Here’s who will be NC State’s starting quarterback against Virginia Tech
There will be no surprises to who will take the snaps under center when N.C. State takes on Virginia Tech this Saturday in Blacksburg.
Bailey Hockman, who started the Wolfpack’s 45-42 season-opener against Wake Forest this past Saturday, was listed over Devin Leary on N.C. State’s two-deep depth chart released Monday.
Hockman, a transfer from Florida State, completed 70 percent of his throws against the Demon Deacons, finishing with 191 yards passing and a touchdown. Leary beat out Hockman for the starting spot in the spring, but missed 20 practices due to COVID-19 contract tracing and fell behind Hockman in the quarterback battle.
Against Wake, Hockman also connected with nine different receivers. Leary was available to play, but Hockman took all the snaps under center. At his weekly press conference on Monday, Doeren said Leary would be available again this week, but Hockman has the job for now.
“We’re going to need both of them,” Doeren said. “We’re one injury/COVID test away from having a different player at every position. We need our quarterbacks to be elite.”
Leary did practice last week, but Doeren said Hockman would “continue to be our starter until Devin is in position to play.”
Last season, Leary started the final five games and led the team in passing yards (1,219) and touchdowns (8). Hockman passed for 546 yards and one touchdown in 2019. His one big mistake against Wake Forest was an interception that was returned for a touchdown in the third quarter.
Doeren said the staff will continue to evaluate both quarterbacks in practice this week.
“Devin is taking reps and getting better,” Doeren said. “Devin deserves to keep getting better in practice, but we have two good quarterbacks and we have to keep getting them better. They both need to be ready to be our guy. We’re happy with what Bailey did with his opportunity and look forward to helping them both this week prepare.”
NC State at Virginia Tech
When: 8 p.m., Saturday
Where: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, Va.
Watch: ACC Network
This story was originally published September 21, 2020 at 1:44 PM with the headline "Here’s who will be NC State’s starting quarterback against Virginia Tech."
