Virginia Tech head coach Justin Fuente confirmed Monday that the coaching staff intends to use true freshman Caleb Farley as a wide receiver this fall. The Hickory, North Carolina native was an early enrollee for the Hokies after enjoying a record-setting career as a quarterback at Maiden High School.
“Our staff feels that the best way Caleb can contribute to our success this season is playing wide receiver,” Fuente said. “Caleb is a gifted athlete who is passionate about the game and who has worked diligently since he arrived on campus. While receiver is certainly area where we’re not deep at currently, we reserve the right to adjust Caleb’s role should circumstances change.”
Farley set his school’s single-season rushing record with 2,574 yards in 2016, running for 37 touchdowns and throwing for 21 more. His 58 total TDs ranked as the third-highest single-season tally in North Carolina history. Farley earned second-team all-state honors at QB, while his current roommate at Tech – QB Hendon Hooker – received first-team accolades.
‘I’m willing to do whatever the coaches ask me to do,” Farley said. “If they feel working at receiver gives us the best chance to win, I’m all for it. I’m excited to get on the field this fall and contribute any way I can.”
While there were no official stats kept at the 2017 Maroon-Orange Spring Game, Farley’s athleticism and versatility were definitely on display on receptions of 36 and 15 yards, in addition to a 16-yard run on a reverse.
The Hokies are tentatively slated to begin fall practice on August 1. Further details and a date for Fan Appreciation Day, as well as other important dates for fall camp will be announced once they are finalized. Tech opens the 2017 season on Sunday, Sept. 3 against West Virginia at FedExField.
— Courtesy of VT Athletics