Cavalier Corner is the publication just for UVa sports fans!
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1483813
22 CAVALIER CORNER January 2021. Shortly into the spring season Bennett tore his ACL, forcing him to miss the entire 2021 season. He was one of two big setbacks to then head coach Bronco Men- denhall's team that spring, with wide receiver Lavel Davis Jr. suffering a similar injury during practice. Davis was a crushing blow to the other side of the ball after a breakout fresh- man season in 2020 that saw him lead the ACC in yards per reception. Bennett reached out to the younger Davis prior to the rehab process with the UVA sports medicine staff, and the two have had each other's back since. "I shot him a message on Instagram," Bennett said, "and I was like, 'Hey, it's going to be us [rehabbing with the athletic train- ers], so we might as well go ahead and get to know each other.' "It was a tough deal, but we had each other to lean on and push each other." With clearance to finally participate on a full-time basis in the spring of 2022, a new defensive coaching staff with the departure of Mendenhall, the newly minted defensive ends specialist, Slade and company were able to sink their teeth into the development of Ben- nett and the other defensive linemen. And who better to learn from than the ACC's career sack leader and a nine-year NFL veteran. "I've really been trying to hone in on with Chico and the rest of the guys to be good technicians," Slade said. "I don't want them to be bored doing the routine things every single day. "The fundamentals are going to help you become a better player." The charismatic Bennett has formed a playful but also business-like relationship with the Slade. Bennett was asked earlier in the year if he'd seen tape of Slade in his playing days and smiled when he said that he wasn't sure if the video would be in black and white. "I call him an old-head or OG," Bennett said playfully when speaking of his position coach. "His résumé, especially in college and the league, says a lot. He's given the group a lot of nuggets of knowledge and has allowed us to progress and get better every single day. He doesn't say anything just for giggles. Whatever he says, I take with all seriousness." Slade is one of the greatest defensive players in Virginia history and was the first UVA player to earn first-team All-America honors for two seasons (1991 and 1992). Slade completed his Cavalier career as the program's all-time leader in tackles for loss (56) and was fifth on UVA's all-time tackles list with 299. Not only are the playing credentials im- pressive, Slade built a stout reputation as the head football coach at Pace Academy, where the high school program produced 26 college players and three NFL players, and made playoff appearances for eight straight seasons. Through hard work, tough rehab and all the miles put in to get to Charlottesville, Bennett has shown he's the perfect fit for the Virginia defense. The road that saw injuries, leadership changes and days away from home has become a bit smoother. The confirmation of his belonging came in the season opener against Richmond. Bennett recorded the first 3 tackles of his Cavalier career in the contest and was credited with a quarterback hurry. His rehab buddy, Davis, caught a touchdown pass and racked up 89 yards receiving. Most importantly, UVA notched a 34-17 win over the Spiders, which was also the first of Elliott's head coaching career. Through nine games, Bennett posted a team-high 7 sacks and had been named the ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week twice. (Photo courtesy UVA) " He's got ability, and he's a high character young man. He's got great leadership qualities, and it's good to see him have some success." HEAD COACH TONY ELLIOTT ON BENNETT