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Sept. 1, 2004
When Virginia head coach Al Groh addressed the media on “Meet the Team Day” he was asked to break down the Cavalier’s training camp in August, you know…how things were going, what are you looking for at this time of year…the basics. His remark to the reporter stayed with me.
“At this time of year it’s like cultivating a garden. You plant seeds, till the ground and build a foundation, make sure the weeds are taken care of…and in a few weeks you find out how you did.”
This Saturday Wahoo fans might discover they have a bumper crop.
This past Monday Groh said he has liked what he has seen and the team is taking shape in talent and personality.
“Ever since March this team has taken on a certain personality,” Groh told the assembled media. “The players have a purpose and have been very observant. I think as a result the team will have a real focus.”
The hype is certainly there. Season ticket sales are through the roof, “Orange Fever” t-shirts are everywhere, and the off-season weight training program has made the kids stronger and tougher, which has created a sense that UVA will have a better football team than last year.
“It’s been a remarkable camp from an injury standpoint,” Groh said. “I don’t think at any time have we had a hamstring pull, hip flexor, or groin pull. The off-season conditioning has been terrific. However, in the off-season it’s a lot about becoming a football player, not how much you can bench press.”
Think about it. Virginia’s offensive line boasts a combined 106 starts and there is only one other team in the country that has more…Oklahoma has 129 combined starts up front. Maybe the best part is many of the line guys can play a second or third position. Being versatile in the trenches is a good thing. The Cavalier’s running backs are good…very good and the position is deep with Wali Lundy and Alvin Pearman…not to mention the return of Michael Johnson who has seen a lot of snaps during the August workouts. Fullback Jason Snelling’s welcome back gives UVA another “in the flat” receiver who can block and score in short yardage situations. Plus, Snelling and Brandon Isiah open the door for All American tight end Heath Miller.
The ‘Hoos’ receivers, short on snaps but long on talent, will be just fine. Deyon Williams, Fontel Mines and Michael McGrew have been given plenty of support from Imhotep Durham and Ron Morton. Fans can expect UVA’s offensive numbers to improve in 2004. However, a team doesn’t go far without superior quarterback play. Marques Hagans has had a great summer and August camp. He’s so comfortable with his role it’s scary.
“He has awareness and presence,” Groh said. “Marques has worked very hard this summer in becoming the complete quarterback and I expect great things from him.”
Defensively Virginia will be better. 5th year senior Chris Canty has become the ultimate leader. Even in Greensboro he was making brash statements about the team and his brethren telling the media this WILL be the defense to watch this year. With the linebacking corps that rivals the Sharper-Farrior days, the Cavs could easily reduce their points allowed figure from a year ago. Marcus Hamilton and Tony Franklin are reliable corners that simply have to prove they belong and I love the comeback trail that Jermaine Hardy has traveled. The Roanoke native has forgotten about the knee injury he suffered last year and has been teaching Marquis Weeks the ropes on defense.
“He just needs games,” Groh said. “Take the Temple offense. It’s a little different than what we are used to, so Saturday will be another learning chapter for him.”
With the addition of true freshman Nate Lyles, an outstanding prospect at safety from Chicago and first year corner Philip Brown from Hampton, UVA’s secondary will be very solid.
Once the Cavaliers settle on a punter and get a few kids some game experience, 2004 could be a memorable year. However, with all college football teams you have to be a bit lucky, get a good whistle, stay healthy, and don’t try to prove anything to anyone but to the guys who share the locker room. Polls, expectations, and all that other outside stuff will take care of itself.
Cavalier fans could reap a bountiful fall harvest.