Cavalier Corner is the publication just for UVa sports fans!
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/146817
been the big man on campus since arriving in Charlottesville, but this year his importance to the Cavaliers success is even greater with longtime linemate Oday Aboushi off the NFL and Virginia's two most experienced quarterbacks — Philip Sims and Michael Rocco — leaving the program in the offseason. Moses, who has NFL potential and aspirations of his own will anchor an offensive line looking to protect either redshirt second-year David Watford or redshirt first-year Greyson Lambert as a rookie starting quarterback. Moses enters 2013 on the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award watch lists, as well as a variety of preseason All-America and All-ACC teams. Virginia needs the big man to live up to his potential and hype. 2. Redshirt Fourth-Year Defensive End Jake Snyder — As important as Moses is to the offense, Snyder is the same to the defense. The Glen Allen, Va., native led all UVa defensive linemen with 44 tackles last year and could help give the Cavaliers a consistent pass rush from the outside in a season when the ACC's stable of quarterback is extremely deep and talented. Snyder recorded 2.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for a loss last season, not gaudy numbers, but he attracts attention from opposing offensive lines and frees up younger Cavs such as second-year end Eli Harold. He also has a long arms that can fill up passing alleys, knocking down four throws last season. 3. Redshirt Third-Year Running Back Kevin Parks — Despite a crowded backfield that included do-it-all fourth-year Perry Jones, Parks managed to lead Virginia in rushing last season with 734 yards on the ground. This year, with the loss of Jones to graduation and the transfer of Clifton Richardson, even more of the load will fall on Parks, making it reasonable to think the back who set all kinds of rushing records as a North Carolina high schooler could approach 1,000 yards for the Cavaliers. Parks' receiving output out of the backfield could also increase without Third-year wideout Darius Jennings is UVa's leading returning pass catcher after hauling in 48 receptions for 568 yards and five touchdowns in 2012. photo by Pete Emerson/courtesy UVa Jones, last year's leader in receptions. 4. Third-Year Wide Receiver Darius Jennings — The leading returning receiver, Jennings caught 48 passes for 568 yards last year and figures to be a favorite target of Watford and/or Lambert. Jennings, who also led Virginia in receiving yardage as a freshman, has the speed to be a deep threat, catching five touchdown passes in 2012, and can also help the Cavaliers in the return game. Last year he averaged 20.5 yards a kick return in parttime duty on special teams. 5. Second-Year Cornerback Maurice Canady — One of the best overall athletes on The Grounds, Canady came on strong to become a top defensive back for the Cavaliers in 2012. Virginia will rely heavily on him to be a leader on defense in just his second year in Charlottesville. Canady started just two games as a first-year, but was ACC Defensive Player of the Week after each start and led Virginia with two interceptions.