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Aug. 23, 2007
Preparations continue for the Cavaliers as they ready for next week’s season opener against Wyoming.
The game against Wyoming features something not seen very often in football–a match-up of left-handed quarterbacks. Jameel Sewell is expected to start for UVa, while Wyoming will counter with Karsten Sween.
Two southpaws squaring off is something that head coach Al Groh is likely to have never encountered despite more than 40 years in the game. “I would have to close the door and take no interruptions and think for a long time whether or not I’ve witnessed that,” he said. “I can’t say offhand that I can remember it.”
We’re not sure whether it’s ever happened with the Cavaliers but Sewell is believed to be the third left-hander in school history following Jimmy Lesane (1949-51) and Whitey Clarke (1954-56).
Sewell started the final nine games a year ago and gave the team an athletic boost with his talents. That was offset somewhat by his lack of experience. This season things have changed according to Groh. “This season, and there’s more to come since he’s still only a second-year player, he brings the highest level of (personal) confidence to the position that we’ve had there since Marques Hagans left (two years ago).”
Sewell isn’t the only quarterback on the roster with more confidence. Junior Scott Deke has been battling for the back-up role behind Sewell during training camp and done well according to Groh. “Scott’s got a lot more confidence in himself (since the spring). That confidence is very apparent to the other players on the field. Confidence can’t be faked and it’s so important at that position that the other players see the confidence the quarterback had, not only in himself but in the rest of the players. We all feel very good that we can see that in Scott.”
Thursday’s Question of the Day
What is the best part of training camp?
Will Barker: For me, just finally getting out there. Everyone is antsy and ready to play.
Jonathan Stupar: The camaraderie of the team, getting to know each other and the freshmen and building the team.
Jordy Lipsey: It’s all great. The beginning is fun because it’s exciting with everyone coming back.
Arthur Singleton: Meeting new guys.
Matt Leemhuis: Being all together, working toward the season and working up to our goals and putting it all together.
Patrick Slebonick: Spending so much time with the teammates.
Branden Albert: Food
Antonio Appleby: Just being around everyone. It’s like a family.
Chris Long: You don’t have to think about anything else.
Nate Lyles: Getting back to football after not playing in awhile and lifting weights and playing 7-on-7 all summer.
Chris Gould: Getting out there and competing.
Maurice Covington: It’s exciting just to get started and see how things turn out because we’ve got a pretty good squad this year and we’ve been working hard in the off season.
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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Al Groh, UVa head football coach and member of the Cavalier Nation, sports his 2007 Fan-Shirt |
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