clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Former East Carolina quarterback Kurt Benkert transfers to Virginia

Newest Cavalier has two years of eligibility and can play this fall

By Paul Wiley
James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

After Virginia's spring football festival, coach Bronco Mendenhall said the question remains open on the Cavaliers' starter at quarterback this fall. That question is perhaps even farther from being answered today, as former East Carolina quarterback Kurt Benkert announced he is transferring to Charlottesville.

Jamie Oakes of 247Sports had it first.

Benkert was named ECU's starter as a sophomore under Ruffin McNeill in 2015, but tore his ACL in August and missed the entire season. He went through all of the Pirates' spring practices this year, including their spring game, where he opened things up with a 75-yard touchdown pass on the first throw. (You can also see him run for a score at the beginning of the highlight clip below.)

Coming out of high school, Benkert was a lightly recruited 3-star prospect. He picked ECU over five other mid-major offers. His high school highlight video shows good athleticism and arm strength, especially on the run. It's also set to the music from Friday Night Lights, so bonus points for that. And, he can throw a football into a mailbox from across the street.

Benkert has already finished his degree in finance, and made the Dean's List each semester at ECU. Because he will come in as a graduate transfer, he can play immediately.

More From Streaking The Lawn