Offensive Tackle Mark Shuman to Retire from Football

Virginia Tech announced in a release that senior offensive lineman Mark Shuman suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee last week during practice. An MRI on Wednesday confirmed the tear. Shuman tore the meniscus in the same knee in 2011 and again last preseason. The injury is season ending, and because of which, Shuman has decided to retire from football. He will take a medical disqualification, thus keeping him on scholarship.

In a bit of a surprise, Shuman began August practice as the top option at right tackle over returning starter Jonathan McLaughlin. McLaughlin moved from left to right tackle and senior Laurence Gibson was tasked with protecting the left side. Shuman was a blue chip prospect coming out of Fork Union Military Academy, but hasn't been able to earn significant playing time in 4 years at Tech. Two springs ago, he admitted his effort level wasn't up to par early in his career.

"You know, my first two years here, I wasn't a big effort guy," he said. "But they're pushing me, and getting me to play at my highest level. That's all I'm trying to do. I want to go out there, show them I want to play and hopefully, that will be the conclusion, come [fall] camp."

However, it seems Shuman was primed for playing time this season before suffering the injury.

"I'm disappointed for our football team and I know it's really disappointing for Mark," Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer said in the release. "He was well on his way to having his best year. He had put so much effort into his preparation and he's still very much a part of this team, just in another capacity."

He has already graduated with a degree in sociology with a concentration in crime and deviance and is pursuing a second degree in history.