Virginia Tech QB Taylor returns to active duty

From NCAA College Football Information & Resource

September 02, 2008

Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer said last week that he was unsure what scenario would force the coaches to pull out sophomore quarterback Tyrod Taylor from his redshirt. After the opening day loss to East Carolina, it's probably safe to say that the Tech coaches have figured it out.

Beamer announced Tuesday that Taylor will be reactivated this season to share the quarterbacking duties with Sean Glennon, starting with this weekend's game against Furman.

"We plan to play both Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor this weekend," Beamer confirmed at a press conference. "I'll say this to you. I'm very hopeful Sean has a career in the NFL. That tells you what I think about his ability."

In only his first game after beating Taylor for the starting job, Glennon struggled mightily against the Pirates, getting picked off twice. One of those interceptions came within their own 5-yard line, eventually leading to an ECU touchdown. He finished the game going 14 of 23 for 139 yards.

Beamer said that the decision to tap Taylor will improve Tech's running game since he is capable of making plays.

"That is in our benefit," he said. "I think Tyrod Taylor is a much better player from a knowledge standpoint and reading coverage's than a year ago. He's much further along there. I also like his ability to throw the football."

The Tech mentor however did not name who will start this Saturday or how much playing time each quarterback is going to get.

"I'm not going to get into who's starting, how much each will play," he said. "I've asked both quarterbacks not to do interviews this week. I want us to play a good football game this weekend. That's what we need to do."

He also added that he has spoken to both quarterbacks about the news, which expectedly drew opposite reactions from Taylor and Glennon.

"I told Tyrod we need him and that it was what was good for the football team," he said. "He was excited about playing. Tyrod likes to play. He's a competitive guy. I talked to Sean yesterday, too. He was tremendously disappointed, as expected. I told him what this coaching staff thinks would be best for the football team."

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