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Aug. 19, 2007
Sunday is a one-a-day day sandwiched between two two-a-days as the Cavaliers begin their final week of training camp. The team breaks camp on Saturday and then begins game week preparations for the season opener at Wyoming on Sept. 1.
One of the biggest issues in training camp concerns QB Jameel Sewell and his return from offseason wrist surgery. He started the final nine games under center last season but was never 100 percent. “We do try to rest him, but he also needs to see the looks and he’s had some very good days (in training camp),” said offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Mike Groh.
Last season head coach Al Groh compared Sewell’s performance as looking through wax paper, making reference to the difficulty seeing things clearly. With a year under his belt, Sewell is putting his experience to good use this training camp. “The game has slowed down for him somewhat,” Mike Groh said.
“He does see a variety of looks from our defense–a high degree of difficulty test for him. You can’t just sit under center and be in a comfort zone every day. (The defense) has a new blitz of the day and in most cases two or three blitzes of the day. He’s had to adjust to that and be prepared for that every day but in terms of his decision making and the ball getting out on time and not holding the ball, he’s much improved over where we were last year.”
Part of training camp is building depth and player development. Several candidates have been working behind Sewell this season in the competition for the No. 2 spot. “I’m pleased with the progress of all three of the guys (Scott Deke, Marc Verica and Peter Lalich). All continue to make progress on a daily basis and I’m very excited about where they are at this point in training camp,” said “Coach Mike.”
With last year’s leading receiver, Kevin Ogletree, out for a time due to a knee injury suffered during the spring, replacing him is likely to be a group effort. Junior Maurice Covington is the only receiver on the roster with much game experience in a Cavalier uniform. “We certainly hope that Maurice will be ready to step up,” Mike Groh said, “and provide some of what Kevin would have provided for this offense on the outside.
“We have three excellent tight ends we plan to use, as well as our running backs. This group of receivers, albeit unknown and unheralded, has worked as well as any group that we’ve had and I’m excited about their ability to contribute and help us win football games.”
Sunday’s Question of the Day
How do you relax during camp?
Will Barker: Take all the time I can to sit down, watch TV and relax.
Jonathon Stupar: The best part is at night when everything is over and you’re chilling with your roommate and watching TV and talking about football and life while you get your legs back.
Jordy Lipsey: Take naps.
Arthur Singleton: Sleep
Matt Leemhuis: Lay on the bed, hanging out and kicking my feet up.
Aaron Clark: Sleep
Alex Field: Hang out with my teammates and watch SportsCenter.
Chris Dalton: Watch ESPN and see what’s going on in the world.
Byron Glaspy: Either sleep or sit in the lounge and talk to the guys.
Brandon Jarvis: Prop my feet up and relax.
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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Steve Marino, a former UVa golfer, current PGA tour competitor and member of the Cavalier Nation, sports his 2007 Fan-Shirt |
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