Cavalier Corner is the publication just for UVa sports fans!
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/451067
cut-ups since the end of the season, that we will have opportunities to show even more improve- ment next season." But the task will be tougher than it appeared to be following the season. While the Cavaliers were already set to lose a group of fourth-years that included running back Kevin Parks, outside linebacker Daquan Romero, middle linebacker Henry Coley and safety Anthony Harris, they will also be without two additional key pieces to the defense this fall. In December, UVa lost standout defensive end Eli Harold to the NFL Draft. The 6-4, 240-pound third-year from Virginia Beach finished his UVa career 10th in school history in tackles for loss (36.5) and 11th in sacks (17.5). "Eli is an exceptional young man and has the potential to be a great professional player," Lon- don said at the time of Harold, who was an All- ACC second-team selection this season. "I ap- preciate the passion, effort and heart he brought to our program. "This is a big step in his life. I wish him noth- ing but the best and hope he fulfills his dreams of playing in the NFL. I told him the door is always open here and encouraged him to continue to work to complete his undergraduate degree." The Wahoos defense took another hit in January when second-year outside linebacker Max Valles also decided to declare for the NFL Draft. The 6-5, 240-pounder, who originally was slotted to play tight end after signing with the Cavaliers in 2012 and spending a year at Fork Union, had a very productive season. An All-ACC third-team selection, Valles finished the regular season sec- ond in the league in sacks (nine) and seventh in tackles for loss (12.5). "Based on the improvement and development he showed the past two years, I felt Max Valles was a player who could really benefit from play- ing another year of college football," London said. "I believe he was on the verge of blossoming into a dominant player. He took a lot of time during the semester break to think this decision through, and he feels it is the right thing to do at this time. "I hate to see him go, but I want to wish him the best on his choice to declare for the NFL Draft." The 2015 schedule won't do the Cavaliers many favors, either. UVa will open the year at UCLA before hosting Notre Dame the following week. The Cavaliers will also host Boise State in Sep- tember. The other games on the schedule (with dates TBA) include a fourth out-of-conference Safety Quin Blanding earned Freshman All- America accolades from seven different media outlets after finishing the regular season No. 2 in the ACC and No. 17 in the nation with 10.3 tackles per game. PHOTO BY MATT RILEY/COURTESY UVA