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Shells Make First Appearance at UVa Practice No. 3
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Aug. 8, 2012
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The Virginia Cavaliers donned shoulder pads for the first time this preseason camp for practice No. 3 on Wednesday afternoon, located at The Park on the North Grounds of the University. As part of a five-day acclimatization process the Cavaliers will wear just shoulder pads and helmets for tomorrow’s practice before heading into full pads on Friday.
With just two days of camp under UVa’s belt, head coach Mike London has been pleased with what he has seen thus far from his squad.
“It’s been good to see guys run around at full speed and executing the thing that we left off at after the bowl game,” commented London prior to Wednesday’s practice. “Its good to see the young players, particularly the skill players who we are looking at playing this year step up and take their turns. They maybe have a limited knowledge of things right now, but from a skill level they are showing what they can do.”
Practice featured a lot of position-by-position drills and teaching, but both sides did get together for a different 7-on-7 drill to work the running game. It was the defensive line and offensive line that joined the drill instead of the secondary and wide receivers. Both Perry Jones and Kevin Parks made impressive runs through the holes made by and offensive line featuring returning starters Oday Aboushi, Luke Bowanko and Morgan Moses.
Competition in the secondary is wide open this camp and London is excited by what he has seen thus far.
“There are some candidates in the secondary, particularly at corner,” said London. “Brandon Phelps making an interception off the hash as a safety is what safeties do.”
London is also excited with another set of young players.
“I think the wide receiver group is a pretty talented group,” said London. “I am pleased with the skill guys.”
The Cavaliers return to The Park on Thursday afternoon for practice No. 4 at 3:45 p.m. Practices through Saturday are open to the public. Thursday and Friday practices are at The Park starting at 3:45, while Saturday’s practice is set for Scott Stadium at 4 p.m.