UVA

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Players are cleverly unnumbered for any scouting.Mendenhall mentions Richmond.




Friday, April 22, 2016Virginia closes Bronco Mendenhall’s first spring in non-traditional fashion
By Matt FortunaVirginia is forgoing a traditional spring game Saturday in favor of a 15th, padded practice at 4:15 p.m. at Scott Stadium as part of its spring football festival. In that event, here are three takeaways from Bronco Mendenhall’s first spring in Charlottesville:

1. Well, to start, there is no spring game … But that’s OK. Mendenhall — who has made the Cavaliers earn everything this spring, from the right to practice to the right to getting to choose their jersey numbers later on — said the players earned the opportunity to have a spring game, but that everyone realized another day of work is what’s going to help the most.

New coach Bronco Mendenhall has opted for a padded practice rather than a game to close out the spring.
“The team has done everything that I've asked them to do, and they've done it at a really high level where we currently are in measuring our program,” Mendenhall said during Wednesday’s ACC teleconference. “And the way I expressed it to the team is: Our program will move further ahead and faster with one more workday, so that's what we plan to do. They certainly qualified for a game, but then in presenting to them now here's how we could really benefit — and I think this day would help us if we did a different format than a spring game.”

2. New faces on D-line. The lack of depth up front is no secret for the Hoos. Junior blue-chipper Andrew Brown is the most familiar face, but he will play outside more as the Hoos switch to a 3-4 line. The guys around Brown are the ones facing the real opportunity this spring and summer. Eli Hanback looks like the other starting end, while Mendenhall has raved about senior Donte Wilkins inside. Senior Mark Hall moved from linebacker to end, and Mendenhall said Wednesday that he likes what he has seen from sophomore Steven Wright and senior Andre Miles-Redmond.

3. Receivers stepping up. Canaan Severin’s 759 yards from last season aren’t easily replaced. It doesn’t help that UVA’s next-two best receivers from 2015, Taquan Mizzell and T.J. Thorpe, are a running back and a senior who has graduated, respectively. But Doni Dowling and Andre Levrone are looking to make names for themselves in the Cavs’ new aerial attack. Dowling caught just one pass for minus-1 yard last season in a campaign that got a late start thanks to recovery from ACL surgery. But the junior has done plenty of little things to impress the new staff and looks to be on pace for a breakout year after being one of just four true freshmen to play for the Hoos in 2014. The junior Levrone, meanwhile, is the best bet to emerge as the Hoos’ downfield threat after missing the final 11 games of last season with a back injury. The continuity with position coach Marques Hagans — the lone holdover from the previous UVA staff — should help, too.



http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/f/9/9/f99...61543923&hwt=fbe343b88363ef7057b01965f16eddcf

 

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Quarterback competition ongoing as U.Va. closes spring practice
By ANDREW RAMSPACHER The Daily Progress|Yesterday

Without jersey numbers to help identify players, Virginia football fans needed some direction as to what they were watching during Saturday's open practice at Scott Stadium.

So coach Bronco Mendenhall did them a favor, using the scoreboard to indicate each period the Cavaliers were engaging in.

"Pass Under Pressure," read the board during the practice's early stages, "an 11-on-11 team period featuring a mix of run and play-action passing."

"Skelly," read the board during the practice's late stages, "also referred to as a 7-on-7: QB, RB, TE, WRs vs. LBs and DBs. Mostly pass with a few runs thrown in."

When the two-hour session ended - and a good chunk of the roughly 5,000 in attendance were allowed on the field for autographs - the scoreboard flashed: "Home opener, Scott Stadium, Sept. 3."

The spring season is over. The Mendenhall era officially debuts in five months when Richmond comes to Charlottesville.

Just who will be quarterbacking the Cavs then is the team's biggest question mark heading to the fall.

That Pass Under Pressure drill? Connor Brewer was first to take snaps with the first team. Skelly? Matt Johns was QB1.

"Our quarterback situation right now has not revealed itself," offensive coordinator Robert Anae said. "So we're going to continue to go into fall camp, and it may take all of fall camp before we get to the bottom of it."

Johns, the incumbent starter who threw for more than 2,800 yards last season, entered spring on the first unit. He ended it, however, splitting reps with Brewer, his less experienced classmate.

Johns is the rising fifth-year senior with 565 career passing attempts. Brewer is the rising fifth-year senior with eight career passing attempts.

"Matt was the returning starter, and he started practice that way, taking the first reps," quarterbacks coach Jason Beck said. "But then as we went on, Connor was playing really well. So we just split up the reps, made an even competition, and they went after it every day that way.

"So I think it's pushed each other to play at a higher level. They're both self-motivated and self-driven, but having that constant pressure and competition just brought out the best of them, making the most of every rep and every practice."

Johns tossed 20 touchdowns, but had 17 interceptions in the fall, most of any QB in the country. Beck sent the 6-foot-5 210-pounder to the offseason with an accuracy assignment.

"The biggest thing through spring is a couple passes have gone high on him," Beck said. "So it's just some technique and fundamentals to drive the ball, so he's getting his passes down. Because, you know, that just leads to tipped balls, incompletions."

Brewer, a former four-star recruit who's played at both Texas and Arizona, said he was in a system similar to Anae's at Chaparral High School in Arizona.

An Air Raid scheme out of the shotgun suits the 6-2 215-pounder better than Steve Fairchild's pro-style attack the Cavs used in 2015.

"It's a new opportunity for everybody," Brewer said. "For me, having a new coaching staff, new everything, obviously they haven't been with all these new players. They haven't seen everybody. So they're kind of giving everybody a fair shot, so I'm glad the coaches gave me a fair shot like that and let me compete as hard as I can every day.

"Whatever happens, happens. But I'm excited I got to go as hard as I can."

Both Johns and Brewer had their moments Saturday.

During a late scrimmage-like period, Johns hit Olamide Zaccheaus with a beauty of a 35-yard touchdown pass down the seam. Earlier, Brewer, on a jump-pass, connected with Ben Hogg for a score.

"It wasn't by design," Brewer said. "I just saw the guy open. It just happens. It was a little funky."

Johns, who beat out Greyson Lambert this time last year, is familiar with what's ahead.

"Any time you're competing, you're getting better," Johns said. "Connor's a great quarterback, and he made a lot of plays today. He's one of my good friends. It's just been fun competing. … It comes down to competing every single day."

 

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Thornhill jumping up depth chart for U.Va. at cornerback
By MIKE BARBER Richmond Times-Dispatch|April 21, 2016

CHARLOTTESVILLE - Matt Johns wasted no time seeking out Virginia's new defensive backs coach to share some important information. Johns, the Cavaliers' senior quarterback, wanted assistant coach Nick Howell to know something about sophomore Juan Thornhill.

"He's a stud," Johns said. "Last year, when he came in as a freshman, you could just see his raw talent. I saw that from him last year, and I went and told Coach Howell on his first day, 'This kid's going to be a player for you.'"

Thornhill, a 6-foot-1 200-pounder from Altavista, played in nine games last season, mostly on special teams. But the former high school quarterback and basketball point guard made his impression on Johns on the practice field last fall.

"I think Matt said that because last year, I'd always tell him I was going to get a pick from him in practice," Thornhill said. "And then I was one of the only guys who picked him off in camp last year."

This spring, Virginia has Thornhill working as a first-team cornerback, along with senior Tim Harris, the former Varina High School standout. But Thornhill didn't get that spot just off Johns' recommendation. Thornhill caught the attention of Howell and head coach Bronco Mendenhall with his efforts in the team's offseason workouts.

He's only reinforced that first impression with his work through 14 spring practices. U.Va. ends spring ball Saturday with an open practice at Scott Stadium.

"Coach Howell watched everything, and I watched everything that Juan did in the offseason," Mendenhall said. "Juan was big, and he was fast, and he was trying really hard. And as we started practice, he's big, and he's fast, and he tries really hard. And as practice kept going, he's big, and he's fast, and he tries really hard. I like big, fast guys who try hard, and that's what he keeps doing."

During Thursday's practice, Thornhill made a diving interception off a tipped pass, showing off both his athleticism and his instincts.

While safeties Quin Blanding and Kelvin Rainey return, Virginia must replace cornerbacks Maurice Canady (Varina) and Demetrious Nicholson from last year's roster. Through spring, Harris and Thornhill have been the players Mendenhall, who effectively serves as the team's defensive coordinator, and Howell, who officially carries that title, have turned to.

It's a group of defensive backs, second-teamers included, that is closer than in recent years, the players said. That shows in a group chat they all go back and forth in on their phones, one that includes Howell.

"Our coach gets us fired up in those group chats," Harris said. "I just feel a bond this year compared to other years."

The chat isn't just for motivation. In fact, most of the messages are more humorous in nature, Thornhill said - like when someone shared an Instagram photo of two girls wearing No. 25 U.Va. jerseys. The group began making jokes that freshman teammate Chris Sharp, who currently wears No. 25, would probably make the photo the screensaver on his phone.

"It's another thing to bring us close, like a family," Thornhill said. "With the last staff, we really didn't have anything like that."

Schematically, the new staff has, most obviously, transitioned the defense from a 4-3 to a 3-4 front. But there are changes in the secondary as well, including more press coverage and more zone looks than a year ago, said Harris, who had 34 tackles, six passes defended and an interception in 2015.

The change is good for Harris, who is 6-2 and 200 pounds. And so far, it's working out fine for Thornhill, who admitted he didn't expect to skyrocket up the depth chart so quickly this spring.

"Honestly, I didn't think I'd be out there starting with the ones," Thornhill said. "I just came out willing to work hard and wherever I fit, then just go out there and play ball."

 

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U.Va.'s Dowling leading with toughness, effort and mouth
By MIKE BARBER Richmond Times-Dispatch|April 19, 2016

CHARLOTTESVILLE - Andre Levrone lets you know he's ready to play with the look on his face. Fellow wide receiver Doni Dowling? He's more likely to tell you about it.

Just like a stern gaze from Levrone signals to teammates he's locked in, a string of trash talk from Dowling tells them he's good to go.

"It puts a smile on my face," Levrone said of Dowling's trash-talking propensity. "It lets me know he's ready to go, he's in his mode. And when I'm quiet and my eyes light up, he knows I'm in my mode. We know how to gauge each other's personalities."

Levrone, a junior wide receiver, is likely to be U.Va.'s big-play threat, a speedster who can stretch opposing defenses in the new, pass-happy offense Bronco Mendenhall and staff have been installing this spring, a scheme that will be on display Saturday during the open-to-the-public practice the Cavaliers are hosting at Scott Stadium instead of an actual spring game.

Dowling figures to be the team's possession receiver, a physical and steady pass catcher who's speed has been sapped by a string of knee issues. Dowling, a 6-foot-1, 215-pound junior and former Varina High School star, tore his ACL last January and missed the first four games of the 2015 season.

He came back for the Oct. 10 loss at Pittsburgh, then caught just one pass all season, losing a yard on a reception in a win over Duke on Nov. 21, the next-to-last game of the season.

"I came back the fifth game and I really didn't play how I wanted to," said Dowling, who caught 17 passes as a true freshman in 2014. "The coaches, they influenced me into playing. Not saying that I didn't have the choice myself, but the way they were talking was, I was really going to have a role. I really wasn't satisfied with my role last year, even though I did what I could to contribute."

Looking back, Dowling is hesitant to say he regrets opting to play last year and not seek a medical redshirt, although that possibility clearly still weighs on his mind.

"Hindsight is 20-20, but I would say, if I could do it all over again differently I would, but I have no regrets from doing it," Dowling said. "'That's kind of a contradiction, but I can't go back. I can only go forward."

Forward means carving out a role in the new offense. To do that, Dowling and all his teammates know, they first have to show maximum effort on the practice field, part of the "will before skill" motto the new coaches have been emphasizing.

That hasn't been a problem for Dowling, his teammates said. Levrone noted a play this spring in which Dowling sprinted down field to lay a block that freed up a teammate for a touchdown.

As for his talkative nature on the field, he thinks it helps lift up the Cavaliers, especially the largely young and inexperienced receiving corps, during the tough, disciplined and conditioning-heavy practices Mendenhall has been running this spring.

"Whatever you put out is going to affect the whole group," Dowling said. "Knowing that I'm one of those people that happens to have a leadership role, whatever I put out is going to affect others. If I go out there and I'm super aggressive, it's going to bring the aggressiveness out of them, so they don't get bullied or pushed around."

It isn't just the wide receivers or the offense that gets fired up by Dowling's mouth. The defense can get a lift, of sorts, from his verbal barbs.

"Donovan Dowling is one of those tough, aggressive players that's going to get the job done no matter what," said Tim Harris, a U.Va. senior cornerback and a teammate of Dowling's at Varina. "And he's going to give you a little smack out there too, which I like, cause he's just a competitor. ... It gets everybody pumped up. It gets us motivated, to be honest. Trust me, if you're having a bad day and go out there and hear that, it makes me want to go even harder."

 

[paward]

Mark my word, this year we win this game!

 

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ECU transfer at QB:

UVa lands quarterback transfer from ECU
BY ANDREW RAMSPACHER The Daily Progress|3 hours ago

CHARLOTTESVILLE - A weekend visitor became the latest quarterback to join Virginia's roster.

Kurt Benkert, who was recently granted his release from East Carolina, is coming to the Cavaliers.

"It's Virginia," said Benkert told Wahoos247 on Sunday. "I'm really excited to be here."

Benkert then took to social media to announce the news, tweeting: "I'm ready for the next chapter, it's going to be a great 2 years! #UVa #HoosRising"

Benkert will soon graduate from ECU, allowing him to play right away at U.Va. He has two years of eligibility remaining. The 6-foot-3 225-pounder has only attempted 10 passes in college games, all coming in 2014. He was slated to start for the Pirates in 2015, but injured his knee in August and missed the season.

His bio on ECUPirates.com touts Benkert's arm strength as "perhaps among the best in the history of the Pirate program."

Benkert, who played for Virginia defensive line coach Ruffin McNeill at ECU, toured Charlottesville this weekend, posting a picture of Scott Stadium on Friday.

He'll enter a QB competition that's far from settled.

Head coach Bronco Mendenhall, offensive coordinator Robert Anae and quarterbacks coach Jason Beck made that much clear at spring ball's conclusion last Saturday.

"I think if there were an outstanding quarterback," Anae said, "we probably wouldn't be here right now."

Fifth-year seniors Matt Johns and Connor Brewer split first-team reps most of April.

 

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Days after Benkert pickup, UVa third-string QB announces he's transferring
BY MIKE BARBER Richmond Times-Dispatch|4 hours ago

CHARLOTTESVILLE – Just days after news broke that East Carolina graduate transfer Kurt Benkert is transferring to Virginia, another Cavaliers' signal caller decided the position is a bit too crowded.

Redshirt freshman Nick Johns said he has asked for and been granted his unrestricted release from U.Va. by new head coach Bronco Mendenhall.

"Even in only a year, I made friendships that will last a lifetime," Johns said in a statement he Tweeted on Wednesday morning.

The Cavaliers return starter Matt Johns (no relation). He and senior Connor Brewer, a transfer from Arizona and Texas, went through spring competing for the starting quarterback position. Nick Johns worked as the No. 3 quarterback.

Benkert, who played for current Virginia assistant Ruffin McNeill at ECU, announced Sunday he was transferring to U.Va. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

 

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Virginia RB Harbison reportedly transferring
The (Charlottesville) Daily Progress|1 hour ago

Tre Harbison, the headliner to Virginia's 2016 recruiting class, is leaving the program after one spring season.

According to a 247Sports report, Harbison has received his release from UVa and will look to transfer elsewhere. The freshman must sit out next season.

Harbison, ranked as the nation's No. 20 running back coming out of high school, enrolled in January after a record-setting career at Crest High in North Carolina that included more than 5,700 yards.

Recruited by Mike London's staff, Harbison was in a crowded backfield in Bronco Mendenhall's first spring. The position's loaded with seniors Smoke Mizzell and Albert Reid, plus junior Daniel Hamm and sophomore Jordan Ellis.

"He gets to watch all these guys work," UVa RBs coach Mark Atuaia said April 19. "I love not only the way they work, but how they go about their business. Especially for a young guy. With the tempo that we do and how fast we go, those things have to happen really fast.

"He's seen that and he's seen how they've adjusted. It's the best way to learn in my opinion, just watch what's happening and mimic. That's what he's doing right now."

Harbison, a 5-foot-10, 218-pounder, was reportedly switched to more of a fullback role in Robert Anae's spread system.

"He's doing good," Hamm said of Harbison in April. "He's only been here for a few months, but he's really picking up and he's learning from us. Just the other day he came to me and he was like, 'I really enjoy learning from you older guys, everything you guys do. I know ya'll have been here for a while. It's a privilege to be able to learn from ya'll and pick up on the things that ya'll do so I can learn and get on it and better myself.'"

Harbison is the second Cavalier to leave the program since spring ended, joining quarterback Nick Johns. Offensive lineman Grant Polk announced his exit on the final day of practice.

 

[MolivaManiac]

Wonder if we're talking to Harbison or Polk. Either would fit a need.

 

[SFspidur]

I imagine Harbison wants to go BCS...stud RB who just enrolled in January. Polk would be more likely given he's already redshirted a season.

 

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Harbison was a January enrollee.Think he has to sit out whichever level he ends up.

http://www.virginiasports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/tre_harbison_1014137.html

Grant Polk:



http://www.virginiasports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/grant_polk_947770.html

https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/maple/155908

Grant Polk ‏@GrantPolk
Hardest decision I've ever had to make



We could use Polk.Could be an immediate contributor and have 4 years of eligibility.Think Matt Murphy is staying down here somewhere in the Sunshine State to attend an FBS school.

 

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U.Va.'s Blanding, Kiser named to Lott watch list
From staff reports|2 hours ago

Virginia free safety Quin Blanding and inside linebacker Micah Kiser were named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list, which is an annual award that goes to the top defensive student-athlete in the country that exhibits the characteristics displayed by Ronnie Lott during his college and professional careers.

Blanding, a rising junior, was a second-team All-American and all-ACC first-teamer last year, finishing second in the ACC's regular season with 115 tackles. He recorded one interception.

Kiser, a rising junior, was a first-team All-ACC honoree in 2015 after leading the ACC in the regular season with 117 tackles. He had 7 1/2 sacks.

U.Va. is one of seven teams in the nation to have two players on the watch list.

 

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UVa football picks up Arizona State transfer
From staff reports|Yesterday

Bronco Mendenhall is adding to his coffers at the University of Virginia as he prepares for his first season in Charlottesville.

His latest addition is lineman Jack Powers, who will transfer in from Arizona State. Powers, 6-foot-6, 290 pounds, played offensive line with the Sun Devils, but will play defensive end at U.Va., according to a release by the school. He will have two years of eligibility left and will enroll this summer as a graduate student.

Powers was not part of the Arizona State football team in 2015, but remained enrolled at the university. In 2014 Powers played in every game, primarily on special teams for the Sun Devils, who went 10-3 and won the Sun Bowl over Duke, 36-31. Powers redshirted the 2013.

 

[iSpider]

Blanding, Kise, Powers...Smowers...we will crush them.

 

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Virginia center Jackson Matteo named to Rimington Trophy Watch List
From staff reports|Yesterday

Rising Virginia senior Jackson Matteo has been named to the Rimington Trophy Watch List, which is an annual award that goes to the top center in college football.

Matteo played all but one snap last season for U.Va., helping clear the way for running back Taquan Mizzell, who set an ACC record for receiving yards by a running back with 721.

Matteo is one of eight players from the ACC on the watch list, joining Clemson's Jay Guillermo, Florida State's Alec Eberle, Georgia Tech's Freddie Burden, Miami's Nicholas Linder, North Carolina's Lucas Crowley, Pitt's Alex Officer and Syracuse's Jason Emerich.

Virginia, under new coach Bronco Mendenhall, opens the 2016 season on Sept. 3 at home against the University of Richmond.

 

[MolivaManiac]

8 ACC centers on the watch list. Must be an unbelievably long watch list.

 

[WebSpinner]

imagine we do not have the contacts, relationships at uva we once did so not sure how much success we will have in getting any of their transfers. have noticed a number of posters basically guaranteeing a victory this fall and would suggest looking back to when we last beat them, not this century and heck not sure of the last century but has been a long, long time. nice to be positive and excited about our team but also smart to be realistic.

 

[iSpider]

My post was intended to be unrealistic and, perhaps, a little sarcastic. I would love to beat the hoos in football, but have little hope that I will see it this year with all the excitement about Bronco & Co.

 

[WebSpinner]

got you i but some are serious and that is OK but a tad unrealistic

 

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PodCast of new OC:

https://secure-hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/a...65506003&hwt=48b40854a75112108586330713241422

 

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Incumbent QB Johns, transfer Benkert getting in work ahead of U.Va. camp competition
By MIKE BARBER Richmond Times-Dispatch|June 10, 2016

CHARLOTTESVILLE - Jackson Matteo walked off the Virginia football practice field last week, gulped some water from a nearby hose, and loudly declared, to no one in particular, "that boy can throw a football."

That boy is Kurt Benkert, the East Carolina graduate transfer quarterback Virginia added to its roster this offseason. Benkert will vie with incumbent starter Matt Johns for the starting job in the fall.

"I'm just coming in here to compete," Benkert said. "We're both older. We've been through it multiple times before. So it's something you just kind of expect and you're used to."

That, Johns said, is the case for every player at every position under new coach Bronco Mendenhall.

"You have to treat every single day as a competition because, especially with Coach Mendenhall, your job is never safe," Johns said. "Once you reach that level where you're going to play, you can't be complacent because he has no problem playing someone else over you if they're outplaying you. That's something I really respect. That's how I got to the position I'm in in the first place."

For now, both players are getting in their offseason work with their U.Va. teammates. Both have already graduated and began graduate school classes Monday, pursuing master's degrees in higher education.

Next week, team practices begin, under the supervision of the Cavaliers' strength coach. Virginia will hold those five days per week, then have players-only workouts on the weekends, Johns said.

"The coaches are always saying, 'We can do everything we can in our power, but at the end of the day, it's up to you guys to do it,'" Johns said. "I'm excited to see the work we're going to put in over the summer, on our own, outside of what the coaches require of us."

For Johns, that means continuing to work on his footwork, one of the biggest changes, he said, from the old offense under former coach Mike London and offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild, and the new scheme installed by Mendenhall and coordinator Robert Anae.

The other Cavaliers know what Johns is capable of. Though Virginia went 4-8 in 2015, Johns completed 247 of 403 passes for 2,810 yards and 20 touchdowns.

His game experience - he's played in 36 contests in his college career, including 22 at quarterback - figures to be a huge advantage for him in the competition, though he was quick to point out that both Benkert and fifth-year senior Connor Brewer, a transfer from Texas and Arizona, have been around the sport at a high level for a number of years now as well.

"In practice, it's very different than a game setting," Johns said. "Having that feel of playing in front of 65,000 people, I guess it gives you a little edge. But at the same time, these guys have been in college football awhile, too, so I don't think that's anything that would disturb them."

Johns said Anae and quarterback coach Jason Beck gave him a "heads up" that U.Va. would be adding Benkert as a transfer, a move that Johns said makes a lot of sense for the program. Johns and Brewer are both going into their final seasons of eligibility, meaning the Cavaliers would have no experienced quarterbacks on the roster for 2017 outside of this year's incoming freshmen.

"I think bringing Kurt in was not a surprise at all. We needed him to have more consistency and more depth at the position," Johns said. "He's very talented on the football field, and he's a very bright kid. He's definitely going to be a great addition to our quarterback group, and we're excited to have him."

Benkert, who was slated to be ECU's starting quarterback last season before suffering a right knee injury in August, has made a strong early impression on his new teammates since moving to Charlottesville last month with his fiancée. Before graduate classes started this week, Benkert had been working out three mornings per week with a small group of teammates that included, among others, Matteo, wide receivers Doni Dowling (Varina) and Keeon Johnson and running back Taquan Mizzell.

"He's got a big arm, and he's got a big brain, too," Matteo said. "He knows the game. He already knows the offense. He's out there telling me what to do. He knows the protections, knows the calls, knows where to be. It's cool to watch. He's going to be pretty good."

 

[MolivaManiac]

Kind of a funny story. Met Wahoo Quarterback Matt Johns and his family this morning. We rented their beach house in Duck last week. They were anxious to get into their place this morning and showed up at 8a and we had until 10a to get out.

We took our time so they had to linger outside and I told him that I hope the Hoos win the other 11 on their schedule.

Pretty nice kid though. They were familiar with Kyle L since Johns went to a neighboring eastern PA high school.

 

[Ulla1]

Kind of a funny story. Met Wahoo Quarterback Matt Johns and his family this morning. We rented their beach house in Duck last week. They were anxious to get into their place this morning and showed up at 8a and we had until 10a to get out.

We took our time so they had to linger outside and I told him that I hope the Hoos win the other 11 on their schedule.

Pretty nice kid though. They were familiar with Kyle L since Johns went to a neighboring eastern PA high school.

Small world. OSC

 

[paward]

Spoke with the Mack's recently. Their youngest son is a incoming Freshman at UVA. They will wear the red and blue plus the orange and blue this year. I told them the big brother team winning, period!

 

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Tetlow, Olanrewaju have U.Va. football career ended by injuries
BY MIKE BARBER Richmond Times-Dispatch|4 hours ago

Two Virginia offensive linemen, junior center Eric Tetlow and senior tackle Sadiq Olanrewaju, won't play college football anymore because of medical issues, the school announced Thursday. Both players sat out last season with injuries.

Tetlow, the former Mills Godwin High School standout, played in five games as a true freshman for the Cavaliers in 2013 before redshirting in 2014. The 6-foot-6, 305-pounder missed last season with a knee injury he suffered during August camp.

The 6-6, 300-pound Olanrewaju also played in five games as a true freshman. He played in eight games in 2014, starting twice. He missed last season with a shoulder injury

U.Va. has depth on the offensive line, where nine different players with some level of starting experience were slated to return for the upcoming season. Now, that number is seven.

New coach Bronco Mendenhall did not release a post-spring depth chart after U.Va.'s spring practices conclude in April, but Tetlow would have likely been the backup center behind senior Jackson Matteo.

Olanrewaju, who had played mostly at left tackle, would have been competing for playing time with fellow seniors Eric Smith, Jack English and Michael Mooney at the tackle spot.

Both players will remain on scholarship at the university as they complete their degrees.

The Cavaliers open fall camp on Aug. 5.

Also Thursday, U.Va. announced two members of the program's 2016 signing class, defensive back Deedrick Daniels and defensive lineman Trysten Hill would not be enrolling as freshman this fall.

 

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Summer Lists For Virginia Football’s Offense
Kris Wright, TheSabre.com, on June 30, 2016


Believe it or not, Virginia football practice starts in a little more than a month.

Since Bronco Mendenhall moved much of his staff across the country from BYU, the past few months have evolved from the first points of emphasis – how to line up and stretch properly – to summer speed training – how to maximize movement. When the team hits the field the first week of August, however, that’s when the final stage of preparations crank up for Mendenhall’s first season at UVA.

With anticipation building for a new era, it’s time for fans to get in the football frame of mind. Here’s a collection of lists, focusing on the offense, to help pass a few summer days before practice begins.

5 Players Certain To Have Big Roles
1. Taquan Mizzell. He rushed for 671 yards and set an ACC record for receiving yards by a running back with 721 more. He only had 8 touchdowns, but that number is almost certain to go up – the offense being brought in from BYU runs a lot of plays, creates space for guys like Mizzell, and scores a lot of points. He’ll be a big part of the new beginning.

2. Doni Dowling. All the offensive coaches raved about Dowling in the spring, touting everything from his work ethic to his routes. Despite the fact that he’s coming off what was virtually invisible season following a late return from ACL rehab, he’s going to have a chance to make some plays in this offense.

3. Olamide Zaccheaus. He emerged as a weapon last season as a true freshman when he moved from the crowded running back corps to slot receiver. The Hoos used him three different ways: in the receiving game (21 catches for 216 yards), running the football – often as an end-around sweep threat (33 carries for 262 yards), and passing on an option play (1 15-yard touchdown pass). Mendenhall spoke this spring about moving both Mizzell and Zaccheaus all around the formation in an effort to let them be playmakers.

4. Jackson Matteo. A one-time walk-on, Matteo has become a mainstay on the offensive line as both a leader and a producer. He snapped the ball on all but one play last season at center and that is why he has such an important role this season. On a line with limited depth and experience, he’s the linchpin for whatever the eventual starting group looks like up front. Plus, no one else on the roster has any significant experience at center – more on that below.

5. Eric Smith. One of the other seniors on the offensive line, Smith has stayed healthy and logged a lot of snaps as a result. After some struggles with inconsistency, he had a much better junior season that saw him allow just two sacks among 413 passing opportunities. He’s played both tackle spots, though he’s mainly been on the right side, so his experience could make a key player for 2016.


5 Players That Could Join That Group
1. Matt Johns. The senior threw for almost 3,000 yards (2,810) and 20 touchdowns last season in an offense that left a lot to be desired. Unfortunately, he also tossed 17 interceptions. He’s not a speed-burner, but has been able to scramble for yards at times. He’s unquestionably a leader in the locker room. Still, inconsistency could put his playing time in some jeopardy because those INT numbers just won’t cut it in this new offense. Plus, he’s got a real challenger it seems …

2. Kurt Benkert. Yes, Connor Brewer wedged himself into the conversation during Mendenhall’s first spring at Virginia, but Johns figured to still have a leg up by the time kickoff arrived. That’s not necessarily the case anymore with an East Carolina transfer joining the fray. Benkert played in a similar offense at ECU, has a big arm, and can move with his feet too. Considering those are all things that help the BYU-style offense tick, he’s going to get a good look in August’s practices.

3. Albert Reid. Running back is perhaps the most crowded position on the team so beyond Mizzell, it’s hard to pinpoint how the roles shake out. Reid returns for his second year at UVA as a graduate student after finishing second on the team with 360 rushing yards in 2015. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry and scored three touchdowns. Virginia figures to need some tough inside running at times and that’s where Reid seemed to be used a bit last season, but how does that look exactly in this new scheme?

4. Michael Mooney. On an offensive line that needs depth and experience, Mooney could be one comeback candidate from a list of injured guys like Sadiq Olanrewaju and Eric Tetlow. He started five games last season before an injury in October at Pitt ended his season. He has 14 total starts in his career.

5. Keeon Johnson. He splashed on the scene as a true freshman when he made his debut in the fifth game of the year and then started seven times. He finished that debut year with 20 catches for 282 yards and a touchdown. Since then, he’s essentially vanished with only 26 catches and one touchdown over the next two seasons. Still, he’s 6’3” and 210 pounds with some speed, some physicality, and good hands. Will a new offense along with the new speed/conditioning work unlock the potential?


5 Players That Will Surprise You At Some Point
1. Warren Craft. The receiving corps isn’t booming with depth after Canaan Severin and T.J. Thorpe finished their eligibility. While guys like Mizzell and Zaccheaus figure to take some snaps in receive roles too, there’s room for other guys to carve out roles too. Craft got some mentions this spring from the coaches as a potential playmaker thanks to some size (6’2”) and speed. Others could fall into receiving roles too, but Craft is likely going to make a few big catches this year and that fits this category.

2. Daniel Hamm. He is still one of the better one-cut runners in the program, but injuries have reduced his role in two of this three seasons to date. A redshirt junior thanks to a medical hardship waiver, Hamm could be in the backfield while Mizzell and Zaccheaus split out to receiver. With the pace and space involved with this offense, that’s three versatile playmakers on the field all at once and I suspect Hamm makes the most of it at least a few times this season.

3. Jake Fieler. These lists aren’t ignoring the offensive line and Fieler is a little bit of a forgotten man thus far after a redshirt season and a season lost to injury. Remember, however, that he was pushing for a starting job – or a significant role at the very least – last August before the injury bug bit. He’s listed at tackle, but can play all five line spots and there’s some depth concerns at center and guard. If he’s back healthy, he could be the latest Fork Union product to deliver as a Cavalier.

4. Jordan Ellis. This is another guy in the same territory as Reid and Hamm. The crowded running back group makes it hard to predict roles, but Ellis has looked good in limited chances so far in his career. He has a burst to go with some size (205 pounds) that differs a little from Reid (210 pounds). With 80 to 90 snaps per game to go around, Ellis is going to get some turns.

5. Jack English. Another offensive lineman that could be on the verge of bigger things. English has three years under his belt and as a rising redshirt junior, he’s now hitting the point where a lot of linemen start to shine a little more. He picked up seven starts last season after Mooney’s injury and considering the injury history of some of his linemates, he’s likely going to get some shots to impress again this season.

 

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continued:

5 Players With Unknown Roles That Could Be Important
1. Evan Butts. The tight end position may have gone the way of the dodo bird with the new system that’s coming to the program. Butts, however, isn’t pigeon-holed into that role, though. He’s versatile enough to be a big back in the H-Back style or a split receiver if asked. Plus, he’s got good hands and has made some tough catches already in his career. I’m guessing Butts makes his way into the conversation this season.

2. Connor Wingo-Reeves. As a fullback, Wingo-Reeves already blazed through three years of eligibility. He saw limited time due to injury last season. So where does he fit for his senior year? The offense does have big back spots, but there will be competition there with Reid, Ellis, and Butts. Wingo-Reeves has not been a threat to split out to date in his career. Still, between his special teams experience and his blocking experience, he could be a factor.

3. R.J. Proctor. As mentioned above, Matteo is the only one on the roster with any real experience at center. Eric Tetlow has been hampered by injuries, while Proctor is coming off a redshirt season. At 6’4” and 305 pounds with good athletic ability, Proctor could settle in to a spot somewhere on the line in order to provide depth. It will be interesting to see how he looks this fall after missing the spring practices.

4. Andre Levrone. Another receiver with some height (6’3”) and some hands, he’s made some plays in his career. Unfortunately, injuries have limited his chances. He came in from Good Counsel after an injury his senior year and redshirt. He missed some time as a redshirt and sat for all but the opener last season. Levrone has shown he can catch the football on high throws around the field.

5. Jack McDonald. Circling back to the offensive line one more time, the interior guard spots aren’t as full as the tackle spots and the names here aren’t as well known either. Senior Sean Karl has been a utility option in his career, while Steven Moss was a highly rated recruit. McDonald, meanwhile, has appeared in 23 games the past two seasons after a redshirt year in 2013. He started two games last year too. McDonald could be a depth guy or a starter.

 

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UVa linebacker Micah Kiser named to Butkus Award watch list
BY MIKE BARBER Richmond Times-Dispatch|1 hour ago

CHARLOTTESVILLE – Virginia junior Micah Kiser has been named to the preseason watch list for the Butkus Award, given annually to college football's top linebacker.

The 6-foot-2, 240-pound Baltimore native led the ACC and ranked 17th in the nation last season with 117 tackles.

Kiser was already on the watch list for the Bednarik Award and the LOTT Impact Trophy.

The Cavaliers open preseason camp on Aug. 5 and kickoff the Bronco Mendenhall era on Sept. 3 against Richmond.

 

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UVa's Blanding named to Thorpe watch list
BY MIKE BARBER Richmond Times-Dispatch|16 hours ago

CHARLOTTESVILLE – Virginia junior safety Quin Blanding was named to the preseason watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to college football's top defensive back.

Blanding was a second-team All-American and first-team All-ACC selection last year after finishing second in the conference with 9.58 tackles per game last season.

Blanding had already been named to the watch lists for the Bednarik Award, Nagurski and Lott IMPACT Trophy this month.

The Thorpe winner will be announced Dec. 8.

 

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[iSpider]

So, 32, what is your prediction for the outcome of our game at UVa?

 

[32counter]

Spread will be about 13.More importantly,we need to get out of Cville without any injury.The $300,000 check is inconsequential.

 

[32counter]

Presser:

 

[I-M-UR]

So, 32, what is your prediction for the outcome of our game at UVa?

Over decades I've learned whether Basketball or Football, ACC refs are not going to let UR win in Charlottesville. Although...... "So you're telling me there is a chance"

 

[SpiderRick]

Why not? W&M did several years back.
Richmond 27-24
We are allowed to think big before the season starts. Right now, we're undefeated..........

 

[WebSpinner]

tell KG that the $300,000 does not count

 

[SpiderK]

Bought my UVA tickets today. Ready to roll.

 

[32counter]

tell KG that the $300,000 does not count

1.2% Gill budget.Full cost of ACL's and/or concussions can eat that up pronto given 85 v 63.Depth for next 10 games takes hit.
Oh well.Onward to victory.

 

[MolivaManiac]

Bought my UVA tickets today. Ready to roll.

Through our ticket office or elsewhere? I think i'm waiting on Stubhub to come down before buying but i am very fired up for this trip for the first time since probably 2010.

Where's everyone parking?

 

[WebSpinner]

we are going to get injuries, all teams do and bet we get some before we even play a game or maybe even have a scrimmage. that is how this game works and tell the guys or give the guys a choice and bet they want to play this game much more than some of our fans.