Cavalier Corner is the publication just for UVa sports fans!
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TOP PLAYERS 1. Fourth-Year Safety Anthony Harris — The national leader in interceptions in 2013, it's hard to find a preseason watch list that the fourth- year hasn't been named to this summer. A 6-1, 190-pound playmaker from Richmond, his eight picks in his first season playing in coordinator Jon Tenuta's attacking scheme were the most by a Cavalier player since Ronde Barber had eight in 1994. One of four team captains, Harris will be called on once again to make big plays in addition to helping get his defense lined up in the right look. As if his plate wasn't already full enough, he'll also be asked to be the mentor to true first-year Quin Blanding, a top-10 recruit and the country's top safety prospect in the incoming class. 2. Redshirt Fourth-Year Running Back Kevin Parks — The 2013 season wasn't much on highlights for the Virginia offense, but the 5-8, 205-pounder from Salisbury, N.C., was easily that unit's brightest spot. He enters his final season in Charlottesville after having rushed for 1,031 yards and 11 touchdowns last fall. Given the reliance that Fairchild and Co. had on the run last year, as well as the inexperience at quarterback and the relative youth of the potential starters on the line, having Parks' game experience will be paramount for the Wahoos this season. Also a team captain, Parks is going to have to carry UVa from both a production and leader- ship standpoint. He'll be one of the league's best tailbacks, and his performance will go a long way toward determining just how good the Hoos can be this year. 3. Redshirt Fourth-Year Linebacker Henry Coley — As important as Harris is to UVa's de- fense and Parks is to the offense, Coley is the clear heart and soul of the squad. The 6-2, 230-pound redshirt fourth-year from Virginia Beach led the team with 91 tackles in 2013, good enough for 12th (7.6 stops per game) in the ACC. If there's a player more suited for running Te- nuta's scheme than Harris, it's Coley. His ability to play in the middle or on the outside of the base 4-3 defense gives Tenuta and the Cavaliers a lot of flexibility and it'll be something they use through- out the season to keep offenses off balance. 4. THIRD-YEAR DEFENSIVE END ELI HAR- OLD — UVa's defense could be special this sea- son with its mix of ability and experience. The 6-4, 235-pound end from Virginia Beach now has both. After leading UVa (and placing sixth in the league) with 15 tackles for loss last season, and also posting a team-high 8.5 sacks, Harold is on the cusp of a breakout year. In the spring, the Cavaliers showed signs of playing Harold both at his natural defensive end spot, but also standing him up as an outside line- backer in some looks. That could give Virginia even more weapons, especially when paired with rising second-year defensive end/outside line- backer Max Valles on the opposite side. Harold's CAVALIERS AT A GLANCE Head Coach: Mike London, 18-31 at UVa (5th year) and 42- 36 career (7th year) 2013 In Review: 2-10, 0-8 ACC (7th Coastal) Last Bowl Appearance: Lost 43-24 to Auburn in the 2011 Chik-fil-A Bowl Total Wins 2009-13: 21 (3-4-8-4-2) 2014 Preseason National Rankings: No. 70 by Lindy's and No. 71 by Athlon. Returning Lettermen: 42 (21 offensive, 18 defensive and 3 specialists) Returning Starters: 16 (9 offensive and 7 defensive) RETURNING LEADERS Passing: QB David Watford (2,202 yards, 8 TD) Rushing: RB Kevin Parks (227 carries, 1,031 yards,11 TD) Receiving: WR Darius Jennings (38 catches, 340 yards, 3 TD) Tackles: LB Henry Coley (91) Sacks: DE Eli Harold (8.5) Interceptions: SS Anthony Harris (8)