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Aug. 22, 2007
Training camp concluded for the Cavaliers on Monday and preparations are underway for the season opener against Wyoming in 10 days.
This is the second year Virginia has played the Cowboys; last season UVa gained a 13-12 overtime win when Wyoming kicker Aric Goodman missed the game-tying extra point in OT.
Like the Cavaliers, Wyoming runs a 3-4 defense, a scheme that is becoming more prevalent on the collegiate level. Notre Dame and NC State, among others, are recent converts to the defense Al Groh prefers. “We kind of wish that it wasn’t (coming back into vogue),” said Groh. “We kind of liked being the lone wolf with teams not having exposure and background in it. The more teams play against it, the more they’ll be able to set their ideas.
“Things come and go in cycles in sports. Some things stay the same and some things just recycle back and we haven’t changed with the cycle.”
Covington Making Strides
Junior wide receiver Maurice Covington is one player who continues having a good preseason. “The offensive coaches have been very positive, not just on a day-to-day, but a play-to-play basis, with what Maurice has done,” Groh said. “He seems to be maturing and coming into his own in this particular time frame. The versatility of his game is a lot greater than it had been previously. In every respect, he’s just turning into a better player.”
Kicking Specialists Working on Improvement
Ryan Weigand held the punting duties for most of the last half of the season last fall and averaged 42.4 yards per kick. One of the things he has worked on in training camp is improving his consistency. “His best kicks (in training camp) have been better than his best kicks in the past. It’s been encouraging, but there’s still some inconsistency there.
What we are really looking for every player is when players start putting really good performances together back-to-back, game after game, and develop that type of consistency and that which we can count on.
Gould, brother of Chicago Bear kicker Robbie Gould, has switched from a three-step to a two-step approach during the offseason to help with his accuracy (he connected on 11 of 19 field goals in 2006) and the change seems to be paying off. “Chris has had a good, positive camp,” said Groh. “He went in and made some swing changes and some style changes and that’s definitely helped him out.”
Wednesday’s Question of the Day
What is the worst part of training camp?
Jonathan Stupar: Two-a-days
Jordy Lipsey: There are some trying times, but overall it’s all good. It will wear you out pretty well.
Arthur Singleton: Two-a-days
Matt Leemhuis: Just all the time involved in things.
Patrick Slebonick: Spending so much time with the teammates. That’s also the best thing!
Branden Albert: Practice
Antonio Appleby: The heat
Chris Long: You don’t have to think about anything else.
Nate Lyles: Long meetings
Chris Gould: Staying in the hotel. Sometimes you would rather just be in your own bed.
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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