The Virginia Tech Hokies have been fortunate to develop a luxury of quality options at the tight end position, but it wasn't too long ago when the Hokies seemed to have some talent issues at the same spot.
In 2013, Ryan Malleck was the only proven tight end while Bucky Hodges was making the transition from quarterback to tight end. Malleck was the hyped-up tight end but after suffering a season-ending left rotator cuff before the start of the season, the Hokies were left looking for an answer at tight end.
The man that stepped up was Kalvin Cline.
Cline flew under-the-radar as a recruit that originally seemed bound to play basketball in college before the Hokies made a late push and gained his commitment. Cline was seen as a very good athlete, but it was unknown if he could develop into much of a tight end, especially at the collegiate level.
However, Cline quickly proved to be a steal on the recruiting trail for the Hokies.
Cline did not put up elite numbers, but he put up productive numbers, and showed a lot of upside and potential. During that 2013 season, Cline had 26 receptions for 321 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns.
Cline's average of 12.3 yards per reception was solid and showed that he had the talent to be a very productive player that could make some big plays. Cline also had some big games including four receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown against Pittsburgh, and 3 receptions for 36 yards at Boston College.
However, injuries affected Kalvin Cline during the 2014 season, and he only played in a few games and finished with one reception for three yards. The good news was that Cline was able to get a medical redshirt and preserve a year of eligibility.
Now, Cline is the number 3 tight end on the depth chart behind Ryan Malleck and Bucky Hodges, and most have seemed to forget about him. However, Cline is definitely one of the Hokies' top five receivers, and Scot Loeffler will likely try to get him involved in the offense with Hodges being able to be used on the outside.
Cline could fly under the radar of opposing defensive coordinators this fall because of Virginia Tech's strong group of tight ends. However, the athletic Cline is one player that no should be forgetting about even if he is buried on the depth chart at tight end. Cline's toughness and high work ethic will make him even more of a player that fans and coaches shouldn't forget about.
Kalvin Cline may be flying under the radar, but don't be surprised when he makes a fairly big impact on the Hokies' passing game this fall despite being the number 3 tight end.
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