Grant Noel

David Grant Noel (born July 11, 1980 in Low Moor, Virginia) is a former American football quarterback who played college football at Virginia Tech. He was given the job of replacing dual-threat quarterback Michael Vick when he left early for the National Football League. During the 2001 season, he took over the starting job and had a successful year leading the team to an 8-4 record. However, this was considered lackluster when compared to the 11-1 record the Hokies had the last two years (1999–2000) with Vick. He was blasted by fans on Internet message boards after the Hokies lost four of their last six games. Despite his above-par play, fans blamed him for the Hokies' poor performance at the end of the 2001 season.[1] He finished the season with 1,826 yards on 146-of-254 passes with 16 touchdowns.[2]

During his senior season (2002), Noel was made the backup due to injury problems and the strong performance of backup quarterback Bryan Randall.[3] Against #1 Miami, Noel stepped into the game in relief of Randall and completed a seven-yard touchdown pass to Ernest Wilford to bring the Hokies within two scores of the 'Canes, though a late Hokies rally would fall short.[4] He finished his career with the Hokies in the backup role and played briefly the following summer with the Baltimore Ravens.[5] Noel is now a sales consultant for Globus Medical.[1]