The hits just keep on coming for the Virginia Tech Hokies. Virginia Tech is going to need every available body if they are going to take down top-ranked Alabama this weekend in Atlanta. That includes a new starting tight end following a season-ending injury to Ryan Malleck. Malleck was injured in a practice last week and the school announced today he suffered a labral tear in his left shoulder. The injury will sideline Malleck for the entire 2013 season before it ever gets started.
While there is never a good circumstance to have an injury of this magnitude, Malleck does have a red shirt season to spare, so his eligibility will not be affected. He will be undergoing surgery to begin the process of working back to the field next year. According to The Roanoke Times, the coaches are optimistic about Malleck’s potential return to the team in 2014 as a red shirt junior.
Malleck was listed as Virginia Tech’s starting tight end on this week’s depth chart for Alabama while waiting for further word on his status. Red shirt junior Duan Perez-Means was listed behind Malleck on the depth chart and is likely to be the replacement as the Hokies take on the Crimson Tide Saturday.
Malleck had 17 catches for 174 yards last season for Virginia Tech. No other tight end on the roster has recorded a catch at the college level.