Hokies Tailback Trey Edmunds Looks to Regain Form, Joel Caleb Switches Positions

Joel Caleb and Trey Edmunds are on a mission this spring.

The two oft-forgotten Virginia Tech running backs are re-approaching relevance in different ways.

For Caleb, a move back to wide receiver ensued following Saturday's scrimmage. The switch, a possible byproduct of emerging young backfield talents Travon McMillian and D.J. Reid, is more so for position need suggests running backs coach Shane Beamer.

"We're thin at receiver with some guys that we were counting on being here that aren't here," Beamer said. "We have guys that are battling injuries at receiver right now so after Cam (Phillips) and Isaiah (Ford) it gets really thin. It's an opportunity to add some depth at receiver."

Already experienced on the perimeter by way of a freshman fall spent at wide out, Caleb's assimilation to the new spot isn't a concern.

"Joel catches the ball really well," Beamer said. "We have a lot of running backs. I don't know if his days at running back are over but we just figure that it's spring practice and a time we can experiment."

Caleb, a redshirt junior, is well aware that the clock is ticking and this is likely his fastest ticket to seeing the field.

"I'm just trying to do what's best for the team," Caleb said. "Whatever way I can do what's best for the team and get on the field fast, I'm with it."

The Midlothian, Virginia, native noted that the hardest part of moving to receiver the first time was remembering the terminology and routes.

"I do feel like wide receiver is a spot where I can get on the field quicker," Caleb said. "They rotate a lot at receiver and I think it will be a good role for me."

Beamer asserts that the one-time four-star recruit has suffered unfortunate circumstances, and won't end up as an afterthought.

"I hate that he's a high profile recruit and people look at him and say he hasn't done anything," Beamer said. "I disagree. He came in after playing quarterback, had a knee injury and came in overweight and out of shape. He played receiver that fall and wasn't very good because it was a new position and he was coming off that injury. He went through spring practice and we moved him to running back out of need after the 2013 season.

"I still think he's a really good player and he has a good two years ahead of him."

Among others, Caleb leaves behind at tailback: an experienced veteran who is coming off perhaps the best stretch of his career in J.C. Coleman, talented young backs in McMillian and Reid, and 2013's leading rusher, Trey Edmunds.

Edmunds struggled to find his way into the fold in 2014 after recovering from a broken leg suffered in the 2013 regular season finale against Virginia.

Minimal to moderate midseason work gave way to a clavicle fracture that sidelined the Danville, Virginia, native for good.

After a brief stint in the Military Bowl and months of continued recovery, Edmunds insists he's all the way back from both injuries.

"I'm definitely all the way back now," he said. "Spring's been going well. We've all been progressing. Health-wise, all that's behind me and I'm ready to go."

Edmunds admits that it was hard missing so much time, even when he thought he was ready to come back.

"After getting hurt I wanted to come back earlier but you can't put a certain date on injuries. You just have to be patient and wait it out," Edmunds said. "I felt all the way back during the bowl game, when I was actually out there. I always felt good but the trainers didn't think that. Prior to the Virginia game I thought I was going to be ready to go but certain circumstances in practice didn't allow that."

Edmunds acknowledged that while having taken a step back and drop from the spotlight, he is eager to prove himself again.

With Edmunds in the mix of a solid stable of running backs, Beamer is going to have some tough decisions to make down the road.

"It's challenging. You think about these guys and then forget about (Marshawn Williams) and (Shai McKenzie). They're not out there repping. It's a good thing that you can add those guys to the mix. Everyone does something well. Everyone will have a role."

Edmunds reflected on the rehabilitation process.

"Last year I lost both my speed and power and I wasn't able to run," Edmunds said. "Finally getting it back, it feels good to be out there doing that again. I think those are my strong assets."

Beamer shares Edmunds' optimism.

"Trey looks good. He's had a really good few weeks," Beamer said "He's off to a good start. He's running physical and running hard. I think he's trying to get his speed back to where it was. He and (J.C. Coleman) have really been solid."