Virginia Tech’s Breakout Freshman Isaiah Ford

Sep 13, 2014; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Isaiah Ford (1) runs the ball during the third quarter against the East Carolina Pirates at Lane Stadium. East Carolina defeated Virginia Tech 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Isaiah Ford was a late addition to the Hokies’ Class of 2014 recruits after Ford decommitted from Louisville in the aftermath of Charlie Strong’s departure from the Cardinals to take over at Texas. Despite the fact that he was one of the top commits in college football, Ford was not expected to make much of an impact as a freshman.

However, Ford entered fall practice with the desire to earn not only some playing time but a starting spot. The freshman impressed throughout fall practice and was named one of the two starting wide receivers for the season opener against William & Mary. So far, Ford has been listed as a starter on every depth chart this season and has proven that he is a playmaker.

Every game, Ford has made improvement and is clearly someone who is a contender to be a Freshman All-American this season. Ford had a solid start in his first two games of the season as he had 6 catches for 69 receiving yards and 1 touchdown.

Over the last two weeks, Ford has taken off and is clearly the Hokies’ top receiving target.

Ford had a very strong game against East Carolina as he had 7 catches for 77 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. Ford made some very impressive catches that not too many players in college football could probably make. Many freshman would love to have that good of a game but Ford had an even better game this past weekend.

Isaiah Ford was clearly the Hokies’ main receiving target and the freshman stepped up against Georgia Tech. The Jacksonville, Florida native had 8 catches for 114 receiving yards as he was the Hokies’ best offensive player against the Yellow Jackets. Also, Ford became the first freshman to have 100+ receiving yards in a game in a while.

Isaiah Ford is having a very strong start and is looking like he might challenge a Virginia Tech single-season record. Ford currently has 21 receptions which would put him on pace for 63 receptions. The Hokies’ single-season reception record is currently held by Jarrett Boykin at 61 but Ford is ready to challenge Boykin’s record.

Isaiah Ford is the best wide receiver that the Hokies have had since Jarrett Boykin and there is plenty of reason to be excited about what he will be able to do over the course of his collegiate career.