The last three years were a golden age of sorts for Virginia Tech wide receivers. Three years ago, the Hokies lined up two talented sophomores at receiver in Cam Phillips and Isaiah Ford. Another, Bucky Hodges, was a record-breaking mismatch of a receiver/tight end-hybrid. As good as they were in 2015, they were even more dynamic in 2016 when new head coach Justin Fuente took over.
After Ford and Hodges broke numerous school records, they both decided to depart for the NFL draft one year early after the 2016 season. It was a decision, in hindsight, that was questionable.