U.Va. LBs help each other
Burrell steps in for an injured Clark as Cavaliers duo looks forward to'09
Friday, Oct 31, 2008 - 12:07 AM
By JEFF WHITE
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
CHARLOTTESVILLE They'd like nothing more than to be out there
together, bookends at outside linebacker on the University of Virginia football
team.
If that happens, though, it won't be until next season. For now, Denzel Burrell
plays, and Aaron Clark watches and cheers and exhorts his close friend. And
suffers.
"It's hard watching him play, because I want to be out there," Clark said
Wednesday.
Burrell and Clark battled throughout training camp for the slot that opened with
the departure of Jermaine Dias, a three-year starter in U.Va.'s 3-4 defense. The
competition could not have been much closer. Clark won the job, but the plan was
for Burrell, a 6-4, 240-pound redshirt junior from South Orange, N.J., to get
significant playing time each game, too.
In the third quarter of the Aug. 30 opener against Southern California, however,
the 6-5, 250-pound Clark suffered a season-ending injury to his right knee. And
Burrell, ready or not, was thrust into a leading role.
"I think he's done incredible," Clark said. "He's stepped up and made plays.
He's playing like a wild man out there, which is a good thing."
Burrell and Clark talk in the locker room, in the weight room and on the field.
Burrell has started the past seven games for U.Va. (3-1, 5-3), which hosts ACC
foe Miami (2-2, 5-3) tomorrow afternoon at Scott Stadium. He's sixth on the team
in tackles, with 30, and has recovered one fumble and broken up three passes.
"I feel good," Burrell said this week. "I'm getting real comfortable with all
the players around me and the system."
Burrell was considered a project when he signed with U.Va. He barely weighed 200
pounds then and had played defensive end for Columbia High. Still, he intrigued
the Cavaliers' coaches.
"It's hard to find that mix of guys that are tall enough and can get big enough
so they can play on a tight end and yet be a pass-rusher," recalled Mark
D'Onofrio, then a U.Va. assistant and now Temple's defensive coordinator. "You
make a lot of projections, because not a lot of people play the 3-4 in high
school."
As Clark endures the painful rehab that follows reconstructive knee surgery, the
former Rockbridge County High standout has Burrell's empathy. Burrell has been
there. As a redshirt freshman in 2006, he missed U.Va.'s final 10 games after
tearing his left ACL.
"I feel that if anyone is ready for [rehab], it definitely would be Aaron
Clark," Burrell said last month. "His spirit in the weight room, on the field,
it's just one of a kind. And it really just fires everybody else up."
Burrell, who played primarily on special teams last season, is happy to be
starting, of course, but he said he'd rather be "splitting reps and playing and
seeing [Clark] out there as well. Because he's a big part of the heart of the
team."
Like Burrell, Clark arrived at U.Va. in 2005. But Clark never redshirted, so
he's eligible to return for a fifth season in 2009. This is the final season for
Clint Sintim, a four-year starter at outside linebacker, and so Burrell and
Clark could find themselves together on the first team in '09.
"That would be amazing," Clark said.
. . .
On a teleconference with reporters yesterday, Virginia coach Al Groh was asked
about fullback Rashawn Jackson, who was charged this week with two felonies.
Jackson, a junior, remains on the team and may play tomorrow against Miami.
"We're comfortable just in terms of his performance, his state of mind, and his
circumstances," Groh said. "I guess I would say we believe in America and
everything that goes on in America, and one of those things is everybody's
innocent until proven guilty.
"We also believe in accountability and justice, and we're sure that in the long
run all those things will out. He seems to be very comfortable and confident
with his circumstances."
Jackson's next appearance in Albemarle County General District Court is
scheduled for Nov. 20. He also could end up before U.Va.'s student-run honor
committee.
Cavs coach knows linebackers, ranks Sintim among best
Posted to: College Football Sports
Associated Press
© October 31, 2008
By Hank Kurz Jr.
CHARLOTTESVILLE
As a linebacker in Virginia's 3-4 defense, Clint Sintim knows coach Al Groh has
helped develop some of the best to ever play the position.
So when Sintim was told that Groh ranks him among the most complete linebackers
he has coached at U.Va., Sintim knew it was praise not to be taken lightly.
"Wow!" Sintim said. "For him to say that, that's humbling. I don't really know.
I know my game has come a long way from when I first got here, but I don't
know."
Seemingly embarrassed, Sintim said he'd rather wait until he's finished before
considering his place in Cavaliers history, and that makes sense, too. Week
after week, he's climbing the career lists at a school that has been steadily
sending linebackers to the NFL.
Last weekend against Georgia Tech, when Sintim was involved in three sacks, he
became U.Va.'s career leader in that category among linebackers with 28.
Darryl Blackstock, now with the Cincinnati Bengals, had 27 before leaving a year
early.
Groh coached Lawrence Taylor at North Carolina and later with the New York
Giants, also coached Andre Tippett with the New England Patriots, and Pro
Bowlers such as Carl Banks and Pepper Johnson with the Giants, former U.Va. star
Chris Slade and Willie McGinnest with the Patriots, Clay Matthews with Cleveland
and Mo Lewis with the New York Jets.
Taylor and Tippett are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Before this year, some thought Sintim's nine-sack season a year ago could be
attributed to playing behind defensive ends Chris Long and Jeffrey Fitzgerald,
who commanded oppoenents' attention.
But neither is there this year, and the four-year starter has been better than
ever. He has had sacks in five consecutive games and leads the nation's
linebackers with 9-1/2 sacks in eight games.
"When I have the opportunity to rush, I feel like I can win," Sintim said.
"I guess it's a zone or whatever you call it, but I'm in a groove whereas I just
feel like I'm going to win."
Saturday, Sintim and U.Va. (5-3, 3-1 ACC) hope to continue their resurgence when
they host Miami (5-3, 2-2) in a critical division game.
The Cavaliers have won four straight, the Hurricanes three, and the winner will
gain an upper hand for the Coastal Division's berth in the ACC championship
game.
As for what Sintim has accomplished since arriving as a raw freshman, Groh said
Sintim alone gets credit and could serve as a model for what it takes to play at
a very high level.
"Monday is our day off, and he's in there every Monday for a couple of hours on
his own watching tape on the upcoming team, wanting to get a head start on it,"
Groh said.
Groh admits to having a special affinity for No. 51.
"Because of the particular position he plays and the amount of years that I've
spent involved with the position, I've had the opportunity to have more
day-to-day and nuts-and-bolts work with him at the position than if he was
playing, say, wide receiver or offensive tackle," Groh said.
Cavs suit up for hurricane on the field
Virginia looks to continue four-game win streak after losing three of four
Adam Branham, Cavalier Daily Staff Writer
Published: Friday, October 31 2008
Virginia quarterback Marc Verica is hoping to continue his recent run of solid
play as the Cavaliers await Miami. After Virginia’s come-from-behind win against
then-No. 18 Georgia Tech last Saturday, the Cavaliers have become the epitome of
the phrase “from worst to first.” After an abysmal start to the season, the
Cavaliers (5-3, 3-1 ACC) now hold the top spot in the ACC Coastal Division.
Virginia now controls its own destiny for a shot in the ACC Championship game, a
quest that begins Saturday when it hosts Miami.
The Hurricanes (5-3, 2-2 ACC) come to Charlottesville Homecoming Weekend to face
a surging Virginia squad that is 4-1 at home and is coming off two consecutive
upsets against ranked opponents that have the team’s confidence level high.
“Any time you’re able to prepare from a foundation of confidence, it’s a more
advantageous circumstance, and confidence only comes from demonstrated
performance,” Virginia coach Al Groh said.
Both squads enter the game on winning streaks — Virginia comes off four straight
victories while the Hurricanes have captured three in a row. One winning streak
will end though, when the ACC foes meet for the first time since Virginia
trounced Miami 48-0 last year in the Hurricanes’ final game at the Orange Bowl.
“I’m sure it’s going to be on their minds,” senior linebacker Clint Sintim said
of last year’s beating. “I’m sure they are going to be fired up and try to come
here and really stick it to us.”
Miami will have to penetrate an offensive line that has been nothing short of
stellar as of late. Sophomore quarterback Marc Verica is completing 67 percent
of his passes behind great protection, while the line is also providing holes
for the ACC’s third-leading rusher, senior halfback Cedric Peerman.
“Every one of the five is playing better now than he did in the beginning,” Groh
said of the offensive line. “Collectively as a group they’re playing much more
cohesively together.”
The line is led by junior tackle Will Barker, who was named ACC Offensive
Lineman of the Week after his performance against Georgia Tech. Barker’s strong
play comes after being acquitted of a petty larceny charge Oct. 6.
“It’s a weighty matter to hang over a kid’s head,” Groh said. “Probably once
that depth was properly cleared, it enabled him to relax a bit.”
Virginia, however, does not plan to overlook a very athletic Miami squad.
Miami’s victories have come against, among others, Texas A&M, Wake Forest and
Duke, the latter of which gave Virginia its lone ACC loss. Though young, the
Hurricanes feature an effective two-quarterback system of freshmen Robert Marve
and Jacory Harris, much like the rotation Virginia Tech used last season with
Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor.
“They’re both very athletic players,” Groh said. “They’re very effective outside
the pocket, and Miami conducts the same game with both of them.”
The raw athleticism of the Hurricanes presents a concern for the Cavalier
defense in particular. What Miami lacks in experience, it makes up for with
speed and power.
“I think [Miami] is probably the most talented team we’ll play, as far as an
athletic standpoint, next to the University of Southern California,” Sintim
said. “They’ve got a lot of playmakers.”
Virginia may be without key players on both sides of the ball. Redshirt freshman
defensive end Zane Parr, who has seen action in six games this season, underwent
surgery on his meniscus and will miss some time. Also, junior fullback Rashawn
Jackson may miss the game, pending charges of breaking and entering and grand
larceny stemming from an incident at Cauthen dormitory last November.
Despite these challenges, Virginia hopes to extend its winning streak to five
and continue its push for national recognition in the BCS rankings. A win can
almost guarantee a bowl game, something that seemed nearly impossible at the
beginning of the season but now seems almost inevitable.
“One of the things that did get us to this point was that the players were
always listening to the message and stayed with it,” Groh said. “We’re
appreciative of that and give them a lot of credit for that.”
Epps enjoying life with the Hurricanes
By Jay Jenkins
Published: October 30, 2008
Dedrick Epps could have done a double-take.
Standing to his left was Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens. Inches
away, Cincinnati Bengals wideout Chad Johnson stretched out.
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, and numerous other Pro Bowl players, were
also there, too.
Playing football at the University of Miami has a way of surrounding players
with such star-studded professional athletes.
Epps, a tight end from Richmond, is no exception, but the junior elects to treat
his moments working out with the millionaires with a refreshing attitude.
“I just try to beat them at whatever we are doing,” Epps said. “If we are
running, I just try to beat them at that.
“It has been great working out with the pros and they do the same training that
we do over the summer. We are here going to summer school and they are just here
to work out. It has been a good thing and I guess it is a competition thing.”
The recruitment of Epps was quite competitive, too. A four-star recruit out of
Huguenot High, Epps narrowed his list of suitors down to Michigan, Oklahoma,
Penn State, Virginia Tech, Florida and Maryland before deciding to follow a
lengthy of list of standout tight ends
at Miami.
“It has been great and I know I made the right decision,” Epps said. “I was
excited by the tight end tradition — Jeremy Shockey, Bubba Franks, Kellen
Winslow and more. I wanted to be a part of that.”
Virginia, which will host Miami (5-3, 2-2 ACC) on Saturday at noon, has produced
its share of tight ends and recruited Epps, but the Cavaliers’ coaching staff
knew early on that the odds were stacked against them.
“He was over here a few times,” Virginia coach Al Groh said. “We liked him a
lot, but it never seemed to get rolling here. It seemed that he was looking for
more.
“I don’t know what more you’d want than to go to the University of Virginia and
catch 50 passes a year, but it seemed as if he was looking for more. So it’s
worked out well for everybody. Our guys have caught 50 to 60 passes a year, and
things are going nicely for Dedrick.”
Thus far this season, Epps has hauled in 14 passes for 146 yards, almost
doubling his production from the 2007 campaign. It was last year, however, that
Epps pulled in the game-winning pass against Florida State.
As the only player on the Hurricanes’ roster from Virginia, Epps has tried to
catch something else this week. Luckily, his teammates have been receptive.
“Nobody else is really using their tickets so everybody gave them to me,” Epps
chuckled. “I have a list of about 20-plus people, but I will probably need some
more after I get all of these tickets.”
Ankle injury sidelines Johnson
Virginia’s nickel package will have a new look on Saturday.
Rookie linebacker Cam Johnson was one of four players ruled out for Saturday’s
contest against the Hurricanes, according to the team-issued injury report.
Johnson (ankle) was joined by linebacker Aaron Clark (knee), defensive end Zane
Parr (knee) and running back Keith Payne (hand).
Inside linebacker Antonio Appleby, who did not play against Georgia Tech with an
ankle injury, has been upgraded to questionable.
UVa honoring former star running back John Papit
Chris Humphreys
Published: October 31, 2008
The University of Virginia is retiring the jersey of former running back and
current Forest resident John Papit on Saturday at Scott Stadium.
UVa, which is playing host to Miami, will also erect a plague in Pergola Plaza
to be known as “Legends Walk.”
“It is flattering to be so honored,” Papit said. I’m looking forward to it. I
excelled at being a running back and was very grateful for the chance to be part
of the program and to receive a lot of honors. I’m just very grateful.”
Papit, originally from Philadelphia, went to UVa in 1947 and played until 1950
when he graduated with an education degree. After a four-year stint in the NFL
he returned to school and obtained a degree in banking.
For 35 years he was the president of a bank in Florida, then retired three years
ago and moved to Forest to be closer to his son Michael and his wife Barbara’s
family. His other son, Jim, still lives in Florida.
And, he’s also closer to his alma mater.
Papit had 19 scholarship offers coming out of high school, including offers from
both Army and Navy.
“I had one of the days,” Papit said. “We won the city championship and I scored
three touchdowns. Charlottesville was just so beautiful and I knew I could get a
great education there.”
Papit led the Cavaliers in rushing from 1948-50. He carried the ball 537 times
in career for 3,238 yards and 27 touchdowns. He held the career rushing mark at
UVa for 42 years until Terry Kirby passed him in 1992. He is currently fourth
behind Thomas Jones (3,998), Tiki Barber (3,389) and Kirby (3,348).
His best single-season mark came in 1949 when rushed for 1,214 yards on 197
carries. A record he held until Barry Word ran for 1,224 yards in 1985. Only
five times has a UVa runner had more yards in season than Papit.
One of Papit’s most memorable games came against Washington & Lee in 1948. He
rushed for a school-record 224 yards, a mark that still stands.
“It was my first start and the first three times a ran the ball I had runs of
over 50 yards,” Papit said. “I averaged something like 15 yards a carry that
day.”
His career average of 6 yards a carry also remains unbroken.
Papit was an All-American in 1949, he played in the East-West Shrine Game and
for the College All-Star team that faced the Cleveland Browns in 1950.
“The Browns were just a powerhouse in those years,” Papit said. “They were just
a great professional team. Otto Graham was their quarterback.”
The Washington Redskins drafted Papit and his roommate during training camp was
former Cavaliers’ standout running back and current Lynchburg resident Bill
Dudley.
“I was over at Bill’s house a couple of Fridays ago,” Papit said. “He was a
great football player. He is very good guy.”
Papit spent three years with the Redskins and one with the Green Bay Packers. He
finished his NFL career with 379 rushing yards and touchdown on 95 carries. He
caught seven passes for 123 yard and a score.
Two things that Papit took away from his days in the NFL was the skill level of
professional football players and the crowds.
“In college you might have a couple of great football players on a team,” Papit
said. “In the pros everybody is outstanding. You really can’t compare the two.
“Playing in the Los Angeles Coliseum against the Rams in front of 100,000 people
was a once in a lifetime experience. It felt big-time and the player played like
it. It was just an atmosphere very few people get to experience.”
And as many an eye will be on Papit Saturday, has kept a close eye on his
Cavaliers and has high hopes for this season even after the rough start.
“The program is fantastic,” Papit said. “I think Al Groh has done a fantastic
job with the talent he has, especially this year.”
Young Hurricanes are growing up fast
Sun-Sentinel
Thursday, October 30, 2008
CORAL GABLES — As a kid, Travis Benjamin remembers receiving some key advice
from a cousin.
The relative, former University of Miami cornerback Alfonso Marshall, described
to Benjamin the attitude he would need as a freshman football player.
"He told me, 'In college, they recruit people every year just like you to play
your position,'" Benjamin said.
It's that way of thinking, that they can always be replaced, that has these
Hurricanes' true freshmen playing perhaps better than any group in the country.
The talented stable has already exceeded expectations, and is only expected to
get better.
"If we take our time and keep developing them, they're going to be real good
players for us," UM coach Randy Shannon said. "Now you're seeing the guys
learning . . . and doing lots of things and making plays for us."
The Hurricanes (5-3, 2-2 ACC) began the year with 16 freshmen listed on the
two-deeps. Through eight games, seven have scored touchdowns. Receivers Aldarius
Johnson and Benjamin, linebacker Sean Spence and defensive tackle Marcus Forston
are regular starters. Four others have cracked the starting lineup at one point
this season.
"I call it just coming in at the right time at the right situation," Forston
said. "We came in and we're doing whatever we can for our teammates and that's
all we can do."
Johnson is the top receiver with 22 catches for 211 yards and two touchdowns.
Quarterback Jacory Harris, who splits time with redshirt freshman Robert Marve,
has completed 55 of 92 passes for 538 yards and five touchdowns. Spence is
fourth with 39 tackles.
The impact should come as no surprise. UM's recruiting class was ranked No. 1 by
ESPN.com, and drew most of the offseason attention. The incoming players became
the fans' focus after the Hurricanes went 5-7 and missed a bowl game for the
first time in 10 years. Eight freshmen enrolled early in January. The newcomers
were the only ones requested for interviews by media as the older players
watched.
The upperclassmen have accepted the fact the young players may be the stars of
the team.
"There's no sign of jealousy by anybody," junior tackle Jason Fox said. "It's
just been congratulations. I'm happy for them. I know how tough it is to come in
and play right away. ... For the seniors this year, they're probably wishing
they could be here for a couple more years when those guys are even older."
A freshman has made an impact in each of the last three games, all wins for the
Hurricanes. Benjamin had a touchdown in a 20-14 victory against Central Florida
and Harris accounted for four scores the following week at Duke. Last week,
receiver Thearon Collier caught a key 25-yard reception on third down to keep
the game-ending drive alive against Wake Forest.
Even in defeat, they have showed maturity.
Cornerback Brandon Harris had a rough day in a loss to FSU. He was beaten for a
TD and called for pass interference, yet took the blame.
"Everything is not going to come easy," Harris said. "It's not high school
football. It's a different level. I'm going to have to adjust to that level or I
won't be seeing much time on the playing field."
That attitude comes from many of the players being used to winning in high
school. Several freshmen rarely lost games, with some playing on state
championship teams at Miami Northwestern, Booker T. Washington and Pahokee.
After the FSU loss, Spence was asked about adjusting to losing.
"I don't plan to," he said.
"They don't handle (losing)," Shannon said. "A lot of the young guys don't
accept it. They know that we've got to keep working to get better. Some of those
guys haven't lost a game in two years. ... They tell me all the time, 'We've got
to find a way to get it done.'"
For the most part, they have.
TOP OF THE CLASS
Aldarius Johnson
Wide receiver
Key stats: 22 rec., 211 yards, 2 TDs
Comment: Drawing comparisons to Andre Johnson
Travis Benjamin
Wide receiver
Key stats:
Leads team with 854 all-purpose yards
Comment: Could be next Devin Hester
Jacory Harris
Quarterback
Key stats:
Has accounted for 7 TDs as a backup
Comment: Shows Ken Dorsey-like cool
Sean Spence
Linebacker
Key stats:
39 tackles are fourth on the team
Comment: Instinctive like Jonathan Vilma
Marcus Forston
Defensive tackle
Key stats:
Starter by second game
Comment: Second coming of Warren Sapp
Home > Inside UM > Archives > 2008 > October > 30 > Entry
Sharpton, Marve on injury report
By Jorge Milian | Thursday, October 30, 2008, 11:27 AM
CORAL GABLES - Starting strongside linebacker Darryl Sharpton is listed as
questionable for Saturday’s game against Virginia, according to an injury report
released by UM on Thursday morning.
Sharpton sustained an undisclosed leg injury in last week’s 16-10 victory
against Wake Forest, but UM coach Randy Shannon indicated this week that
Sharpton would play against the Cavaliers.
Quarterback Robert Marve is listed on the injury report as probable with a leg
injury for Saturday’s game. No mention was made of Marve’s injury this week and
the freshman did not appear to be injured against Wake Forest. Shannon spoke
with reporters on Thursday morning but did not discuss injuries.
Defensive back JoJo Nicolas (leg) and running back Lee Chambers (leg), who both
missed the Wake Forest game, have been upgraded to probable for Virginia.
Receiver Leonard Hankerson, out several games with a high ankle sprain, is
listed as doubtful
October 30, 2008
Steve Megargee
Rivals.com College Football Staff Writer
One month ago, Virginia looked ready to challenge Syracuse, Washington and
Washington State for the dubious honor of being the worst team from any of the
"Big Six" conferences.
Al Groh and Virginia have battled back from a rough start to take the lead in
the ACC Coastal Division.
Now the Cavaliers seem poised to compete for a different title – the one that
goes to the winner of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
The same team that was outscored 128-20 in its first three games against "Big
Six" opponents has since gone on a four-game winning streak with victories over
Maryland, East Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia Tech. That surge has put
Virginia alone atop the ACC Coastal Division.
Virginia has made this improbable surge behind the arm of Marc Verica, who was
expected to start the season as the third-string quarterback. Verica got the job
only after Jameel Sewell and Peter Lalich left school.
What happened?
"There were some players who had never been in games before, and no matter what
any of us did for the first time, we were waiting for the first success,"
Virginia coach Al Groh said. "We were all reinforced by the first success. And
when it comes, we feel a little bit better about the next time we attempt it.
"I think there were a lot of players that just hadn't had any – it wasn't that
they had experienced failure – it was just that they hadn't had any tangible
success before then. They were waiting to see that."
That first taste of success whetted the Cavaliers' appetite for more. Their
opponent this week wants to get an entirely different kind of taste out of its
mouth.
In its final game at the Orange Bowl last year, Miami fell 48-0 to Virginia in
one of the most embarrassing losses in school history. Miami coach Randy Shannon
downplayed the revenge motive this week by noting that the Hurricanes are
relying on plenty of first-year players who weren't part of that humiliating
defeat.
"Some of the older guys, you may talk to them and they will say yeah, they
remember it, but most of the guys were in high school trying to win state
championships and playoff games," Shannon said. "Revenge sometimes can hurt you,
because it is all built up inside of you. You have to make sure you go into the
game with a fresh mind. Most people make mistakes when they are tired or mad.
You are going to say something wrong or you are going to make a mistake in those
situations. So, we won't be tired and we won't be upset. We are going to be
positive.''
ACC SCHEDULE
SATURDAY
Miami at Virginia, noon
Clemson at Boston College, 3:30 p.m.
Duke at Wake Forest, 3:30 p.m.
Florida State at Georgia Tech, 3:30 p.m.
Miami (5-3, 2-2 ACC) still has an outside chance of winning the Coastal Division
title if it beats Virginia, but the Cavaliers find themselves in even better
position. Virginia (5-3, 3-1) enters the final month of the regular season as
the only Coastal team with one conference loss.
Cedric Peerman has come on strong the second half of the season and could emerge
as the ACC player of the year. Clint Sintim leads all linebackers across the
nation with 9½ sacks. Even though Virginia lost plenty of talent from last
year's team, the Cavaliers' knack for winning close games has continued.
The Cavaliers sure have come a long way in the last month.
If they keep this up, they could go all the way to Tampa Bay in December.
Best matchup
Georgia Tech running game vs. Florida State run defense: This matchup between
the ACC's top running game and the league's best run defense should provide
plenty of intrigue. The Seminoles rank seventh in the nation in rushing defense
and have allowed only one individual (Colorado's Rodney Stewart) to run for more
than 100 yards this season. Then again, the Seminoles haven't faced an offense
quite like Georgia Tech's option attack. How will they respond? Florida State
will try to react better than the other ACC teams that struggled in their first
look at new Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson's system. Running back Jonathan
Dwyer and quarterback Josh Nesbitt lead a rushing attack that has averaged 4.9
yards per carry and 236.6 yards per game. Florida State's defense doesn't have
much margin for error. Georgia Tech's defense is so potent that its offense
usually only needs to control the clock and score about 20 points to win a game.
Player to watch
Virginia RB Cedric Peerman: This senior standout has rushed for at least 110
yards three times during Virginia's four-game winning streak. During the one
game in which he failed to reach the century mark, Peerman scored his team's
only two touchdowns as the Cavaliers rallied for a 16-13 overtime victory over
North Carolina. The hottest rusher in the ACC now faces a Miami defense that has
allowed a league-high 170.5 rushing yards per game against ACC opponents.
Miami's run defense is actually better than that number suggests. The Hurricanes
are allowing only 113.9 rushing yards per game overall and rank 33rd in the
nation against the run. But that shouldn't stop Peerman from getting the ball
time and time again Saturday.
Naples grad gets shot to kick for Virginia
Randolph walks on, helps in 4-game win streak
By Craig Handel • chandel@news-press.com • October 30, 2008
Robert Randolph didn't get the exact call he wanted last season.
But he did get the chance to play in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Randolph, a former kicker at Naples High, got the chance to walk on at Virginia
after special teams coach Bob Diaco called him in late January.
"He said I was the first guy on their list," Randolph said. "He said I'd
probably earn a scholarship if I kicked part time, but he's like, 'We have to
know by the end of the night or we have to move onto the next guy.' "
Randolph's other choices were Georgetown or Colgate. After talking to his
parents, he called Diaco back to say yes.
"I had never been to Virginia," he said. "I heard from other people it's a great
school. I had to say yes.
"I love it here. It was a great decision academically and football-wise."
Randolph has played little, but he made a key contribution for Virginia (5-3),
which is on a four-game winning streak.
Randolph made 115 of 116 extra-point attempts at Naples and had 80 touchbacks on
kickoffs. During his senior season, he made all seven field-goal tries from less
than 40 yards, including two game-winners.
A University of Miami fan, Randolph and Naples coach Bill Kramer had hoped those
numbers would've impressed Hurricanes coaches. But they had little interest.
Were they surprised?
"Yeah, kind of," Randolph said. "I asked (Kramer) to call the coaches from
Miami, but we never got any response back."
Kramer added, "I did a call a number of times and they asked us to send them
videotape. They had videos."
After making an extra point in a 35-20 win over East Carolina, Randolph
performed kicking duties for Yannick Reyering, who had minor knee surgery. He
made a 37-yard field goal against North Carolina in the third quarter to cut the
deficit to 7-3, then made the extra point with 47 seconds left as the Cavaliers
tied the game at 10. They won 16-13 in overtime.
"I felt confident in warm-ups and wasn't nearly as nervous as I thought I'd be,"
Randolph said. "I'd say it was definitely my highlight so far of the year."
Winning becomes contagious for Virginia
By Larry Williams (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Thursday, October 30, 2008
CLEMSON — Virginia wideout Kevin Ogletree has a simple explanation for his
team's completely unforeseen about-face.
"Winning is contagious," Ogletree told reporters.
Not long ago, losing seemed like a contagious and incurable disease in
Charlottesville, Va. Remember when Southern Cal hung 52 on the Cavaliers in the
opener? Or when they were drilled 45-10 at Connecticut? Or when they went to
Duke and suffered a 31-3 pasting?
Back then, it seemed as if coach Al Groh might not make it another day, let
alone to the end of the season. But now the eighth-year coach is squarely in the
running for ACC coach of the year. Crazy, huh?
Virginia (5-3, 3-1) is atop the Coastal Division standings, and last week's
come-from-behind victory at Georgia Tech gave the Cavs a huge divisional
advantage over the Yellow Jackets.
A week earlier, this team beat then-No. 18 North Carolina 16-13 in overtime. On
Oct. 11, it was a 35-20 win over East Carolina. And it all started back on Oct.
4, when Virginia produced a stunning 31-0 smashing of Maryland — just one week
after the Duke debacle.
The road to a division title isn't easy; after Saturday's home game against
Miami, Groh's bunch travels to Wake Forest before returning home to face Clemson
on Nov. 22. Then it's the regular season finale at Virginia Tech, a team
Virginia hasn't beaten since 2003.
But this team is on quite a roll that's picking up momentum with every positive
development.
"It makes guys want it more," Ogletree said. "You see the older guys stepping up
and the younger guys coming closer to greatness with their game. It is just a
great team effort right now."
Fumble-itis
If not for a gaggle of fumbles, Georgia Tech might be undefeated.
The Yellow Jackets (6-2, 3-2) have 26 fumbles on the season. That's eight more
than anyone else in the ACC.
Georgia Tech had two fumbles in the loss to Virginia. A botched snap ruined a
promising drive to start the second half with the Yellow Jackets up 14-10. The
Cavs capitalized with a touchdown and took a 17-14 lead.
The other fumble, on a handoff from Josh Nesbitt to Jonathan Dwyer, came after
Georgia Tech reached the Virginia 5-yard line in the fourth quarter.
"We take hundreds of (center-quarterback exchanges) every day," said first-year
coach Paul Johnson. "Sometimes, it happens. We're probably not the only team
that's ever fumbled a center-quarterback exchange."
In a 20-17 loss at Virginia Tech on Sept. 13, Nesbitt lost two fumbles.
The Jackets have lost 14 of their fumbles, which is also the most in the league
and in a tie for second-most in the Football Bowl Subdivision with Wyoming.
Quarterback quandary
How bad is Virginia Tech's quarterback situation with both Tyrod Taylor and Sean
Glennon out with ankle injuries?
So bad that starting tight end Greg Boone is the Hokies' backup quarterback.
That's 6-3, 290-pound Greg Boone.
Tech's first-stringer at the position is fifth-year senior Cory Holt, who hadn't
played a significant snap over his career before he replaced Glennon in the
third quarter of last week's 30-20 loss at Florida State.
The Hokies are fortunate to get an open date this week. They host Maryland a
week from today.
Game ball
North Carolina receiver Hakeem Nicks: Caught eight passes for 139 yards —
including touchdown receptions of 43, 40 and 26 yards — in the Tar Heels' 45-24
win over Boston College. Brandon Tate who?
Game of the week
Florida State (6-1, 3-1) at Georgia Tech (6-2, 3-2): A few months ago, you'd
have thought Clemson-Boston College would be this week's marquee matchup. A few
things have happened in the last few months.
UVa Insider, the column: Overstocking/Doug Doughty
With no new Virginia men's basketball commitments expected prior to signing day
Nov. 12, it occurred to me that UVa coach Dave Leitao might have altered his
approach.
Virginia currently has the maximum number of players on scholarship, 13. Two of
those scholarship players are in their final season of eligibility, Tunji Soroye
and Mamadi Diane, and the Cavaliers have commitments from two players who will
take their place, Jontel Evans and Tristan Spurlock.
The Cavaliers stand to lose four players after the 2009-2010 season, so
presumably Leitao and his staff would be concentrating on the 2010 class, but
that’s not necessarily the case.
“Are you asking me, ‘Are you recruiting '09s?' ” Leitao said Sunday at the ACC’s
Operation Basketball in Atlanta. “Yeah, we’re recruiting '09s. How would you
rather do it at as a coach? Don’t [recruit a player], have something happen and
then try to start recruiting a guy? Or, recruit a guy?
“You never stop recruiting. I’ve been consistent in everything I’ve said. When
we get to September, we’ll be at 13. I haven’t had a problem with it yet. I
don’t know whether you would characterize it as ‘predictability’ or
‘unpredictability,’ but things are not always as they seem to be. So, in this
game we call ‘recruiting,’ you can’t ever stop.”
Actually, Virginia was under the limit for a time this summer, following the
departure of scholarship players Will Harris and Lauris Mikalauskas. But if
Harris and Mikalauskas had not hung around, Leitao wouldn’t have had
scholarships for Soroye and Calvin Baker.
Soroye had been on scholarship for four years and would have completed his
eligibility if not for a series of injuries that limited him to two games in
2007-2008. He petitioned the NCAA for an extra year but would have had to take
out loans if a scholarship had not materialized. Baker began his college career
as a scholarship player at William and Mary but had been paying his way for two
years until he got Mikalauskas’ scholarship.
It would make sense for Leitao to wait until the spring to see if an opening
arises, “but that depends,” he said. “I don’t control that as much. If somebody
is going to improve our program and he wants to come today, I’ve got to evaluate
it. We’ve been at 14 or 15 this time of year.”
Rival recruiters have made light of Virginia’s scholarship situation,
particularly last spring, when the Cavaliers were recruiting Wesley Witherspoon,
who signed with Memphis.
“Some people do,” Leitao said, “but, if they don’t use that against you, they’ll
use something else. That’s because they negative recruit.
“But, if you look around the country [overstocking] goes more than at just this
program. That goes on a lot. Especially in this day and age, we’re forced to do
that. There’s such an unpredictability from so many different angles that cause
you to add or subtract from your roster.”
THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBANY was successful in getting immediate eligibility for
Harris, who played in 15 games for Virginia last year as a sophomore.
Harris had a back problem that prevented him from playing in the last 14 games
and 17 of the last 19 games, although he did not meet the criteria for a
successful hardship appeal.
Harris’ appeal for immediate eligibility was based on "family hardship,"
according to an Albany release, and was supported by Leitao.
“Will was one of my [favorites], if not my favorite,” Leitao said. “He worked
hard. He was a great kid. We had great conversations. He came from a tough and
humble background. I thought, by coming to the University of Virginia and
ultimately graduating from here, he could become a great story. I was a big fan
of his.
“I was hurt by him leaving because I thought he was leaving behind much more
than what most guys think of, which is basketball success. He has family
problems with health and all that kind of stuff that weighed on him greatly.
Even if I wasn’t such a fan and he walks out, unless something is drastically
wrong, I’m going to support a guy.
“Life is too short for me to cast any negative stones toward people. When he
goes to Albany, I wish him nothing but the best of success and health and luck
and hope that he realizes his dreams because, believe me, I’ve been blessed many
more times than I can count.”
Cavs' Baker, Tucker return
Two U.Va. starters are back in practice following injuries
CHARLOTTESVILLE -- Calvin Baker and Jamil Tucker are practicing, and that's good
news for the University of Virginia men's basketball team.
Neither was allowed to participate when the Cavaliers began practicing Oct. 17,
and they weren't cleared until this week.
Tucker and Baker are among the most experienced players on a U.Va. team that
includes only two seniors.
A 6-9 junior, Tucker has been dealing with an injured right shoulder. Baker, who
can play either guard position, has a stress fracture in his left foot, and
Virginia's coaches worried that the 6-2 junior might require surgery that would
cause him to miss most or all of the season.
Redshirt freshman Sammy Zeglinski is the only true point guard on U.Va.'s
roster, so Baker's value to the team is enormous. After getting a second medical
opinion, Baker was allowed back on the court, and his foot has held up well.
"So far, so good," Cavaliers coach Dave Leitao said yesterday.
Leitao said he's been limiting Tucker's and Baker's repetitions in practice this
week and will continue to monitor them closely.
In 2007-08, Tucker averaged 5.2 points and 3.3 rebounds. He's expected to battle
6-8 sophomore Mike Scott for the starting job at power forward this season.
Baker, who began his college career at William and Mary, was Leitao's
fourth-leading scorer last season. Among the Cavaliers' returning players, only
senior swingman Mamadi Diane (11.8) averaged more points than Baker in 2007-08.
-- Jeff White