Dealing with the economic downturn
By Jerry Ratcliffe
Published: July 24, 2009

When Craig Littlepage was promoted to Virginia’s director of athletics in 2001, his charge was to build a consistently performing top 10 athletic program.

The Cavaliers finished the past athletic season ranked No. 8 nationally in the Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup, tying UVa’s best finish in the 16-year history of the competition. Virginia was eighth in 1999, its only other top-10 finish, but is one of only 15 schools that has managed to rank among the top 30 throughout the competition’s existence.

Littlepage’s quest is to find a way to remain in the top 10 neighborhood in a time when every college athletics program is being hit hard by the nation’s economic woes. Even Stanford, which fields 35 varsity sports, is feeling the effects of the economy. The school has cut 21 staff positions in its athletic department and has ended funding to its nationally ranked men’s fencing team.

Teams pay the price

More than 30 universities around the country have been forced to shut down some sports teams and the NCAA reported that it is expecting to learn that more than 100 teams (at all levels) have been dropped due to the economy.

While Littlepage isn’t faced with that problem — at least not yet — he and other UVa administrators are attempting to cut costs at every turn.

“I think the sentiment basically has been universal in that this has been, and probably for the next year or so, shapes up as being a tough time because of the impact on the operation of departments, but also on the people that we’re reliant upon to attend games and support teams,” Littlepage said Thursday.

He’s heard the same thing from colleagues both in the ACC and from around the country.

Desperate measures

Some Clemson coaches are taking unpaid furloughs, which means this columnist will have something in common to talk with them about at this weekend’s ACC Football Kickoff. Georgia Tech will bus to road games at Vanderbilt and Florida State rather than use a chartered plane as in past years. Miami will bus its football teams to some in-state games, as will Florida State.

Cuts are coming everywhere ADs can save a dollar.

Littlepage said that UVa’s athletic department is following the lead of the university in terms of personnel, which means it is not filling vacancies unless it is a critical position to the core mission of the department, and asking existing staff to take on more responsibility. Somewhere, the late Jim West is smiling.

West, you’ll remember, was known as the original multi-tasker at UVa. It took seven people to replace him after a storied career as an assistant AD.

Littlepage said that his athletic department has cut back on use of some charter aircraft and looking into whether certain travel is even essential. All foreign travel has been eliminated.

Meanwhile, instead of sending six people to a particular conference meeting or seminar, UVa may send two or simply choose to not attend. ACC schools have scaled back considerably in that department, either eliminating some meetings or replacing them with a conference call.

In terms of scheduling, UVa plans to cut back on sending teams outside the geographic region to compete, scheduling fewer trips to the west coast and playing more opponents from the SEC or Big East rather than the Pac 10, Big 12 or Mountain West. Still, Littlepage said that the school won’t lock itself out of a potential trip westward or to a tournament in Hawaii, but will examine such possibilities with more scrutiny in the future.

There are other smaller cost-cutting actions being taken that would bore readers but save dollars in an athletic department during such a challenging time, but the objective is clear that UVa and most every institution in the country is closely watching every dollar that goes out the door.

“The key message is that administrators are looking at this as an opportunity to rein in what we do and to look at inefficiencies and trying to eliminate things that don’t bring significant added value, and yet still allow us to operate in such a way that we don’t take away from the kind of experience that kids in our program have,” Littlepage said.

Over the past year — one of the best in UVa athletics history in terms of total program performance — Littlepage was proud that student-athlete welfare was not impacted in terms of the department providing sports medicine care, academic support and dining opportunities, among other daily necessities.

“In a big picture environment, we’re all experiencing much the same thing, even the Stanfords and the Ohio States, the schools that we see consistently among the top five performers on the national standpoint,” the AD said. “Ohio State cut its media guides. Stanford cut positions.”

As previously noted, fans and donors, both private and corporate, have scaled back in various modes of support from the box office to luxury boxes and financial contributions, another phase that Littlepage and his department must adjust to over the long haul.

The school reported an estimated 14 percent drop in season ticket sales for the upcoming football season, prompting UVa to recently offer a mini-ticket package that fans can purchase.

Wahoo fans can buy the “Rivalry” package, which includes tickets to UVa’s first two home games against William & Mary, Texas Christian, and the home finale against Virginia Tech, for $108, and a family package that includes four tickets to the W&M, TCU and Indiana games (along with treats) for $280.

“If you go around to the top six conferences in the country, you’re probably going to see the same sort of things that the great majority of those programs are experiencing,” Littlepage said. “What we’ve tried to do is provide an opportunity for those who many not make the financial commitment for the whole season but still want to see some games and support our program. Lots of schools are likely doing the same type of things in offering mini-packages.”

Times are tough, but Littlepage believes the economy will turn around and until then, he and other ADs will search for ways to weather the storm.

No one wants to cut personnel or drop programs, and he feels fortunate that UVa’s program is in good enough shape to avoid those dreadful decisions.

Perhaps UVa’s No. 8 finish should have an asterisk attached to indicate that it was achieved under economic duress, a feat that may be difficult to repeat this coming athletic year.

If Virginia can duplicate that effort, Littlepage should get a medal.
 

College Football 2009 NFP Scouting Series: Virginia Cavaliers by Wes Bunting (Contributor)
July 20, 2009

This summer, the National Football Post is breaking down every team in the Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly known as Division I-A) to identify players who might warrant interest from NFL teams in the 2010 draft.

The Virginia Cavaliers finished with a 3-5 record in the ACC last season, but you can always count on head coach Al Groh to have a solid group of prospects ready for the next level. This year looks to be no different.

Offense

Note: QB Jameel Sewell returns after missing the 2008 season because of academic problems. He’s a raw quarterback prospect but might warrant consideration from NFL teams due to his impressive athletic ability.

Mikell Simpson: No. 5, RB, 6'1", 205

Exhibits a good first step and gets up to speed quickly, but it’s his short-area quickness that makes him effective. Is an instinctive runner who has the ability to avoid the initial tackle and create a play when things break down.

Possesses the lateral mobility to make a man miss in a phone booth and does a good job attacking upfield quickly. However, he doesn’t showcases the same type of patience or vision when asked to read blocks in front of him and pick his way through the line of scrimmage.

Displays good straight-line speed and can create some separation from defenders at the second level. Does a nice job keeping his balance when changing directions and can outrun angles in space. Isn’t overly physical and doesn’t break a lot of tackles. Has a tendency to get swallowed up at the line of scrimmage.

Impression: Showcases impressive short-area quickness and has the ability to fill a roster spot at the next level; could warrant a draftable grade with a strong senior year.

Rashawn Jackson: No. 31, FB, 6'1", 248

Showcases good power in his lower half when running the ball and has the ability to drive his legs through contact and push the line of scrimmage. However, he lacks the speed to consistently threaten the edge and isn’t going to make anyone miss.

Has a tendency to get too high in space and loses his base strength when trying to change directions, which causes him to get tripped up easily for a back his size. Is patient through the hole and does a nice job allowing blockers to set up in front of him, but lacks the burst to explode into the second level.

Displays good body control and patience as a blocker in the pass game; possesses the footwork to mirror defenders laterally and really explodes through his hips on contact.

Exhibits the athletic ability to reach a moving target at the second level, but needs to do a better job staying low into his blocks. However, he displays a jarring punch on contact as a lead blocker and certainly has the power to eliminate defenders in the run game.

Impression: An intriguing athlete who has the physical makeup to develop into a do-it-all fullback at the next level.

Will Barker: No. 61, OT, 6'7", 318

A technically sound offensive lineman who possesses a coordinated kick-step out of his stance and has the ability to quickly set on the edge. Gets too high off the ball but does a nice job sinking his hips and extending his arms into blocks.

Possesses the footwork to cleanly redirect in space and is consistently able to drop his pad level, gain leverage, and anchor inside. Does a nice job working his hands and feet through contact and staying in front of defenders in pass protection. However, he isn’t much of a Velcro player and will allow defenders to disengage on the outside and work their way toward the ball in pursuit.

Isn’t as coordinated in the run game and gets overextended trying to drive opposing linemen off the ball. Has a tendency to reach into blocks and will lose his balance, allowing defenders to get slip across his face and make their way into the backfield.

Impression: Showcases the technique and body control in the pass game to certainly hold down a starting right tackle assignment in the NFL.

Defense

Note: DB Chris Cook has rejoined the Virginia team after missing the 2008 season because of academic problems. Cook started 18 games during the 2006-2007 seasons and possesses the size (6'2", 205) and athletic ability to warrant a draftable grade with a strong senior year.

Ras-I Dowling: No. 19, CB, 6'2", 200

A good-looking athlete with a long, muscular frame and impressive coordination for his size. Showcases excellent physicality in the run game and does a great job taking on blocks and fighting his way toward the football. Lacks ideal technique, but he possesses the strength and willingness to simply overpower receivers on the outside.

Displays good patience and balance in off-coverage, but has a tendency to get too high in his drop and looks a bit mechanical with his footwork. However, he does a nice job keeping his feet under him and cleanly changing directions.

Exhibits good fluidity when asked to flip his hips, but struggles getting back up to speed quickly and consistently allows receivers to gain a step on him. Yet, he looks comfortable when asked to play from behind and possesses the length to high-point the football.

Showcases the natural flexibility to sink his hips and close on the play, but his technique gets a bit sloppy once the whistle blows. Displays good instincts in zone coverage and demonstrates the range and length to consistently get his hands on the ball.

Impression: Has some rough edges to his game, but he’s a great-looking athlete with the ball skills and physicality to play either safety or corner in the NFL. Looks like an intriguing Cover Two guy.

Vic Hall: No. 4, CB, 5'9", 190

Lacks ideal balance and body control in press coverage and struggles staying in front of receivers when trying to re-route them off the line. Looks a bit top heavy and isn’t real flexible in his drop. Has a tendency to get “leggy” with his footwork and is easily separated from out of his breaks.

Showcases good awareness in zone coverage and does a nice job jumping routes and quickly diagnosing plays underneath.

Displays the first-step burst to close on plays around him and possesses the coordination to adjust his body and break up the pass. However, he lacks the speed to make up for a false step and isn’t real physical taking on blocks in the run game.

Impression: Lacks the balance and fluidity needed to be considered much of a slot guy in the NFL and simply doesn’t have the physical dimensions to play on the outside.
 

Virginia's 10 Greatest Games of the 2008-09 Season by Ben Gibson (Columnist)
July 03, 2009

The University of Virginia may have had a down year in its major revenue sports, the season was far from lost.

The Cavaliers finished eighth in the Director's Cup, which is a culmination of all the different collegiate sports. They also picked up six ACC titles.

As a result, we also had some of the most compelling games in a long time.

With over 20 different men's and women's programs and so many amazing moments, it was hard to pick the top ten games of the season.

It was even harder to rank them.

After all, does the importance of the sport outweigh the game itself? What about the importance it had to the program? Was the game itself great or the situation around it?

I did my best to weigh all of these factors.

Without further ado, here's the list:

10. Men's Basketball vs. Clemson: 85-81 (OT)

With a 20-3 record and a No. 12 ranking, the Tigers appeared to be in great shape heading into Charlottesville.

Last year they embarassed the Cavaliers, winning by 30 points in their John Paul Jones arena debut.

With an eight-game losing streak, this version of the Cavaliers appeared to be no real challenge to break that trend.

The Cavaliers came out hot early and that was enough to hold an eight-point lead at half. However, Clemson responded with a 14-0 run to take a 39-33 lead and Virginia's upset bid appeared over.

Instead Virginia battled back, keeping the game close.

Using a big supporting effort by freshman guard Sammy Zeglinski and forward Mike Scott the Cavaliers were able to match the offensive prowess of the Tigers.

In the end though it was freshman sensation Sylven Landesberg. Six of his team-high 23 points came in overtime, capping off a final drive in the waning seconds that tied the game at 74-74 in regulation.

Landesberg had similarly taken over the game in Virginia's only other ACC win at that point against Georgia Tech. The freshman put on a show and was able to salvage one shining moment from a dismal season.

9. Women's Basketball vs. Tennessee: 83-82

The women's basketball program at Virginia had fallen into obscurity in recent memory.

Gone were the memories of Dawn Staley taking the Cavaliers to the championship game.

Those winning dreams were crushed by the Tennessee Volunteers. A bitter rivalry had developed between Virginia coach Debbie Ryan and Volunteer coach Pat Summitt.

However, when Virginia discontinued its series with the Connecticut Huskies, it needed a new premier program for it's non-conference schedule.

So Virginia took the short trip to Knoxville to take on a team that had lost only 18 times at home since the arena opened in 1987.

Young and inexperienced as the Volunteers may have been, no one expected Virginia to win this game. However, they forgot to inform junior guard Monica Wright of that fact.

Wright had her coming out party on a big stage, scoring a career-high 35 points.

However, the game was ultimately won by a role player named Britnee Milner.

The scrappy player converted the huge free throw with 6.4 seconds on the clock after Wright had tied the game at 82-82 to give Virginia the one-point lead.

The win may be diminished considering how Tennessee would fare the rest of the season, but it was a large statement that the Cavaliers could compete with any team in the country.

Something we would learn with No. 8.

8. Women's Basketball vs. Maryland: 89-81

Since 2001, when it came to the big three (UMD, UNC, and Duke), Virginia simply had no chance.

The Cavaliers had lost their spot on the top tier and they had no chance of getting it back unless it could finally knock off one of these perennial powers.

The best chance for that came when the Terrapins visited the JPJA in a big home contest for the Cavaliers.

Just so happened, Virginia had a big three of their own. Wright, alongside center Aisha Mohammad and the increasingly versatile Lyndra Littles provided an offensive force that few in the country could match.

The three combined for 77 of Virginia's 89 total points.

However, their biggest moment came in the second half when they were down by 13 and appeared to be on their way to another meltdown against the Big Three in the ACC.

Instead, Littles and Wright put on a show. The two helped not only erase the deficit but put up a 10-point edge of their own.

The Cavaliers shot nearly 54 percent in the second half and came away with their biggest win of the season.

The mark gave Virginia confidence that they could go toe-to-toe with any team in the ACC.

More importantly, it built a foundation for one of the strongest recruiting classes Debbie Ryan has ever assembled to work on.

7. Football vs. Georgia Tech: 24-17

As abysmal as the Virginia football program was at points last season, let's not forget that they were the No. 1 team in the coastal division standings heading into November.

That was made possible by a fateful day in October.

With the injuries to both Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor against Florida State, the Hokies appeared in trouble at 3-2 in the ACC.

Meanwhile, the Cavaliers were in Atlanta facing a red hot Yellow Jacket team that flew out to an early 14-3 lead in the first quarter.

Game over? Not quite.

Virginia quarterback Marc Verica, with only a few starts under his belt, showed poise under pressure, using his skill players to get the Cavaliers back in it.

Verica connected with Kevin Ogletree in the middle of the second quarter to erase the deficit to four. Then he found Maurice Covington in the third to take the lead.

Meanwhile, the Virginia defense had tightened up brilliantly after a bad first quarter.

Georgia Tech did not help their cause either, Yellow Jacket QB Jonathan Dwyer had two fumbles in the second half. Both turnovers were in Virginia territory.

The final turnover, that was an interception by Vic Hall to seal the win.

Verica finished the game 29-of-39 for 270 yards with two touchdowns but also two interceptions, a precursor of things to come.

Virginia continued to use the ground game of Peerman as well, his game-winning score showed the grit and determination of a senior looking for a storybook ending to his career.

6. Men's Soccer vs. Wake Forest: 3-2 (2 OT)

Virginia's men soccer entered the ACC tournament as an afterthought.

The Cavaliers were seeded fourth but had terrible injury problems that had kept them from reaching their full potential.

In the semi-finals they were given the unfortunate task of taking on the undefeated Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

Ranked No. 1 in the country, the Deacons had already defeated the Cavaliers one week ago 2-0.

However, none of that mattered on a rainy night in Cary, N.C.

Chase Neiken scored the go-ahead goal for the Cavaliers with less than eight minutes remaining but the Demon Deacons responded in 89th minute to force the game into overtime.

In the extra session, defender Matt Poole was given a penalty kick opportunity after Wake's Nick Courtney fouled Brian Ownby of the Cavaliers.

Poole, taking over the penalty kick spot that Yannick Reyering had left behind, took full advantage and hit the game-winning shot.

The loss knocked Wake Forest from perfection and gave Virginia a great deal of confidence heading into the postseason.

Although Virginia would lose the ACC Championship game against eventual national champion Maryland, the depleted Cavaliers posted a great win to give the program momentum heading into next season.

5. Men's Lacrosse vs. Maryland: 10-9 (7 OT)

While the game was not always pretty, it certainly was memorable.

Virginia lacrosse was in a desperate situation. After defeating the Duke Blue Devils earlier in the season, Maryland was in position to deny the Cavaliers the top seed in the ACC tournament with a victory at Klockner Stadium in Charlottesville.

The Cavaliers were not as sharp as they had been earlier in the season, particularly on offense.

However, goalie Adam Ghitelman could not have been better for Virginia on this day.

While his teammates had trouble clearing the ball or even getting off a shot in the wet field conditions, Ghitelman was the rock that Virginia desperately needed.

With 22 saves and a key penalty that saved a sure-fire goal for the Terps, it was the goalie who allowed "Big Shot" Brian Carroll to add to his legacy of overtime winning shots.

Last season, Carroll knocked out Johns Hopkins and Syracuse but this shot helped cap off the longest game in college lacrosse history.

Virginia would go on to the Final Four where it lost to Cornell, but Cavalier fans will always remember the drama and intrigue of a seven-overtime thriller.

4. Football vs. UNC: 16-13 (OT)

The Tar Heels had not won in Charlottesville since 1981, but this appeared to be the year to turn things around.

North Carolina was coming in with a national ranking and a talented offense assembled by coach Butch Davis. Although the Tar Heels had lost in 2007, it was a failed two-point conversion which cost them a chance at overtime.

The near miss fueled them, but Virginia was not ready to lay down and die.

The Cavaliers had been left for dead by everyone after a 31-3 dismantling by Duke. However, after thumping Maryland 31-0 and a victory over media darling East Carolina, Virginia had begun to play some solid football.

Carolina came out fast with a touchdown by Ryan Houston after a nice pass by Cameron Sexton put them at the one-yard line.

Virginia's defense locked down after that and only allowed three more points in regulation.

Good thing too, because the Cavalier offense was anemic.

Through 57 minutes and 42 seconds, Virginia had amassed 168 yards of offense.

So who would have guessed inexperienced Marc Verica would lead an 82-yard drive in the final two minutes to tie the game and force overtime?

Verica simply could not miss when it mattered most and willed his team towards the endzone where Cedric Peerman put it away.

In overtime, Virginia held Carolina to three points and then a long pass from Verica to tight end John Phillips set up Peerman for the winning two-yard run.

The win did two equally important things.

First, it energized the Virginia fan base and allowed the Cavalier fans to celebrate their biggest win of the season.

Second, it demoralized a Carolina team off to its best start since 1997 and continued the Cavalier winning streak in Charlottesville.

3. Baseball vs. Florida State: 6-3

Since the arrival of coach Brian O'Connor, Virginia baseball has gone from the garbage heap to the penthouse.

O'Connor has produced one of the most consistent programs at the University.

Oh yeah, except he never won the big game.

Sure, O'Connor could get his team to the NCAA tournament, they just could never advance.

Sure, O'Connor could get his team to the ACC Championship game, he just couldn't win.

Certainly his youngest team in years that was not even ranked before the season started could not buck that trend.

Right?

Well, the Cavaliers entered the ACC baseball tournament seeded sixth. Their 19-0 start to the season had gained them attention but they had to prove they could win the big game, and particularly the close one.

Well Virginia beat Clemson 5-4 in the opener and then proceeded to proverbially punch the Carolina Tar Heels in the mouth with an 11-1 mercy rule victory.

After a comeback victory against Duke, it was on to the championship game with the Seminoles.

The Cavaliers were here last year, losing 8-4 to the Miami Hurricanes.

When the Seminoles scored two runs in the first it appeared Virginia would meet a similar fate. However, a strong relief outing by Matt Packer and Tyler Wilson held Florida State scoreless for over five innings allowed the Cavaliers to come back and tie the game at 3-3.

In the ninth, freshman John Hicks hit the biggest base hit of his life for the go-ahead run and an insurance run to boot. Hicks had not exactly shined during the tournament but his big hit was followed by another RBI for all-tournament catcher Franco Valdes giving Virginia a 6-3 lead.

The lead was more than enough for Kevin Arrico who notched the save and Virginia captured only the second ACC baseball title in school history.

The win gave Virginia six ACC titles, the most of any ACC program that year and tied for most in school history.

2. Men's Tennis vs. Georgia: 4-1

Coach Brian Boland has done just about everything at Virginia.

In 2008, Virginia tennis claimed its first national championship with an indoor title.

However, in tennis it's the outdoor title that is the standard for champions.

The Cavaliers had gone undefeated the entire season reaching the Final Four.

There they did battle with the Georgia Bulldogs.

You see, as great as Virginia has been against the rest of the country, they had never beaten the Bulldogs

In 2008, it would be no different. A hot day full of cramping and tension led to a 4-3 Georgia victory.

In 2009, Virginia once again faced Georgia. This time in the finals of the indoor national championship.

The Cavaliers were able to capture the valuable doubles point, just like they had done in their last meeting.

Without three starters from last season, including the all-time UVA great Somdev Devvarman, Virginia put on a show for the ages.

Houston Barrick took care of business quickly 6-4, 6-0 but the Bulldogs answered right back with knocking out top seeded Cavalier Dom Inglot.

In response, it was two freshman for Virginia that would clinch the match.

Steven Rooda won in straight sets and Drew Courtney responded after losing the first set 6-0 to take the match and the victory.

The win was a statement that Virginia desperately needed to make.

By getting the monkey off their back, the Cavaliers would once again enter the NCAA tournament with an undefeated record.

Though their season once again ended prematurely, this time to the USC Trojans, Virginia continues to be a program on the verge of an outdoor national championship.

If they do, expect the win over the Bulldogs to have served as the confidence needed to bring them championship glory.

1. Baseball vs. Ole Miss

Virginia baseball was already on cloud nine.

The Cavaliers had survived the "Region of Death" for their first ever appearance in the Super Regionals.

Their reward was a trip to Oxford, MS., one of the toughest places to play baseball in the country.

Virginia was kicking themselves after throwing away the first game on two costly errors that led to two runs for the Rebels.

Ole Miss was not feeling any better after game two where an error of their own in the eighth inning led to a decisive, winner-take-all contest on Sunday.

The Cavaliers had already used their two aces Danny Hultzen and Robert Morey, so coach Brian O'Connor was left to implement a pitcher-by-committee approach.

Robert Poutier began the game and recovered from a tough start where the Cavaliers gave up the opening run for the second straight game in the first.

Phil Gosselin helped tie the game by using the "small ball" gameplan that has typified Virginia baseball.

Gosselin singled and stole second without a throw before a Dan Grovatt walk and double steal.

John Hicks was able to sacrifice and let Gosselin get the key run.

Then the fifth inning turned into a comedy of errors where Virginia scored three runs off costly fielding mistakes by Ole Miss.

The pressure of having to win a regional after three straight close losses at home began to weigh on the Rebels and an insurance run in the eighth gave Virginia a 5-1 edge that they would not relinquish.

The victory gave Virginia their first ever appearance in the College World Series and gained the program and unprecedented amount of exposure and respect.

For a program that was almost eliminated in 2001, the Virginia baseball team put on a spring to remember. After the football and basketball seasons, Cavaliers needed a team to believe in and the baseball team filled the role beautifully.

Coach O'Connor took a bunch of kids that no one believed in and got them to believe in each other.

The result was the greatest season in the program's history and it culminated one fateful day in Oxford.

 

Interview with Former Virginia QB Marques Hagans by Wade Peery (Analyst)
July 20, 2009

Marques Hagans. Mere mention of the name likely brings back plenty of fond memories for Virginia football fans. Nicknamed “Biscuit”, Hagans forever cemented himself in the hearts of Virginia football fans with his incredible ability to improvise and dance around opposing defenses.

There was no tackle he couldn’t escape, no catch he couldn’t make, whatever the task was, Virginia fans always knew that Marques Hagans would be giving them 110 percent on the gridiron.

Virginia fans first got their taste of Hagans when he was thrust into the fire late in the Cavaliers’ season-opener at Scott Stadium against Colorado State in 2002. Their starting quarterback, Matt Schaub, had just thrown an interception and was booed off the field.

Enter Hagans, who was just a freshman at the time but showed remarkable poise, confidence, and talent for somebody his age. He brought the Cavaliers to within a few yards of a comeback victory over the Rams and from that point on a special talent was born.

The greatest achievement of Hagans’ college career was engineering one of the biggest upsets in school history, when he led the Cavaliers to a thrilling 26-21 victory over the fourth-ranked Florida State Seminoles in 2005. Hagans was running for his life the entire night, but still managed to connect with Virginia receivers in the most stunning fashion.

He even though he strained his hamstring, Hagans managed to toss strike-after-strike to Virginia receivers, frustrating the Seminole defense. “Biscuit” connected on 27 of his 36 pass attempts, throwing for 306 yards and two touchdowns.

After the game, Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden said, “I’ve never seen a quarterback make as many one-man plays as he made tonight.” Quite the compliment, considering the quarterbacks that Bowden has seen play, like Charlie Ward or Michael Vick.

Another highlight of his career, came at the end of it, when he capped his college career with yet another one of his stunning quarterback performances. He earned MVP honors, after he completed 25 of his 32 pass attempts for a career-high 358 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

After it was all said and done, Hagans finished his career at Virginia as one of the top five quarterbacks in school history, despite only starting for two full seasons at quarterback. He ranks in the top five in virtually every quarterback category in school history: second in completion percentage (62.3), third in completions (408), fourth in attempts (655), fourth in total offense (5,779 yards), and fifth in passing yards (4,877 yards).

Hagans will forever be remembered by Virginia fans for not only his breathtaking ability to improvise, but for the heart and passion he played the game of football with. His unwavering will and desire to push his teammates to victory was one that is a rare trait in any athlete. He truly gave it his all and for that, Virginia fans will never forget him.

I recently had the chance to message “The Great Improvisor” on Facebook—and luckily he was gracious enough to answer a few of my questions via e-mail on Facebook.

Q: You were the quarterback for Hampton High School, one of the nation's most prestigious football programs. You led your team to a state championship as a junior. What was it like to be a part of the Hampton Crabbers tradition and play for coach Mike Smith, who is a rather legendary football coach in the state of Virginia?

A: Hampton was cool. My whole family went to Hampton. I already had two cousins before me that laid the foundation for Hampton football and both of them went on to play Division 1 football(James Wilson-University of Tennessee) (Myron Newsome-Virginia Tech). My little cousin is the starting quarterback now(David Watford) and he is just a sophomore. So the tradition continues and the program continues to keep up the legacy.

Q: I've read that you verbally committed to Indiana and you visited with former quarterback Antwaan Randle-El on your official visit there. What made you change your mind and suit up for the Virginia Cavaliers?

A: Before reporting to Indiana I was told that I would have to prop 48. That was going to force me to lose a year or two of eligibility and I didn’t want to do that. I had actually signed my letter of intent and was all set to go until I found that out. So I decided to seek another option and Coach Mike Smith suggested Fork Union.

After reporting to Fork Union, I got the chance to get recruited again. This time when I talked it over with my family—we determined it was in my best interests to stay home and play closer to my family and friends. Plus I liked the new coaching staff that was coming in. At the time, UVA was switching from Reebok to Nike, so that helped out too.

Q: You played a little bit of everything at Virginia—you returned punts, you played quarterback, you even played receiver for a year. What was your favorite position to play and why?

A: I would have to say QB. The reason is because all eyes are on you every play. Even when you are just walking up to the huddle, everybody is always watching the quarterback to see exactly what he is going to do next. I also liked the fact that at quarterback, I was always the leader of the team.

I felt like a general leading an army into battle every Saturday. Not only was I leading them, but I was willing to plant my feet in the ground, stand next to my teammates, and fight against anybody. No matter who we were playing against, we always felt that we were going to come out on top. Plus, everybody knows that quarterbacks get the prettiest girls. Haha.

Q: One play that Virginia football fans will never forget was in the 2002 Continental Tire Bowl against West Virginia--when you caught a pass from Matt Schaub--then threw that beautifully lofted pass to Wali Lundy for a touchdown. Talk about that play and how much fun it was to play for an offensive coordinator like Bill Musgrave?

A: That play is one that will always stick out in my mind because it was a play that the coaching staff really wanted to run. It worked out perfectly just as we had practiced all week..

The only other play that stood out as much to me in that game was the punt return that I took to the house. That was really big for me because all year I had been getting so close. In the last game of the season, it finally opened up and was a big momentum boost for the team and we never looked back.(Virginia won the CTB 48-22). Playing for Coach Musgrave was probably one of my favorite times of my career.

I’ve never had a coach who believed in me so much on the field but matched that same caring and belief off the field as well. He was so creative and made football fun for me at time when I really believed that it was just a business. He also helped change me from a thrower to a passer while also making me a student of the game.

From the moment he came to recruit me at Fork Union he never said that my size or height was a problem. He was just happy to have a good quarterback and he couldn’t wait to make me better. That right there, put him over the top for me. I knew that whatever he asked me to do, I was going to do beyond that to make it happen.

He would also invite me over to his house for dinner at least once a week. He would make sure that I was getting a good meal and that I got to spend time with his family. He would also drop by my dorm and apartment just to make sure I was doing alright and staying on top of my schoolwork.

Q: Your performance in the Florida State game in 2005 was the best performance by any quarterback I've ever seen in my lifetime. You led the Cavaliers to a heart-stopping 26-21 victory over the fourth ranked Seminoles. How were you able to play so well that game?

A: The funny thing is that Monday morning, I was sitting in class and couldn’t stop thinking about the game that week. Not because we were playing Florida State, but because every possible way I kept looking at the game, we kept coming out on top. So I knew deep in my heart that we were going to win. The only thing I didn’t know was how.

So I wrote down everything it would take to beat them, left class early and took it to coach Groh because I was that confident. The first thing that I put on the paper was to practice like we know we are going to win. I think that approach carried over from that week into the game.

I didn’t know that I was going to play that well, but I knew from the opening kick that the game was moving really slow. Even though I strained my hamstring, I just felt good the whole game and wanted to play forever.

Everything was happening just the way we practiced. We missed on two deep balls to wide receiver Deyon Williams.If we could’ve connected on those two we could have easily put up over 450 yards passing with two more touchdowns.

It was a big game for that Virginia team and our program. We will always go down in history for that game and the stage on which it was played. The whole night was magical: from the crowd, to the night, from it being the only game on television that night. I’ll never forget how I felt after the game. I just wish the lights hadn’t went out.

It caused the game to be prolonged for an hour. It took away from my party time and everything was damn near closed when I got out of interviews.

Q: You always seemed to play well against the Syracuse Orangemen. What was it about the 'Cuse that always seemed to bring out the best in you?

A: I would be lying if I said it was anything in particular. I don’t know what it was about them. After the game I would always look back and and it would look as if I had something against them. In both of the games it looks as though I’m playing as if I didn’t like them when that wasn’t the case. I don’t know though, that’s a good question.

Q: Who is your favorite player in UVA football history and why?

A: I’ve got two. My first one is Anthony Poindexter. He’s the only reason I started watching UVA football. To me, he is the best player to ever come through Virginia.

He compliments that with the person he is off the field. He is one of the realest dudes I’ve ever met in my life. He used to get me so hyped before the game.

I just wish that I could’ve played on the same team as him for just one game. That would have been an honor. The day he told me that he respected my game and if he was running into a fire he would want me by his side was one of the best compliments I’ve ever received in my life.

That meant a lot to me. He was the hardest hitter to ever put on a Virginia uniform. His dress code was crazy with the taped fingers and that dark visor. He was back there looking liked a trained killer waiting to hit anything that moved. He did—his highlight film is unreal.

My second favorite is “Big Money” Heath Miller. We came in together and we were roommates. We had a ball playing scout team our freshman year. I knew that before fans in Scott Stadium got to see him play that they were in for a treat.

To have played alongside a player of that magnitude was a privilege for me. He made my job so much easier. I could close my eyes, throw it to him with three people covering him and he would still come up with the catch. He, by far, has the best hands I’ve ever seen.

He was also one of my best friends as well. I went home with him and spent time with his family for a weekend. Then the following weekend he came down to my town. and we built a friendship that will last a lifetime. He is expecting the next future tight end—(a baby boy). Congrats to him and bunches.

Q: You really evolved as a quarterback during your finally two years at UVA. What was it like to cap your career off with a Music City Bowl win against Minnesota and earn MVP honors of that game?

A: I think that a lot of the things I was taught early in my college career by Coach Musgrave started to finally set in. The game started to slow down a whole lot for me and I think you could see the same thing in Matt Schaub. Playing behind him helped me as well. Just watching how he prepared for games helped me with the mental aspect of the game.

Getting MVP in the Music City Bowl was not just my doing, my coaches put me in position to just go out and be myself. I could play within the system but win the game for us at any cost.

That game was slower than the Florida State game--a lot of times I could see the plays unfolding before they happened. My receivers just made the rest happen. To get the MVP in your last game in a UVA uniform, set the passing record, win, and fumble a punt is the perfect ending. Haha. Sprinkle in an interception in there that almost lost us the game.