Virginia Tech Football: 5 bold predictions for the 2017 season

3. Cam Phillips leads the ACC in receiving yards

Wide receiver Cam Phillips fared very well in year one in the offense under head coach Justin Fuente. Year two under Fuente should bring a whole lot more production for Phillips.

Entering his senior season, Phillips is coming off a career season in receptions (63), receiving yards (983) and receiving touchdowns (5). That production should all skyrocket with the departures of tight end Bucky Hodges and wide receiver Isaiah Ford.

Hodges and Ford accounted for 127 receptions, 1,785 receiving yards and 14 receiving touchdowns in 2016. Other than them, the Hokies return C.J. Carroll who caught 18 passes for 258 receiving yards and Travon McMillian who caught 11 passes for 120 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

With the cupboard bare in the receiving corps, the Virginia Tech Hokies offense could rely heavily on Phillips to take on a heavier load. Phillips has an opportunity to catch 100 receptions in 2017 which could produce a leader in the receiving corps.

Expect Phillips name to be up there when it’s all said and done as the leader in receiving yards. He’ll be up there with the likes of Clemson wide receiver Deon Cain and Miami’s Ahmmon Richards this season as a deep threat on offense. Phillips was fifth in receiving yards in the conference last year.