Back when Daniel Kaelin signed with the Nebraska football team alongside two of his Bellevue West teammates, head coach Matt Rhule thought he had a couple of future NFL QBs in Kaelin and Dylan Raiola. Things didn't quite work out for Kaelin in Lincoln and he's now walking a different path with the Virginia Cavaliers.
While Kaelin has been relegated to the backup quarterback position so far with the ACC school, he's likely going to get his chance to prove his former coach right starting this Saturday. The former Nebraska prep star is in line to be the starting quarterback for the Hoos.
Chandler Morris, who beat out Kaelin for the Virginia starting quarterback job, had to leave the Cavaliers' last game with a concussion. The former Nebraska quarterback stepped up in relief, and with Morris still considered questionable, Kaelin could make his first collegiate start.
Kaelin's first real playing time on the college level wasn't great, but considering how little time he's seen on the field, it was admirable. He completed 18 of 28 passes for 145 yards. He also carried the ball 6 times for 49 yards.
That action was the most he'd seen that wasn't garbage time. This week, Kaelin has been taking more of the first team snaps, though On3's Pete Nakos says there is hope that Morris could play.
Last week, Virginia suffered a setback in their Cinderella hunt for a College Football Playoff berth despite the former Nebraska quarterback's efforts as it lost 16-9 to Wake Forest. The Cavs can get back on track with a victory over Duke while potentially knocking the Blue Devils out of the ACC championship race.