was only able to muster 12 points on the afternoon, an early rushing touchdown, a third quarter field goal and a fourth quarter safety. It was a frustrating game for Leal, head coach Frank Beamer and the Hokies.

x9cIm disappointed that Mark didnt play better. Ive got a lot of confidence in him,” Beamer explained. “I think its a lesson that you need to be ready to play each and every week. Marks okay. Losing Logan and losing our tight end, thats tough, but I expect those guys behind them to step in there and play well.x9d

Looking ahead to Virginia Tech’s spring game on April 27th, there is reason to expect improvement. Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Scot Loeffler is settling in for his second year with the team. Though Brewer won’t be able to participate during spring drills, the coaching staff believes they can get a good feel for the position with the guys they have. Expectations are high for Leal.

x9cThe ones that are here, you evaluate and see if theyre the guy thats going to lead you. If not, you go to the next ones that are coming in and give them every opportunity. Its an important time for the guys here this spring and for us, and well see if anyone comes out of that group. Mark Leal is the frontrunner,” Beamer continued. “I firmly believe hes a better quarterback than he showed in the bowl game.x9d

No stranger to having to prove his worth in practice, Leal is working alongside redshirt sophomore Brenden Motley and freshman Andrew Ford. Motley is a physical specimen at 6’4”, 219 pounds. Ford, an early enrollee, comes south from Pennsylvania. Leal understands that, despite his experience, he is going to have to earn the opportunities he gets.

x9cCompetition is good, It keeps the pressure on you at all times. It brings out the best in you. The more competition we have, the better,” he added. “Every day counts. Every rep counts. Nothing is set in stone, and all of us are trying to go out and make statements and try to separate ourselves from everyone else.x9d

Though focused on the future, Leal’s finish to last season remains a constant motivation.

x9cI think about that every day when I wake up,x9d he acknowledged of the Sun Bowl. x9cThats what drives me to work harder and get better to make sure that doesnt happen again. Something like that is going to linger until your next game, so Im going to try and make sure that doesnt happen again.x9d

As Leal goes through his fifth spring practice at Virginia Tech, he is taking full advantage of his ever-important second chance.