Ryan Malleck Makes the Most of His Final Spring with the Hokies

Four years after signing with the Virginia Tech football team, Ryan Malleck's time has finally come.

"It feels great," the Point Pleasant, New Jersey, native said of finally being completely healthy.
On the doorstep of his redshirt senior season, Malleck bears the scars of a career that's often taken unfortunate turns.

"The year I had shoulder surgery was probably the toughest year I've ever had in my life," Malleck said. "It just feels great to be out there and to keep playing."

A left rotator cuff tear and subsequent surgery robbed Malleck of his would-be junior season — one in which he figured to be heavily involved.

The 2013 season, which became Malleck's redshirt season, saw the emergence of true freshman tight end Kalvin Cline (26 rec. 321 yds. 2 TD).

It was uncertain what path the remaining two years of Malleck's career would take with Cline's development and Bucky Hodges waiting in the wings.

A Cline knee surgery following the 2013 season, however, resulted in an eventual medical redshirt and gave way to the best season of Malleck's career.

"We were able to redshirt (Cline) last year with Bucky doing so well and Ryan healthy," said tight ends coach Bryan Stinespring.

After catching nine passes in the Hokies' first two games, the injury bug found Malleck again. He recorded just 15 catches in Tech's remaining 11 contests.

"Ohio State," Malleck said, referring to the last time he was completely healthy — a game in which he recorded two third-down converting receptions on separate scoring drives and season highs for receptions and yards (6 rec. 64 yds.). "I rolled my ankle against ECU and I really wasn't that healthy after."

Now 100 percent, Malleck has shaken the rust off and is enjoying a spring that Stinespring describes as not good, but fantastic.

"I love everything about the young man," Stinespring said. "I like the way he conducts his business in school and as a football player. He's had to do some things and get more involved in the dirty work of the tight end spot because he's the one guy who has the ability to do so. He's done it unselfishly. He knows he has to fill that major role. He does it to the best of his ability."

Stinespring noted that No. 4 tight end Xavier Burke appeared in 55 plays in Saturday's scrimmage because of his ability to perform in the run game. The former offensive coordinator also mentioned the obvious ability of Hodges and Kline in the receiving game.

While not downplaying the latter two's blocking ability, Stinespring only referenced one player that can do it all.

"Ryan is our only true conventional-style tight end," Stinespring said. "He can play in space, spread out and is best equipped to be playing dual spots. Without him we'd struggle in certain sets. He brings that component to it."

It'll be a challenge to get Malleck involved with the continued improvement and increased role for Hodges. Stinespring has the answer.

"There were a lot of times last year that we played two-tight end sets," he said. "I think it's got a chance to grow and be more of our base set. It creates a lot of flexibility."

The Hokies will also rely on Malleck to become a leader for Tech.

"His leadership – he's always been a leader by example. He practices hard. Where he's grown, which isn't easy for him, is being a vocal leader," Stinespring said. "That doesn't come naturally to a lot of guys. As he's grown and his confidence has grown, and he knows he has respect within his team, he knows he can be that guy.

"He doesn't do it all the time but when he does people listen. He understands that his biggest job this year is playing well, but willing other people to do their jobs. That's when you're really a leader. Good leaders make people around them better. He understands that and that's what he's attempting to do."

In the continual search for capable wideouts, the starting quarterback takes solace in the thought of his reliable security blanket.

"We need some (wide receivers) to step up right now, but we have Malleck who is solid as all get out," said Michael Brewer. "Malleck is just about as solid of a football player as I have been around. He's sort of the glue out there. He's been in this offense for a while now and he's a smart guy...Bucky does create a lot of mismatches, so a lot of times that frees Malleck up."

"I'm looking for Malleck to have a really big year this coming year."

The culmination of Malleck's best spring will be put on display Saturday in the Hokies' annual spring game, the final one for the redshirt senior.

"My whole family's coming up and it'll be good to see them and for them to see me play," Malleck said. "It's fun to play in front of your family and the fans."