Cavalier Corner

TOP IMPACT FIRST-YEARS 1. Linebacker C.J. Stalker — A former four-star prospect from Ohio who enrolled early at UVa, Stalker played well this past spring and earned a spot as the backup at weakside linebacker. What that means for this fall could get interesting with UVa looking to replace all three of its linebackers from a season ago. Stalker, having the benefit of being in Tenuta's scheme this spring, could see a lot of playing time this fall and is likely one of few true first-years who will play. 2. Linebacker Jahvoni Simmons — Speaking of linebackers, Simmons is another former four-star prospect and figures to be one of those who may very well see time this season. The Ocean Lakes product could fit in a variety of ways depending on how things shake out at the position. 3. Offensive Tackle Grant Polk — Like Stalker, Polk graduated early and arrived in Charlottesville prior to spring practices. The 6-6, 290-pound lineman from Punta Gorda, Fla., finished the spring No. 3 at right tackle and with more time to develop could be a guy who has an impact early in his career. 4. Defensive End Steven Wright — Considering UVa's depth concerns at defensive end, a first-year guy like Wright, at 6-4 and 235 pounds, could factor in. The Waycross, Ga., native was a late addition to Virginia's class, but he brings a great deal of ability and a nasty streak to the table. 5. Wide Receiver Warren Craft — When a team is likely to redshirt as many guys as UVa will this season, it's tough to say a player will have an impact at a position of great depth. But if there's one, it could be Craft. At 6-2 and 185 pounds, the Roanoke, Va., native already has the size to compete, and as a former basketball recruit he has also got the athleti - cism. Though UVa doesn't need more big bodies at wideout, he could be someone to work his way into some playing time. TOP GAMES 1. At UCLA, Sept. 5 — Last year when the Bruins came to Charlottesville, they got a much stiffer challenge (28-20) than they probably expected. There will be a twinge of payback in the air when the Wahoos travel out west to start the 2015 campaign. Needless to say, what head coach Jim Mora has built at UCLA should prove to be quite a test. 2. Notre Dame, Sept. 12 — Speaking of tough tests, Virginia gets its first "ACC" matchup against the Fighting Irish, a team that many expect will be among the nation's best. Considering the num - ber of Notre Dame fans who flock to venues near and far to see the Irish in action, this one will have a big-game feel regardless of UVa's opener against UCLA. 3. Boise State, Sept. 25 — Looking at the schedule, the Cavaliers probably have to find a way to win this game if bowl eligibility is to become a reality. It's not that it can't be done without a win over the Broncos, but a night game against an out-of-conference opponent on national TV is a great place to get a "W." But keep in mind, this is a Boise State program that went 12-2 last year and won its last nine in a row, including a 38-30 win over Arizona in the Fiesta Bowl. 4. At Miami, Nov. 7 — It's hard to explain why, but UVa has had a lot of success over the years against the Hur - ricanes. That has to continue in 2015 if Virginia wants to make it back to the postseason, given its schedule. If the Wahoos come back from South Florida without a win, getting two out of the final three games of the season will be tough. 5. Virginia Tech, Nov. 28 — This game has become an instant classic of sorts in recent years, though the Hokies continue their dominance in the win- loss column. The Battle for the Com - monwealth Cup this year could carry with it a great deal of importance, not only for breaking Tech's win streak, but also for the Cavaliers and where their program is headed. 2015 SCHEDULE Date Opponent (TV) Time Sept. 5 at UCLA (FOX) 3:30 p.m. Sept. 12 Notre Dame (ABC) 3:30 p.m. Sept. 19 William & Mary (ESPN3) 3:30 p.m. Sept. 25 Boise State (ESPN) 8 p.m. Oct. 10 at Pittsburgh TBA Oct. 17 Syracuse TBA Oct. 24 at North Carolina TBA Oct. 31 Georgia Tech TBA Nov. 7 at Miami TBA Nov. 14 at Louisville TBA Nov. 21 Duke TBA Nov. 28 Virginia Tech TBA

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