Maybe there's magic in mystery, but no one can really know what to expect from Cavalier football this season. Coming off a disappointing 5-7 season (3-5 ACC) mired in quarterback controversy, injury and the adjustment to a new head coach, Virginia football would not seem to exude tremendous amounts of hope and enthusiasm for the forthcoming 2002 season.
But prayers and dreams can quickly be answered in the world of college football. With another year of acclimation to Al Groh's system, the solidification of the starting quarterback position, and the promise of the nation's fifth-best recruiting class, Wahoo fans everywhere have plenty of reasons to be excited.
The task ahead, however, is formidable. The Cavaliers will play their first-ever 13-game schedule, including contests with nine teams that made bowl appearances last year. They open at home in Scott Stadium against Colorado State on August 22 in the Jim Thorpe Classic.
Spring practice sessions culminated in the annual spring game, won this year by the offense, 76-70, giving the defense the indignation of taking home the unwanted Orange and Blue Hydrant, which was left to the losing squad.
More importantly, spring practice nearly settled most of the team's starting positions. Particularly distinguishing themselves in the spring were Groh's three choices to receive the Rock Weir Award given annually to the Most Improved Players - linebacker Raymond Mann, cornerback Art Thomas, and wide receiver Michael McGrew.
McGrew will battle Ottowa Anderson for the second starting receiving job alongside returning third-team All-America selection Billy McMullen, the first Virginia wideout to be so honored since Herman Moore in 1990. McMullen enters his senior year having led the ACC in six receiving categories a year ago. His 83 receptions last year shattered the school mark by 29 and ranked eighth nationally.
And McMullen will only benefit from Groh's singular decision to name junior Matt Schaub the full-time starting quarterback. Last year, Schaub split time with Bryson Spinner, who has since transferred out of the Virginia football program.
"I'm a little more relaxed not having to worry about the situation," Schaub said about his promotion. "I'm a little bit more comfortable, which will help me to perform better. I feel that this is my team."
The ground game will be spearheaded by last year's leading rusher Alvin Pearman (371 yards), though he will be challenged by Marquis Weeks, who was impressive in the spring game, and by freshman running back Michael Johnson, a Parade All-American selection as a high school senior. The unit loses Antoine Womack, whose injury-plagued senior campaign marred an otherwise stellar career.
The yardage these talented runners can grind out and the continued health and pass protection of Schaub will hinge on the offensive line's ability to come together. Despite a few shaky shotgun snaps in the spring game, junior Kevin Bailey is a burgeoning star at center, and he is also the team's best left tackle.
All-ACC selection Angelo Crowell returns to anchor the strong linebacking corps that will lead the Cavalier defense. Incoming blue-chip recruit Kai Parham will look to bolster this already capable group featuring Crowell and Mann.
The linebacker crew is sure to make big stops against the opponents' ground game as long as the defensive line can keep blockers off them. Sophomores Andrew Hoffman and Chris Canty, provided he recovers from a broken leg this spring, will likely be solid contributors in starting roles. The rest of the line has work to do.
The secondary will be another strength for the Cavaliers. Senior safeties Jerton Evans and Chris Williams and underclassmen cornerbacks Art Thomas and Jermaine Hardy return to add stability to the pass defense. This group was particularly impressive in spring sessions.
Virginia also must replace both kicking specialists in 2002. Groh already has named incoming freshman punter Tom Hagan the starter, and Kurt Smith seems to have nailed down the placekicking job despite strong inconsistencies from within 40 yards. Smith, however, has earned the role for his leg strength and potential.
"He's got a leg - that's not an issue," Groh said. "He needs confidence. Consistency. Accuracy."
Most of the much-ballyhooed freshmen will not start their first year but will all compete for considerable playing time. But the returners alone should keep the Cavaliers competitive this season. And if nothing else, the combination of the two is sure to keep the Virginia football program abuzz with excitement in their 2002 season.
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