Virginia Tech will have some serious reloading to do on offense in 2017 as it has now lost its top three offensive weapons.
On Monday afternoon, quarterback Jerod Evans and top receiver Isaiah Ford announced that they were declaring for the 2017 NFL Draft. The pair joins tight end Bucky Hodges, who announced at the end of December that he was leaving early.
"I would personally like to thank Coach Fuente and his entire staff for helping me grow as a player," Evans wrote. "I would like to thank my teammates and Hokie Nation for their unwavering support and for making me feel at home in Blacksburg.
"My time at Virginia Tech was extremely rewarding both on and off the field. I could not have asked for a better college experience. I am and always will be a Hokie!"
"Since I was a kid I dreamed of suiting up in the NFL, and I have decided to begin that journey now," Ford wrote. "Virginia Tech could not have prepared me better and I will be back to earn my degree from the best school in the nation! I can't thank the university, coaches, teammates and fans enough as I continue to work to make you all proud."
Evans accounted for nearly 4,400 yards of offense (3,552 passing) and 41 touchdowns (29 passing) in his only year as a starter, leading the team in passing and rushing. Ford has been the team's leading receiver every year since he was a freshman and eclipsed 1,000 yards in each of the past two seasons.
Of the two new entries, Evans is by far the bigger surprise. He has just one year of starting experience with the Hokies after transferring up from junior college. Still, at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds with lots of physical tools, his upside is strong. Ford is considered a day two prospect in the draft, per CBS Sports rankings.
