Virginia Tech football: Damon Hazelton could be the next great Hokie receiver

The Virginia Tech Hokies must replace a ton of starters on both sides of the ball in 2018. Gone are stalwarts like the Terrell and Tremaine Edmunds, Cam Phillips, Tim Settle, Greg Stroman and a host of others. So naturally there’s a lot of concern amongst Virginia Tech fans.

For Hokie fans to be concerned is natural. However, there are lots of jobs up for grabs and many talented young players are waiting in the wings. One of those players you should get excited about is sophomore receiver Damon Hazelton.

A transfer from Ball State, Hazelton caught 51 passes for 505 yards and four touchdowns. Respectable numbers, especially from a freshman.

At 6’2”, 225 pounds, Hazelton has impressive size. He happens to be a good athlete, too. And in each of the past two offseasons he’s trained with a couple of receivers you’ve probably heard of in Antonio Brown and Odell Beckham.

In the past few years, Virginia Tech fans have gotten accustomed to receivers putting up big numbers in head coach Justin Fuente’s offense. First it was Isaiah Ford, then it was Phillips. From purely a physical standpoint, Hazelton is more talented than both of his predecessors.

Quarterback Josh Jackson will certainly benefit from such a strong and talented weapon in Hazelton. Hazelton has true NFL size and if he can stay healthy, should put up monster numbers in 2018.

The most interesting aspect is how the Hokies landed Hazelton. Former VT WRs coach, Aaron Moorehead, now at Texas A&M, turned the Hokies onto Hazelton and the rest is history.

Hazelton is one player Hokie fans are excited to watch this fall and for good reason.