Virginia Tech's Joshua Stanford takes leave of absence from team

Virginia Tech wide receiver Joshua Stanford has left the team for an indefinite amount of time to address non-football related issues.

Coach Frank Beamer declined to comment on the situation. 

The sophomore from Mississauga, Ont. recorded two receptions for 14 yards, but dropped two key third-down passes in the Hokies' loss to East Carolina on Saturday. He was benched late in the game as Virginia Tech attempted to erase a 14-point deficit. 

In Stanford's absence, Virginia Tech will rely more heavily on senior Willie Byrn and junior Demitri Knowles. Freshmen Isaiah Ford and Cam Phillips, first and third on the team in receiving yards, respectively, will continue to be targeted.