Cavalier Corner is the publication just for UVa sports fans!
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/578932
big things. "It's a not a surprise to us," he said of Mizzell following the 80-yard scamper against the Tribe. "I see it every day. He's a lot of fun to play with and I was really happy for his long play [against W&M]." Starting with the Boise State game, Johns was able to finally get back one of his biggest weap- ons: UNC transfer T.J. Thorpe, who wowed in the spring and early fall camp before breaking his clavicle Aug. 13. In his first game action for UVa, Thorpe and Johns connected on a 75-yard touchdown. "It'll be fun getting back to throwing with him," Johns said of Thorpe. "I had a really good connec- tion with him before he got hurt, and I know he's dying to get back on the field. He'll be a huge help this year." And then there's Severin, the fourth-year captain who was third in the ACC in receiving yards (74.5) and catches (5.8) per game after the first month of the season. Not surprisingly, Johns and Severin have a connection that manifests itself every week in the stat sheet. But it comes from a very competi- tive place. "He just goes up and gets the ball," Johns said of Severin. "There were a couple of times this time summer where we would go at it just because we're competitors. We always talk about how [former New England Patriots offensive coordinator] Bill O'Brien and [quarterback] Tom Brady used to go at it on the sideline. "Those dudes are competitors. And that's the kind of mindset that we've taken to this team, and the guys on our team have noticed. We just need to keep it up." As if there was any doubt, Johns certainly has the respect of his teammates. "I think Matt does a great job just focusing on what we have to do and focusing on our task at hand," Severin said. "I wouldn't want to play with anyone else. I think he does a great job focusing on the mission and what the University of Virginia football team has to do." ◆