Wide receiver Terrell Jana appeared in all 14 of UVA’s football games, making 11 starts, in 2019. Jana emerged as one of the top receivers for the Cavaliers and was one of five FBS receivers with 100+ target, 70 percent catch rate and 10+ yards per target. Hoos Life caught up with Jana to see what he has been doing during the pandemic.
 
Q: Where are you staying during quarantine? Did you go straight home or go somewhere else?
Jana: I am staying back home in Vancouver, B.C., I was in Macon, Georgia, for a little while visiting my girlfriend before the quarantine happened. Then I came home.
 
Q: Have you picked up any habits during this time that you would want to keep?
Jana: I am reading more which is nice. Practicing the guitar and piano a lot which is also fun.
 
Q: What have you been doing with your time? Walk us through your routine
Jana: I have a daily schedule by the hour. I have meetings from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. Then I have breakfast, rehab for an hour, go to the field to workout, come home eat and hydrate, work on my French, read, hour break, work on my independent study, then family time before bed at 9 a.m.
 
Q: How are you able to keep in shape without formal conditioning?
Jana: Like normal, just conditioning that Coach Griz (Shawn Griswold, Director of Football Development & Performance) and the strength staff has been sending out. I am in contact with my teammates to ensure we are all aligned while being away. It isn’t too difficult.
 
Q: What is the team doing to stay in touch?
Jana: Lots of Zoom meetings That’s all we really can do. But we found creative ways to connect on calls through different groups–Class of ’21, WRs, Task Unit Leaders, etc.”
 
Q: You guys had a great season in 2019, just a few months removed reflect on what that season was like and how the team came together.
Jana: It was an amazing experience. I am so thankful for the time the seniors put into this program. At this point we are on to the next season though. The best way we can honor those guys before us is by doing everything we can to ensure that next season, however it manifests, is successful.
 
Q: You emerged as a go-to receiver, how did you see your role change last year? Did you and other wide receivers do extra work with the quarterbacks?
Jana: Just more targets I would say. Thankfully, I earned the trust of both the quarterback and our coaching staff. That was years of work to earn that trust, extra work is an understatement. I believe that our wide receiver group is unmatched when it comes to putting in extra work. That’s the culture we have, set by the wide receivers before me.
 
Q: The team has signed some exciting transfers and incoming first years, what is the feel for the team as you look to get back on the field?
Jana: I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do. Our team has an amazing culture, so if they are willing to buy in it can be something special.
 
Q: You have a plethora or talents, has there been anything you wanted to learn to do now that you have extra time?
Jana: I really enjoy reading, so I’m excited to get more reading in with my free time. Also, just spending time with my family. I haven’t been home for more than a week or so for a couple years now so I’m trying to enjoy it.
 
Q: Have you been binge-watching any shows or have any go-to movies you have been watching?
Jana: I’m not good at watching TV shows or anything like that. I’ve been re-watching some old favorites–Arrested Development, The Office, The Last Dance (of course).
 
Q: How would you describe wide-receiver coach Marques Hagans?
Jana: He is the epitome of service and humility. An amazing mentor and someone who has helped mold me into the person I am today and has helped connect me to some amazing people. Lauren (Hagans) and Coach are a great combination. I’m thankful to have them in my life.”
 
Q: What has been your most memorable moment so far on the football field and/or off the field at UVA?
Jana: Breaking the rock must have had me the proudest during my time here. As a team beating (Virginia) Tech and seeing the effect it had on the community was amazing.
 
Q: Do you have any go-to meals that you cook while at home?
Jana: Hash browns and eggs are my go-to.
 
Q: What has been the most exciting thing you have done in the last few months?
Jana: I’m working on an independent study right now and trying to get it approved. The potential of what it can be is exciting.
 
Q: What do you miss the most about Charlottesville?
Jana: I miss just being around my teammates and everyone in the program. I am a creature of habit, and not having my routine is unfortunate. However, this can be a really good period of self-growth if used right.