Hokies WR Coach Aaron Moorehead Gets the Job Done

Sep 13, 2014; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Isaiah Ford (1) celebrates with running back Travon McMillian (18) after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the East Carolina Pirates at Lane Stadium. East Carolina defeated Virginia Tech 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

After the 2012 season, Frank Beamer and the Virginia Tech Hokies decided to make some changes to the offensive coaching staff with the biggest being the hiring of offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler. The Hokies kept Bryan Stinespring but shifted him into a role as tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator. Meanwhile, the Hokies also hired Jeff Grimes as the OL coach but Grimes left after the 2013 season for LSU with Stacy Searels replacing him.

The third addition to the staff was probably seen by many as a risky hire but has worked out to be the best hire made.

Aaron Moorehead was hired by the Hokies as their new wide receivers coach after the 2012 season with his only experience coming as a graduate assistant with New Mexico in 2009 and Stanford from 2010 to 2012. The Hokies took a chance going with someone who had never been a positions coach but Moorehead might just be the Hokies’ best offensive coach.

Entering last season, the Hokies wide receiving corps looked awful outside of maybe D.J. Coles but the Hokies receiving corps turned out to be a little better than expected with Joshua Stanford and Willie Byrn being breakout players. There was a lot of interest to see if the wide receiver corps would continue to improve and that has happened.

Moorehead gave his incoming freshman receivers the chance to earn early playing time and that has paid off quite well for the Hokies. Isaiah Ford has 41 receptions for 522 yards and 5 touchdowns with Ford leading the Hokies in receptions and receiving yards along with being the co-leader in receiving touchdowns. Ford is having the type of season that could make him a Freshman-All American.

Meanwhile, freshman Cam Phillips has been quite good with 31 catches, 373 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 drops. Ford and Phillips have both been very productive as true freshman and Moorehead deserves a lot of credit for not only getting them to Blacksburg but also preparing them to make an immediate impact.