Cavalier Corner is the publication just for UVa sports fans!
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SPRING DEVELOPMENTS So much has changed for the Cavaliers since the end of the 2014 season, and in some ways a lot has changed since spring practice ended. Here are the five storylines facing the team in the offseason. 1. Renewed questions at quarterback: While it seemed like the status quo at quarterback would continue, that wasn't the case. Not only did redshirt third-year Matt Johns win the job in spring practice, but former team captain and starter Greyson Lambert announced in May that he would transfer. That came two days after redshirt first-year Corwin Cutler also announced he was leaving, though cooler heads prevailed, and he ultimately decided to stay. Either way, Virginia is going into a fall camp with a presumptive starter (again), but this time without as much depth behind him. No position in college football is as important as the quarterback, and Johns' play will be imperative. 2. Finding a pass rush: With outside linebacker Max Valles and defensive end Eli Harold now in the NFL, coordina- tor Jon Tenuta's defense has to adjust. Specifically, the Wahoos have to find a way to create pressure on the quarter- back. The strength of this year's defense may be its secondary and the depth at defensive tackle. How the coaches scheme and how well ends Mike Moore and Kwontie Moore play will be important on a number of levels. Depth at defensive end is thin, which puts more pressure on the group to produce on a consistent basis. 3. Rebuilding with experience on the OL: The focus this spring was on the power running game, and its success will depend on the offensive line. Fortunately, UVa will have a lot of experience back. In fact, the post-spring depth chart didn't even include four contributors (tackles Jay Whitmire and Sadiq Olanrewaju, guard Jack McDonald and center Eric Tetlow) out with injuries that are expected to return. In 2014, the pass protection was solid, but run block- ing has to improve. That's the charge for new offensive line coach Dave Borbely. 4. Answering questions at LB: UVa lost fourth-years Henry Coley and Daquan Romero as well as Valles, meaning Tenuta has to find three new starters at linebacker. The guys right now appear to be third-year Zach Bradshaw and redshirt third-year Mark Hall on the outside and redshirt second-year Micah Kiser inside. In Bradshaw and Kiser, Tenuta will have players with more potential than experience. Hall, who had a great spring game, has gone from journeyman to starter. In addition, true first-year C.J. Stalker, slowed by a knee injury this spring, and redshirt second-year Malcolm Cook, who looks to be making the switch from safety, will likely factor in to the rotation as well. Bottom line: No matter how well the defensive backs play, the linebackers have to grow up in a hurry. 5. Replacing Ant Harris: Third-year Kelvin Rainey won the job as the safety opposite second-year Quin Blanding, and if that sticks, it could be important for UVa's revamped defense. With that question answered, Te- nuta can use cornerbacks Maurice Canady (fourth-year), Tim Harris (third- year and Tra Nicholson (redshirt fourth-year) all at their natural positions. And considering the offenses in college football these days, the Wa- hoos will be in the nickel package quite often. One thing that would help UVa's pass rush is a solid secondary, and given the personnel losses in the front seven, Rainey's emergence could be important. — Brad Franklin Redshirt second-year Micah Kiser may have put himself in position to land a starting assignment at inside linebacker coming out of spring practice. PHOTO BY MATT RILEY/COURTESY UVA