Is Joel Caleb’s Future With the Virginia Tech Hokies?

Oct 4, 2014; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies running back Joel Caleb runs the ball during the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Kenan Memorial Stadium. The Virginia Tech Hokies won 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

The running back position has been an injury-riddled position for the Virginia Tech Hokies this season with many top players missing significant time. Shai McKenzie suffered the biggest injury against Western Michigan with a season-ending torn ACL while Trey Edmunds might also be done for the season from a broken clavicle he suffered against North Carolina.

Marshawn Williams also suffered an ankle injury and missed the game at Pittsburgh before returning the following week against Miami. Over the last few weeks, the only constant at the top of the running back depth chart has been Williams with Sam Rogers having the fullback spot on lockdown along with gaining some carries at running back.

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The depth chart has been in flux at the running back spot but one guy who has fallen down is Joel Caleb.

Caleb received 7 carries against Pittsburgh but has not received a single carry in the last game with his only statistical impact being a 13-yard reception against Miami that ended with a fumble that was receovered by Miami. Sam Rogers has become the number 2 ball carrier while Jerome Wright and J.C. Coleman seem to also be ahead of Caleb right now.

Caleb is a versatile player that can do some damage as a pass catcher but he seems to be behind Sam Rogers as the third-down back with Rogers proving to be a very dangerous pass catching running back. Caleb is a guy that is struggling to find playing time right now outside of special teams and next year will be even harder for him to do that.

The current position of Joel Caleb on the Virginia Tech depth chart makes you wonder how much longer Caleb will stay with the Hokies. It is unlikely that Caleb will get the chance to be a starter while he is in Blacksburg and if he wants a chance to get to the NFL and get playing time, he might need to transfer elsewhere similar to how Chris Mangus transferred to East Carolina.

Caleb’s future in Blacksburg does not seem very certain.