BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) — Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer says wide receiver Joshua Stanford is back with the football program and working to get on the field with his teammates.

Beamer announced on Sept. 16 that the redshirt sophomore was taking a leave of absence to tend to unspecified personal issues.

Stanford has been participating in weightlifting and other team activities, but not practicing.

Beamer declined to say whether Stanford’s departure was his idea or suggested by the coaching staff, but adds Stanford “needs to work to do some things to get back on the football team.”

Stanford had started two of three games and had five receptions for 35 yards. He started 11 of 13 games last season and set school records for freshman with 40 catches for 640 yards and one touchdown.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.