Photo Credit: Harley Taylor
Virginia Tech offensive lineman Walker Culver announced on social media that he is medically retiring from football for non-COVID related reasons.
— Walker Culver (@WalkerCulver58) November 16, 2020
Culver said in his tweet that he is stepping away from football due to a "recurring foot injury" that has led to "multiple surgeries" and other medical procedures over the years. This decision came after he had a consultation with Virginia Tech's doctors where they determined that stepping away from the game was the most sensible decision for him.
Culver was one of four offensive linemen who signed with Virginia Tech during the 2018 cycle along with current starters Christian Darrisaw and Luke Tenuta plus John Harris who has since transferred to Mercer.
Culver's departure does cause a slight hit to the Hokies' depth at offensive tackle though Parker Clements should be able to help fill that depth over the next year or so.
Culver's departure also opens up another scholarship which could be interesting to see if Tech uses that for their large 2021 class or if they try to save it for 2022 especially given how messy and tight numbers may be due to this fall being a free season. Of course, the NCAA could (and definitely should) add some additional temporary rules for the next few years to prevent one class from being severely limited in their opportunities, but it remains to be seen if they will do anything or not.