Two of Virginia Tech's top playmakers won't return in 2017, after wide receiver Isaiah Ford today announced his decision to declare for the NFL Draft.

Ford is Virginia Tech's career leader in several receiving categories, including receptions (210), yards (2,967), and touchdowns. He led VT in each of those categories in 2014, 2015, and 2016, the first to do so three straight years since Jarrett Boykin (2009-11). This year, Ford caught 79 passes for 1,094 yards and seven touchdowns, his second-straight year with more than 1,000 receiving yards. He is the only Hokie to hit that mark even a single time.

Ford is the second Hokie to declare for early NFL entry, following fellow wideout Bucky Hodges (who entered VT as a quarterback but played primarily tight end prior to the 2016 season). With their departures and the graduation of fullback Sam Rogers, the Hokies will be tasked with replacing nearly half of their receiving production going into 2017.

Quarterback Jerod Evans is also considering an early declaration for the NFL Draft - but has yet to make a decision - after just one year in the Maroon and Orange.