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Video Feature: The UVa Tight Ends
Aug. 14, 2007
The Cavaliers practiced twice on Tuesday, once in the morning and once at night.
One of the interesting storylines of early camp is that S Nate Lyles, unbeknownst to head coach Al Groh, relinquished his orange starter’s jersey over the weekend. “When we had the staff meeting (Friday), I asked what’s the deal with Nate and the blue jersey going down without any announcement? They said, `Oh, Nate took himself out. He said he made a couple mental errors on Friday and that if you’re going to be an elite player, you don’t make those kind of mental errors. When he thought his game warranted it, he would put his orange jersey back on.'”
As of today, Lyles remains in the blue jersey. “Frankly, it hasn’t been discussed,” said Groh. “I wasn’t in on it from the start, so I’m going to leave it for other people.”
LB Clint Sintim says he has come to camp in the best shape he’s ever been in and is looking forward to a big year. He was hindered by a shoulder injury last fall and had offseason surgery to correct the problem. Back in top form, Groh says every aspect of his game has improved from 2006. “His run techniques are better,” he said. “His pass rush is better. His situational awareness is better. He’s really progressed as a player.”
Another area that looks to be improved from last year is the offensive line that returns all five starters from a year ago. Groh said he thinks some of last season’s limitations that were a function of an inexperienced group and a first-time starter at quarterback will be overcome this season with the year’s experience. “We’re looking to expand back into some of the things that have been productive for us in the past,” Groh said.
Notes:
Coach Groh indicated that TB Keith Payne has one more day to go before he will be able to practice in full pads. Payne was suspended from the team for a time and didn’t rejoin the team until Friday. “It doesn’t necessarily have to have him behind for the whole season,” Groh said. “It might have him a little behind in the immediacy. We have 29 practices to get ready for the first game and he missed the first four. We have plenty of time to catch up and a whole season to do it.”
Junior LB Aaron Clark missed several days of practice due to a virus but has been cleared to return. He practice for the first time in earnest Sunday and looked a “little bit raw with his techniques,” according to Groh, “but is catching up with the other (players).”
Tuesday’s Question of the Day:
What part of your game are you looking to improve most in camp?
Gordie Sammis: Every part
Chris Cook: Breaking on the ball
Pete Bladel: Being more aggressive and sticking to my technique.
John Phillips: My receiving
Hall Simmons: Cutting and natural reads.
Cary Koch: Being a technician on my routes.
Alex Field: My feet and hands and make everything really precise.
Zak Stair: Pass blocking
Jack Shields: Play calling
Sean Gottschalk: My two-gap skills
Antonio Appleby: Reading faster, running faster, pass coverage. You want to get better in everything you do.
Order Your 2007 Fan-Shirt
The official 2007 Virginia football fan-shirt is now available exclusively at the Cavalier Team Shop online and the Cavalier Team Shop at the John Paul Jones Arena. The Virginia athletics department has partnered with Nike to produce this season’s shirt. Click Here to order your shirt today!
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Shawn Moore, UVa quarterback from 1987 to 1990 and a member of the Cavalier Nation, sports his 2007 Fan-Shirt |
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