2014 Summer Position Rankings: Virginia Tech’s 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
1. Joshua Stanford
Joshua Stanford had some expectations as a true freshman in the 2012 season but Stanford only had one catch before going down with a season-ending injury. The fortunate news for the Hokies was that they were able to get the NCAA to grant him a medical hardship waiver so that he could be redshirted for that season, making the 2013 season his redshirt freshman season.
Stanford didn’t have the biggest start to the season but he got better and better, and showed that he can be one of the Hokies’ best receivers ever. Stanford ended the season with 40 receptions for 640 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, and an impressive average of 16 yards per reception. Stanford had some impressive games on the road as he had 6 catches for 171 yards against Boston College, and 7 catches for 107 yards and a touchdown against Miami.
Joshua Stanford has all the skills necessary to make plays all over the field as he has a great combination of speed, size, agility, and strength to make damage on the outside, on quick passes, or on longer passes down the middle. Stanford also knows how to gain separation from other players when he gets the ball and that was shown in some of his best performances.
Statistically speaking, Joshua Stanford is currently in position to potentially challenge some Virginia Tech records that current Green Bay Packers’ wide receiver Jarrett Boykin holds. Stanford also has the talent to challenge Boykin to be the Hokies’ best receiver of all-time not just from a statistic perspective but also for the impact he can leave on the Virginia Tech program.
Stanford is going to be a big-time star and he definitely is someone that not only could make some All-ACC First Teams in the future but also go down as the Hokies’ best receiver of all-time.