One of the greatest players to ever grace the Virginia football program is coming back to his alma mater this season. Anthony Poindexter, who graduated from Virginia in 1998, will return to Cavalier Football this season as a graduate assistant.
Though not officially released by the athletic department, Poindexter told the Richmond Times Dispatch that he will work with the team in the weight room, beginning work at the end of July.
If his position this year works out like he hopes, Poindexter said he would look forward to a more expanded role in future years. Virginia already has former Redskin Andy Heck and Reed Case as two on-the-field graduate assistants.
Poindexter, the former strong safety from Forest, VA, suffered a harrowing knee injury toward the end of his senior season against N.C. State, which forced him to miss the rest of the season. Thought at that time to be a lock as a top 10 pick in the next NFL draft, he never fully recovered and was drafted in the seventh round by the Baltimore Ravens.
Poindexter earned a Super Bowl ring in 2000 as a backup safety for the Ravens, but was cut soon after. He attempted to pick up with teams in training camps, but it never worked out, as he never fully regained his quickness.
Recently Poindexter told the Times-Dispatch that he decided it was time to move on in his life, and coaching seemed like the most logical next step. He was one of the best safeties in the ACC during the mid-to-late 90s. He was known for a tremendous break on the ball and bone-jarring hits against the opponents. He is best known for stopping Florida State's Warrick Dunn at the one yard line in Virginia's 33-28 win in 1995, which was the first time an ACC opponent beat the Seminoles.
Virginia receives three more verbals for 2003 class
Head coach Al Groh and fellow members of the coaching staff received exciting news when the Cavaliers hauled in three more commitments to the 2003 class. In addition to Marvin Richardson, who was the first to commit to Virginia in early May, the Cavaliers have received verbals from Robbie Catterton, Marshall Ausberry and Gordie Sammis.
Catteron is a safety out of Kellam High School in Virginia Beach. He has reportedly run a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash. Groh continues to show he is interested in speed for his team, and Catteron fits that description.
The offensive line was in need of major help during the recruiting period, and Virginia's next two commitments provided help in that area when 330-pound Ausberry and 290-pound Sammis told Groh they would be attending Virginia. Ausberry hails from West Springfield High School and is considered fairly quick for a 330-pound offensive lineman.
Sammis was the second commitment from New Jersey, as the all-state lineman joins Richardson as a future Cavalier. Sammis is regarded as one of the best prospects in New Jersey.
Times announced for three early games
The times for three of the first four Virginia football games have been announced by the athletic office. The starting time for the Cavaliers' first game against Colorado State has not been reported, but Virginia's second game at Florida State on August 31 was announced as a 3:30 p.m. starting time, with ABC televising the game.
The next game against South Carolina is one of ESPN's Game of the Week, and is slated to begin at 7:45 p.m. The September 7 game is part of ESPN's Saturday night prime time package.
After a bye week, Virginia will host Akron at 3:00 p.m. in its annual Homecoming Game. The starting time for the remainder of Virginia's games will be announced at a later date.
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