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Right tackle Will Barker is looking to become a rare four-year starter on the offensive line at Virginia. He has started all 37 games in his career and has seen virtually everything there is to see on the gridiron. This season, however, he and his offensive mates are faced with learning the new offense being installed this spring by new offensive coordinator Gregg Brandon. Here Barker talks about the some of the changes the squad is undergoing this spring as well as how the line has progressed since last season.
Virginia’s annual Spring Football Festival is next Saturday (April 18) at Scott Stadium. A variety of pregame activities will start at noon followed by the annual Spring Football Game at 2 p.m. All events are free to the public and there is no charge for parking at all lots adjacent to Scott Stadium as well as the Emmet/Ivy Garage.
Question: There are a lot of new faces particularly on the coaching staff this year; talk a little bit about how spring practice is going.
Barker: Spring practice is going really well. (We have a) new offense, new offensive coordinator (Gregg Brandon) and he’s bringing a lot of new things to Virginia. I think what he is doing is going to be pretty exciting for us and help us score a lot of points.
Question: What are some of things that you personally might be trying to improve upon during this spring practice?
Barker: Really just technique. I am just like everyone else—trying to learn the new offense. Once I get that down, I will feel pretty good.
Question: You’re going into your fourth year as a starter this year, which is a pretty rare feat in this program. What do you see as your role now that you’re one of the veteran players on the team this year?
Barker: I would like to see myself as a leader both from an experience standpoint and as a fifth-year (player). I have been around the program for a while and I know what it takes to win, and what needs to be done to do well.
Question: Last year the offensive line had three new starters on it and it seemed like the line progressed pretty well throughout the season. What is your assessment of the line’s play throughout last season?
Barker: I think last year we did a great job, especially in the middle of the year. We had three new starters and (guard) Austin (Pasztor) coming in as a freshman did really well. Last year’s experience was really good for them. This year Landon (Bradley) is taking over for Eugene (Monroe), he has played behind him for a couple of years so he’s got some good experience there, too.
Question: With a new offensive coordinator this season in Gregg Brandon, are you having to learn any new schemes, new terminology or what this spring?
Barker: It’s a completely new offense, but there is also some carryover from our old offense. Making calls in the line, we are able to make some of the same calls that we used to make. For some of the same defensive schemes, calling that out, it’s all still the same. There is some new terminology in techniques as well as things like splits and stances that are changed.
Question: Talk about some of the challenges that the offensive line faces with having a drop back quarterback such as Marc Verica as well as scramblers like Jameel Sewell or Vic Hall. What are some of the challenges that those two different styles of quarterbacks present?
Barker: I wouldn’t call it a challenge. I think it’s more of an advantage for us. Obviously with Marc back there, I guess he is more the prototypical quarterback, drop back and throw the ball. Having people like Vic and Jameel back there who if stuff breaks down they can make a play themselves. I mean they are all going to bring their own special thing to the offense and I think it’s going to be pretty exciting for us.
Question: Which do you think you do better—run blocking or pass protection?
Barker: I would like to think that my pass protection is the better part of my game.
Question: Do you prefer run blocking or pass protection?
Barker: I like run blocking when you get to tee off on somebody. I feel maybe this spring that’s probably one of my biggest things to work on—the run game. But I enjoy both.
Question: The program also has a new strength coach in Brandon Hourigan. What is he like to work with?
Barker: He’s a different type of coach than (former strength coach Matt) Balis was and even coach (Evan) Marcus back in the day, but I like him. I think he did a great job this winter coming in. I think he’s going to do a great in the summer. I think he’s bringing a new attitude, a lot of energy and he’s doing a great job getting us prepared for the season.
Question: Who has been kind of your surprise player during the spring practice or someone who has kind of caught your eye?
Barker: I think (tailback) Torrey Mack and couple of the receivers are playing really well. There are also some guys on the line like Isaac Cain and Landon (Bradley) are really progressing well. There are a couple of them.