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Virginia’s Benkert claims starting QB job

The Sports Xchange

August 24, 2016 at 11:55 am.

East Carolina transfer Kurt Benkert is Virginia's new starting QB. Photo Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

East Carolina transfer Kurt Benkert is Virginia’s new starting QB. Photo Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Benkert followed former ECU coach Ruffin McNeill, who was fired after last season, to Virginia at the end of last season.

“He came here with a sense of purpose, not only to further his education — but to start his family and play great football,” coach Bronco Mendenhall said of Benkert, who got married recently.

Virginia has not qualified for a bowl game in five years and went 5-7 last season with Johns starting 12 games and passing for 20 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. Johns and Brewer, also a fifth-year senior, will share the backup role for now, Mendenhall said.

Benkert has consistently moved the offense in fall camp.

“When I look at a quarterback, what I look first and foremost for is do they move the team into the end zone?” Mendenhall said. “He’s a good decision maker, very strong arm, and he has natural leadership skills.”

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