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Senior quarterback Jameel Sewell is back taking snaps for the Cavalier offense after missing the 2008 season while he was not enrolled at the University. Two years ago he helped the Cavaliers to a New Year’s Day bowl appearance at the Gator Bowl and he has his sights set on getting Virginia back to postseason play this fall. Sewell and the Cavaliers will play the annual Spring Football game Saturday. Fan activities start at noon and the football game starts at 2 p.m. Admission and parking are free.
Question: With the majority of the spring practices behind you, what are your impressions of the new offense the team is putting into place for next season?
Sewell: It allows us to do a lot of things, so I like it. We are able to put a lot of playmakers on the field and to spread them out and try to distribute the ball to everybody. That means a lot of people can contribute to it. As far as the quarterbacks, it gives us a chance to really showcase our arms and ability to throw the ball a lot.
Question: It sounds like you feel this approach fits your abilities as a quarterback and playmaker.
Sewell: Yes, but it is not just a passing offense. In order for us to make it go, we have to be able to run the ball as well, regardless of who is at quarterback or what back is playing. I think it really fits me perfectly with the things I am able to do with my abilities.
Question: Have you ever played in a no huddle offense?
Sewell: Never.
Question: What types of adjustments come with the no huddle?
Sewell: It’s fast paced. That’s the biggest thing. It is so fast, you really have to get the calls down. We (the quarterbacks) have no wristband (with plays) and we get every call from the sidelines. You really have to understand each signal. Some of the signals can be very confusing. But, once you get that down and get the tempo of the game down, it is not that much different than a normal offense.
Question: Do you feel this offense, and not using a huddle, makes it more difficult for a defense?
Sewell: It definitely makes it harder on them. Without them being able to substitute, if we have a long drive, a 12- or 13-play drive down the field, and they want to substitute and play nickel or dime or whatever package they want to bring in, they may not be able to do so because we are right back on the ball and running the next play. I would say most defenses are probably at a slight disadvantage.
Question: Two years ago when Virginia faced Wyoming, they went with a no huddle offense. Is this similar?
Sewell: There’s was to pretty much get up to the line and stand in formation and see where the defense is lined up and then to call the play. Ours is more set what the play call is. I think we’ll be a little more fast paced than that. We are not going to take as much time. We might snap the ball with 25 seconds left on the play clock.
Question: The change of the clock rules several years ago resulted in less plays per game. Do you like the fact the pace of this offense might allow you to run more plays than a typical offense that includes a huddle?
Sewell: All it is going to do is help us. The more time we are on the field the better chance we have of winning. As long as the defense does their job, which here they usually do, it should be an advantage for us.
Question: Talk about some of the up-and-coming players on the offense. Who has impressed you?
Sewell: As far as the young guys, the player who sticks out to me is Torrey Mack at running back. He catches the ball well out of the backfield and he runs good routes. When he knows what to do, each and every time, he makes a big impact on that play. Guys like Kris Burd and Javaris Brown. All the wide outs are coming through and stepping up and making plays; doing what they’re supposed to do. Guys like Matt Snyder have grown so much this year. He’s out there blocking, pancake blocking guys, making catches way over his head and things like that. Pretty much all of the guys surprise me and are making the change to this offense pretty well.
Question: How beneficial is it to have four linemen return on the offensive front? They are all veteran players. Does that help them adapt to a new offense?
Sewell: As far as the offensive line is concerned, it is not really too different for them. There are a couple of different blocking schemes, but passing wise, schematically the protections are about the same. That’s an advantage for them. Those guys are also smart and whatever the coaches throw at them they grasp it and go with it.
Question: Describe your first meeting with new offensive coordinator Gregg Brandon. What were your impressions?
Sewell: He’s an offensive Coach Groh. He’ll say, Make sure your foot is a half-inch closer here’ or Make sure your hand is right here.’ He’s very detailed. He’s very intelligent. He has a lot of experience. I like it. For me, I need to focus more on the little things. I feel like I have a lot of ability, but I need to polish up on all those little things to let me get the most out of my ability and help me shine to my full potential.
Question: Being out of school last year, how excited were you to get back out on the field this spring?
Sewell: I don’t know how to really explain it. When it was taken away from me, when I failed to do what I had to do, it was like a newborn baby being taken away from its mother. That’s how I felt. It was a real disconnect. I still talked to the guys, but not being able to compete and be out there with them, it hurt. Being able to get back out there, it was like getting a lifeline back. It was like getting a part of me back. This is a huge part of my life and I needed it.
Question: One of the things you did last fall was to help coach a local high school football program. How was that experience?
Sewell: Being on the other side of the ball is crazy. Coaching is stressful. It was fun and I had a great experience. I’m glad I was able to do it. It helped me really see things from a coaches’ point of view and how players act and how you have to go about coaching a certain person. Every person is different and you have to coach them differently. Some people you need to scream at a little and others you have to pull them to the side and just talk to them.
Question: So you have a new appreciation for your coaches after that experience?
Sewell: Most definitely.