Cavalier Corner is the publication just for UVa sports fans!
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AUGUST 2018 25 inside linebacker nationally per Rivals), the 6‑2, 205‑pounder comes to Charlottesville from The Peddie School in New Jersey fol‑ lowing a solid high school career. He might be the most ready‑made line‑ backer prospect in some time given his ver‑ satility, size and speed. How he fits in — be it inside or out — will be determined in camp, but it's likely he plays his way into the rotation at some point. Quarterback Brennan Armstrong — After enrolling early, the former Shelby, Ohio, standout was able to go through spring ball and his style of play fits UVA's move to a dual‑threat quarterback. He is likely to be the team's backup sig‑ nal‑caller this season and next, meaning he's going to have a potentially big role con‑ sidering the circumstances at play. The 6‑2, 210‑pound southpaw brings a toughness to the position as well as a strong arm. Kicker Hunter Pearson — It might be unusual to see a kicker on this list, but given UVA's struggles there over the past couple of years it makes sense. Pearson was among the nation's best last season across the landscape. The Seneca, S.C., native arrives on Grounds this summer as the most likely among the various options on the roster to be UVA's primary kicker in 2018. For the first time in a while, the Cavaliers might be able to count on converting kicks in a way they haven't in some time. TOP QUESTION MARKS ENTERING FALL How will the offensive line shake out? UVA has a lot of talent and experience re‑ turning this season. The one area where the team isn't as set is in the trenches. On the offensive side, the Hoos lost three starters from last year's squad and are being asked to replace them while taking on a shift in offensive philosophy. They bring back redshirt fourth‑year Jake Fieler at guard and redshirt second‑year Dillon Reinkensmeyer at tackle to go along with redshirt third‑year guard RJ Proctor and second‑year tackle Chris Glaser, who both played last year. The addition of Rutgers graduate transfer Marcus Applefield helps, especially since offensive line coach Garett Tujague believes he can play tackle. All told, this is a group that must produce at a much higher clip in 2018, particularly when it comes to the run‑ ning game. How will the depth on the defensive line hold up? Virginia has experienced a great deal of attrition from last year's team via not only graduation with Brown but also medical retirements (James Trucilla and John Kirven) as well as disciplinary issues (Juwan Moye and Steven Wright). Moving former tight end Richard Burney, a third‑year, to defensive end prior to the bowl game helps. So too does the addi‑ tion of Ohio State graduate transfer Dylan Thompson plus junior college transfer and former Michigan State product Cassius Peat. Overall, this is the one weakness on a defense that otherwise has top‑20 potential nationally. Virginia needs a lot from Burney, redshirt third‑year Eli Hanback and second‑ year Mandy Alonso. How will the offensive shift work? Anae had his best years in Provo calling an of‑ fense with a guy more like Bryce Perkins than Benkert. Now, with an attack that will lean heav‑ ily on running the ball from a variety of formations rather than throwing downfield, UVA is poised to be a very different group this season. Much of that will fall on Perkins, the for‑ mer Arizona State signal‑caller, to not only carry the load but make sure the Hoos play clean. His big‑play ability, paired with that of Zaccheaus, has the potential to be special. But the Cavaliers must be much improved in the running game in order for that to come to fruition. In addition, redshirt fourth‑year Jordan Ellis — last year's leading rusher with 836 yards and six touchdowns — will be counted on to take another step forward. In particular, the goal will be to improve upon his average of 3.9 yards per carry. CAVALIERS AT A GLANCE Head Coach: Bronco Mendenhall 8-17 at UVA (3rd year) and 107-60 career (14th year) 2017 In Review: 6-7, 3-5 ACC (T-4th Coastal) Last Bowl Appearance: Lost 49-7 to Navy in the 2017 Military Bowl Total Wins 2013-17: 19 (2-5-4-2-6) 2018 Preseason National Rankings: No. 71 by the ESPN Football Power Index, No. 76 by Lindy's, No. 81 by Athlon and No. 90 by Phil Steele's. Returning Lettermen: 43 (19 offensive, 19 defensive, 5 specialists) Returning Starters: 14 (6 offensive, 8 defensive) RETURNING LEADERS Passing: QB Lindell Stone (2 of 9, 26 yards, 0 TD, 2 INT) Rushing: RB Jordan Ellis (215 carries, 836 yards, 6 TD) Receiving: WR Olamide Zaccheaus (85 catches, 895 yards, 5 TD) Tackles: LB Jordan Mack (114) Sacks: LB Chris Peace (7.5) Interceptions: S Juan Thornhill and S Brenton Nelson (4) Redshirt fourth-year running back Jordan Ellis led the Cavaliers in rushing last year with 836 yards and six touchdowns. PHOTO BY PETE EMERSON/COURTESY UVA 2018 FOOTBALL PREVIEW