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In spite of the team's on-field struggles, both Smith and Olanrewaju say they saw the way Moses led and they in turn tried their best to follow. "I came into this experience at a school where there's a legacy for offensive linemen," Olanrewaju said. "And that can be overwhelming for a freshman. I heard Morgan was coming back and I just felt a rush of relief. "I knew I was going to hit places in the season where I might not be playing to my potential or I didn't know what I was doing, when the coaches are maybe getting after me," he added. "Knowing there was somebody you can look to for help, who sees it from your point of view, that was big for me. Morgan had to play early in his career as well, and when you have somebody that knows exactly where you're coming from, they can really help you." For Smith, who was thrust into a starting role and had to learn on the job, the bond the three tackles shared off the field was just as important. "I'm the oldest of my family and Morgan is the youngest of his, but he still acts like the big brother to us even though he's still kind of childish at times, joking around," Smith recalled. "But we all do. And I believe that's why we click so well, on and off the field. We experienced what brothers do almost on a daily basis." Moses said he was blown away by the way the first-year tandem had the confidence to make mistakes and move on. "They're out there learning how to identify blitzes and see the defense before guys move, and that took me a year or two to do," Moses said. "For them to pick up that knowledge this fast True first-year offensive tackle Eric Smith is just huge." saw action in nine of UVa's 12 games, To hear Olanrewaju tell it, the three of them were around each including starting the final eight, and earned first-team Freshman All-America other a great deal this season. It's now up to the two younger players to challenge for starting roles in 2014 and carry on the honors from 247Sports. PHOTO BY PETE EMERSON/COURTESY UVA tradition from the one from whom they learned so much. "The VMI game, my first time stepping on a college field, I just remember he came up to me and I was kind of scared," Olanrewaju said of Moses. "I was like shaking and didn't know what to do, I was so nervous. He came to me and he said, 'You're prepared for this. You've been coached well. You've been doing this in practice.' Just knowing he had faith in me was huge. "The coaches, that's what they're saying to you. But also having him come up to me and genuinely tell me those things, I went out there with confidence." As Moses wrapped up his final interview of his final media day, he walked away with his two young apprentices following right along. They laughed as they walked, a first-year on either side with Moses in the middle. "They have so much potential," Moses said moments earlier. "They're going to be successful. I won't let them be anything other than that. They won't let me down. I know them too well." — Brad Franklin i24-26.Football Overview.indd 5 1/16/14 2:27 PM