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OCTOBER 2021 17 might be playing basketball in college rather than football. "When we're outside of season, pickup basketball is one of the main things I run to outside of school and football," Wicks said. Besides all of the physical skills needed to play the wide receiver position, the at- tribute that Hagans most wants to see in a prospect is a love of the game. "I don't want to have to coach a guy to work hard every day and remind him of how fortunate he is or how lucky he is to play the game of football," Hagans said. "I want guys that really love football and want to play it every day, want to win when they compete and [ultimately] use it as an opportunity to change their life and their family's life." THE FUTURE The Cavalier receiving corps is looking to continue the momentum built in the early part of the season. Wicks and Woods quickly made their marks in the UVA record books. Wicks had 183 yards receiving against North Carolina, the sixth-highest single-game total in program history, while Woods' 122-yard performance against Il- linois was the most by a Cavalier tight end since 2005, when Tom Santi racked up 128 yards in the Music City Bowl. The Cavaliers are also optimistic about the future. On the sidelines was last year's rookie sensation Lavel Davis Jr., who is out with an injury. In eight games played in 2020, the 6-7 Davis was No. 2 in the na- tion and No. 1 in the ACC with an average of 25.75 yards per reception. His big-play capability helped him become one of only five FBS players since 2000 to record more than 500 receiving yards on 20 or fewer receptions. With the absence of Davis, underclass- men like Malachi Fields and Demick Star- ling have stepped up to emerge as threats for the Cavaliers in the passing attack. Like many of the Cavs on the 2021 roster, Fields is a former quarterback, having played the position at nearby Monticello High School. Starling showcased his big-play ability by hauling in a 65-yard touchdown against William & Mary, one of two scores on six career catches. "They're a fun group to be around," Hagans said. "Every day, you just enjoy coming to the practice because I love watching the work, and I love being around. They can't get enough." Second-year Dontayvion Wicks ranked second in the ACC and seventh nationally with 535 receiving yards through the first five weeks of the season. (Photo courtesy UVA)