Report: Virginia Tech's Mark Leal left team for a job in medical sales

Former Virginia Tech backup quarterback Mark Leal left the team not because of a frustration with playing time, but rather for a dream job.

A source within Virginia Tech's athletic department told the Daily News' Norm Wood that Leal is starting a job that may involve sales in the medical field, and will require periodic training in Richmond. 

“He’s got a bright future in front of him,” said running back coach Shane Beamer. “We were surprised, but … we wish him well and (we’re) excited for him to pursue that opportunity. Obviously, the timing is a little tough, but we have all the confidence in the world in Brenden Motley.”

Motley is an inexperienced sophomore that will now take over the backup position. He hasn't played in a game yet, and his class schedule forces him to miss practice Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Leal was considered by most recruiting analysts as one of the nation’s top 80 quarterbacks, noted Wood. He redshirted his first season when Tyrod Taylor was Tech’s starting quarterback. Leal also has been the backup for Logan Thomas and current starter Michael Brewer.