Dear Hokie Nation, The last three years of my life provided a foundation for who I am and who I will become. I was first impressed with VT with the recruitment by Coach Wiles. He was a great recruiter and told me how badly Virginia Tech wanted and needed me. Coach Wiles, Coach Loeffler, and Coach Beamer all came to Jacksonville for my home visit and even came to my high school basketball game to show how important I was to them even before I committed. This was only the beginning of what will be a lifelong relationship between Virginia Tech, the Hokie Nation, and myself. For the last three years, Hokie Nation has been one of the best experiences of my life, and I will forever be a VT Hokie. The time I spent in Blacksburg was the most exciting time of my life. From my freshman year through my junior year, being a Hokie shaped me into the young man I am. Having the opportunity to learn from Coach Beamer and his staff for two years developed me into an athlete with a purpose on and off the field by providing me the opportunity to learn from a world-class staff. All that continued under Coach Fuente and his staff, as they continued to push me and instill the true meaning of working hard, smart, and being tough. From the conditioning coaches who helped me get stronger and faster to the position coaches sharpening up my route running, it all formed me into the player I am today. What I will always remember are the relationships I formed with my teammates, coaches, and all of the Hokie Nation fans that made my experience unforgettable. As I pursue my dream of playing in the NFL, I have to give all credit to God. It is He who continues to provide me with His strength and power, as I promise to represent the Hokie Nation with passion and class. Hokie Nation will always be in my heart, mind and soul, and I will never forget coming out the tunnel to more than 60,000 screaming fans at every home game! Seeing so many VT fans at away games spoke to the sacrifice and passion our fan base has. It was those fans that made away games feel just as comfortable to me as home games. My hopes and dreams are coming true because of Virginia Tech, and I am forever grateful to call myself a Hokie. As I look forward tomy future, I wish all the best for the Hokie Nation, and I will strive to represent you in a way that will make you proud. I look forward to returning to Blacksburg to complete my degree and again be surrounded by the best fans in the world! Yours truly, Isaiah Ford Virginia Tech Wide Receiver #1 Supporting Tech Athletics Since 1949 2 Inside Hokie Sports