Virginia Launches Schaub's Heisman Website

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July 17, 2003

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The University of Virginia will officially launch its Heisman Trophy campaign for quarterback Matt Schaub (West Chester, Pa.) on Friday afternoon (July 18) with the unveiling of a website.

Fans and media are encouraged to visit Schaub4Heisman.com throughout the season for the latest press releases, statistics, and fun facts about the Cavalier senior. Schaub also shares personal and family photos.

“I think with Matt’s being honored by the Atlantic Coast Conference, and very justifiably and deservedly so, who’s meant more to his team than Matt Schaub has?” said head coach Al Groh. “Certainly our team that had a remarkable season could not have achieved what it did were it not for his play. He also epitomizes our team. His only agenda is winning. He’s not interested in his numbers. That really has become the personality of the team.”

Schaub will also entertain questions during five live on-line chats throughout the season. The first on-line chat is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 25.

“It’s been extremely fun,” Schaub said of the campaign efforts to date. “The whole process, including hard work from so many people, has been tremendous. You only go through this once in a lifetime. I’m just trying to enjoy it.”

The 2002 ACC Player of the Year and First-Team All-ACC honoree, Schaub set or tied 10 single-season records and led the conference with 28 touchdown passes as Virginia was ranked 22nd in the final poll last year following a 48-22 victory over West Virginia in the inaugural Continental Tire Bowl. He is considered the nation’s top returning quarterback for 2003 after finishing second nationally in completion percentage (68.9) and sixth nationally in efficiency (147.5) as a junior.

“Matt is a very productive player,” Gil Brandt of NFL.com said. “When someone throws 28 touchdowns and only seven interceptions, and completes 69 percent of his passes, it tells you about his ability. Matt Schaub is a good pro prospect and a tremendous college football player.”

“Matt Schaub’s always prepared,” said Bill Musgrave, offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars and former UVa assistant coach. “Schaub’s savvy enables him to anticipate the complex looks defenses throw at him. He’ll never back down from a fight. The toughness Matt displays encourages his teammates to follow his lead.”

Virginia kicks off the 2003 season on Saturday, Aug. 30 with Duke at 7 p.m. at the Carl Smith Center, home of David A. Harrison III Field at Scott Stadium.