As a freshman, quarterback/defensive back Brenden Motley impressed Christiansburg (VA) head coach Tim Cromer. With Motley leading the way, Christiansburg’s 2008 junior varsity squad went undefeated at 9-0. Two years later, with the 6-4, 190-pound junior leading the way, the Blue Demons varsity squad enjoyed a 12-1 season that included district and region championships and an undefeated regular season.

“Even when he was a freshman, we took several quarterbacks to camp and he had the best mechanics at the time,” Cromer said of Motley. “We talked about the possibility of him playing quarterback as a freshman, but we had some good kids already, so we thought it would be okay for him to spend a year on the JV. He has always had natural ability, and then he just worked hard. He fits our system really well. This year, though, we’re going to tailor things to him.”

Motley started the first six games of his sophomore year at free safety before winning the starting quarterback position. He started at quarterback the entire 2010 season, totaling 1,706 yards of offense (1,142 passing and 564 rushing) and 19 touchdowns (11 rushing, 8 passing). The starting free safety as well, Motley picked off four passes and had 57 tackles.

“The first thing about him is he’s so diverse and so athletic,” Cromer said. “He is 6-4. He can throw the ball. He has the type of arm you need, but then he can run the ball. He’s tough. He also starts at free safety. He’s a physical player on defense. You have that athleticism, but then you just have a humble human being. He’s very coachable. You can correct him and he’ll do what you ask him to do. He’s a great kid to coach. Combine those things together and you have a special quarterback.”

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