Virginia Tech Spring Football: Ranking the Top 5 Wide Receivers
By Tim Thomas
Nov 2, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Joshua Stanford (5) pulls in a 27 yard reception for a first down in the fourth quarter as Boston College Eagles defensive back C.J. Jones (6) looks on at Alumni Stadium. The Eagles defeated the Hokies 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Ed Wolfstein-USA TODAY Sports
The end of Virginia Tech Spring Football for 2014 is approaching with the Spring Game just over two weeks away for the Hokies. The Hokies have a lot of talent at wide receiver and that has shown a lot throughout last season with plenty of optimisim about this group entering this upcoming season. Of course, this list does not include the talented group of tight ends as Kalvin Cline is definitely one of the top 3 or 4 pass catchers for the Hokies. So with all that said, here is our top 5 list of the best Virginia Tech wide receivers for the 2014 season.
Josh Stanford was an off-the-radar guy entering last season but he made big strides throughout the year and has continued to do so this spring. Stanford showed as a freshman that he has the potential to be the best receiver Virginia Tech has had since Jarrett Boykin and Danny Coale. Stanford had 40 receptions and 640 receving yards as a freshman which is quite impressive. Stanford has the potential to be the best receiver in Virginia Tech history and smash a few records over the next few years.
Nov 30, 2013; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Willie Byrn (82) runs with the ball as Virginia Cavaliers safety Brandon Phelps (21) dives to make the tackle in the first quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
2. Willie Byrn
Willie Byrn is a recepetion machine that is reliable and can get a lot of tough yards that fans and coaches love to see. Willie Byrn has deceptive speed that reminds me a little of Wes Welker though Byrn isn’t nearly as good as the Pro Bowl caliber Welker. However, Byrn is built in that mold of receiver as a guy who can catch a lot of short passes and use his speed and toughness to gain a fairly high amount of yards after the catch. Byrn had 51 receptions and 660 receiving yards last season and it shouldn’t surprise anybody if Byrn is even more productive this upcoming season.
Demitri Knowles has slipped down the depth chart somewhat as most people would have probably expected Knowles at the top of this list before the season but that doesn’t mean that Knowles was that bad last season. Demitri Knowles knows how to make plays in space and is a very good receiver whose skills are best used on screens and curl routs where he can get some space and make a quality play. Knowles has a lot of potential and it wouldn’t surprise me if he has a strong season alongside Stanford and Byrn.
Dec 31, 2013; El Paso, TX, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Carlis Parker (16) runs the ball against the UCLA Bruins defense at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports
This is where you start to see guys listed on here based on potential but Carlis Parker to jump ahead of Byrn and Knowles during the season. Carlis Parker has great size at 6’3” and showed off some speed in the Sun Bowl during his use on jet sweeps. Parker seems to have a unique blend of size and speed that could make him a really dynamic playmaker. Carlis Parker is a guy that Hokies’ fans should keep an eye on as he could have a big, breakout season.
5. Isaiah Ford
Isaiah Ford might be the biggest surprise on this list especially since the incoming freshman didn’t enroll early but Ford has the talent to already be on this list. Ford is an elusive receiver that could be used this fall as a return man while also being rotated in some to give other receivers a break for a play or two. Ford has huge potential and is a guy that could become the top receiver at Virginia Tech in a few years. There is a good chance that Isaiah Ford ends up being redshired but he might just get the chance to make a big impact as a true freshman.
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