2014 Summer Position Rankings: Virginia Tech’s Top 5 Running Backs

Joel Caleb is #3.

3. RB Joel Caleb

Joel Caleb came to Virginia Tech as a four-star athlete that seemed likely to end up playing wide receiver but changes started happening after he was redshirted in 2012. Caleb started to make a transition from wide receiver to running back which is somewhat of a gamble as the Hokies know that Caleb is a big time talent and what to take advantage of it.

Despite moving to running back, Caleb did not make many gains in terms of playing time with only eight carries this past week, six of which came against FCS opponent Western Carolina. This past spring, Caleb made some big strides and moved to second on the running back depth chart behind only J.C. Coleman though Trey Edmunds would have been the starting running back if he was healthy.

Caleb continued his solid spring with a very good Spring Game performance in which he had 6 carries for 43 yards including a 27-yard touchdown. Caleb gained a lot of playing time this past spring but the gap between Caleb and McKenzie is not big and is mainly due to McKenzie’s injury. Caleb could also end up back at receiver but the Hokies need to find a way to utilize him even if it is as a third down back on third and 5+ yards. Caleb has a lot of talent but might not be the Hokies’ third best running back much longer.