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.”