Analyzing Virginia Tech’s Passing Game with Hendon Hooker

Virginia Tech, Hendon Hooker
The Virginia Tech offense has changed a lot with Hendon Hooker behind center. (Ivan Morozov)

The turnaround Virginia Tech fans have witnessed these last two months has been remarkable. The entire team has stepped up their game and is playing at a very high level, but what has caught my eye the most is the quarterback position. Justin Fuente’s decision to replace quarterback Ryan Willis with Hendon Hooker has completely changed the dynamics of the offense. Heck, you could make the argument that this move may have sparked and changed the trajectory of the season.

It’s no secret that Hendon Hooker adds a much-needed running threat in Virginia Tech’s offense. Fuente’s system simply does not operate properly without defenses accounting for the quarterback as a factor in the running game. After all, that is what makes the run-pass option so special…defenses actually respecting the run options and accounting the quarterback in their reads. We finally saw the impact of a running game in the Miami game, when the offense suddenly showed signs of life against a highly-ranked defense.

Since his first start, Hooker has averaged 14 carries per game, and running back Deshawn McClease has been a key part in establishing that balanced attack, as he’s also emerged as a productive back since the switch. Since the running back no longer has to shoulder the load, defenses are now keying on multiple backs in the offense and ultimately have to respect the run game. Consequently, defenses are now adding an extra defender to the box to stop the run, which has opened up the passing game. This is why Fuente has emphasized over and over why a run game is so important in this offense.

One of the noticeable changes that’s helped change the dynamics of the offense is the decision to move away from 11-personnel and instead into a heavier 12-personnel set (two tight ends and one running back). That essentially maximizes the highly talented tight ends on the roster in Dalton Keene, James Mitchell, and the promising freshman Nick Gallo.

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