The Reliable Ryan Malleck

Sep 6, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies tight end Ryan Malleck (88) makes a catch while being out of bounds by Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Armani Reeves (26) during the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The Virginia Tech Hokies are 2-0 with a big win over Ohio State in Columbus pushing them to that mark this past Saturday. Over the first two weeks, the Hokies have shown a passing offense that has gone from being streaky to one that can be relied on the get points and move the football down the field.

A lot of the credit definitely deserves to go to quarterback Michael Brewer for how well he has played so far. However, Brewer’s receiving corps has been quite good also and one tight end has been reliable in getting first downs.

Ryan Malleck was supposed to be the starting tight end last season but injuries cost him last season which was a disappointment for Scot Loeffler who had been praising Malleck. The start of this season has been evidence to why Loeffler was praising Malleck who is looking like a player with a future in the NFL.

Malleck had a solid first game against William & Mary with 3 catches for 40 yards before leading the Hokies in receptions and receiving yards against Ohio State with 6 catches for 64 receiving yards. Over the course of the two games, Malleck has been averaging 11.6 yards per reception which is very good for Malleck.

In the first two weeks of the season, Malleck has proven to be someone that can get some separation down the field against a linebacker or be a quality option for Michael Brewer to dump the ball off to. Malleck has been a very useful tight end in all facets of the game with his job in the passing game being the most impressive.

In the past, Scot Loeffler had predicted that Ryan Malleck could be a quality target that can get 60 receptions. Now, Malleck is playing like that tight end who could end up with 60 or more receptions due to his reliability.

Malleck will definitely continue to be one of the Hokies’ top passing targets in the resurgance of the Hokies’ passing game led by Michael Brewer.