Virginia football coach Al Groh wasn't surprised that the first question in his first media teleconference before his first spring practice pertained to the unresolved quarterback situation for next year. As expected, however, he responded diplomatically, not revealing much -- only naming the candidates and listing what each has working in his favor.
"Marques [Hagans] is the only one that has had extensive playing time," Groh said. "He's had two positive games at quarterback in his career. He's made plays in games as a receiver and punt returner. He's demonstrated that he's a playmaker."
Notre Dame transfer Chris Olsen will also figure into the mix. Groh said that Olsen "has a good knowledge of the offense both in his year here and what he was doing before."
Groh said Anthony Martinez "has a very strong arm, and he's played in a couple of games before." Freshman Kevin McCabe "is entering his first spring practice. He's out of his dazed phase."
When asked what criteria he would use to choose his starter, Groh said that the decision would be made through simple competition.
"Part of the process is to go out and orchestrate situations, and let the players grade themselves," Groh said. "If everyone performs the same, whether that's good or mediocre, then [the decision] will be difficult."
News and Notes
· The question Groh did not expect to hear -- the identities of Virginia's next long snapper and holder -- was not asked, so Groh chose to introduce the topic himself.
"Ryan Childress was a very reliable snapper, and Matt [Schaub] was as good a holder as he was a quarterback," Groh said of the graduates. Among the candidates to take over snapping duties are Tyrus Gardner, Jonathan Stupar, Heath Miller and Zak Yarbrough. Recevier Emmanuel Byers and "the young quarterbacks" will all compete for holding duties.
· Jermaine Hardy, Rich Bedesem and Marvin Richardson will not participate in spring practice because of postseason surgeries. Kai Parham will sit out the spring because of "a little condition in his back" that is not related to the back problem that contributed to his decision to redshirt his freshman season.
· Groh confirmed that Tom Hagan will no longer be Virginia's punter. The leading candidates to replace him are current freshman Noah Greenbaum, Sean Johnson, who is returning from taking time off for a Mormon mission, and incoming recruits Chris Gould and Brian Leskanic.
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