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As a redshirt first-year, Jackson Matteo started only one game for the Cavaliers but played in all 12 and was a factor in running back Kevin Parks becoming Virginia's first back to gain 1,000 yards since 2004. Matteo, who played on state championship teams at Broad Run High School in Ashburn, Va., earned a spot as a starter along UVa's offensive line in 2014. But in Virginia's fifth game, he fractured the fifth metatarsal bone in his left foot. Now, fast forward to the 2015 season where Mat- teo is Virginia's No. 1 center. But that position wasn't handed to him on the proverbial silver platter. Instead, he earned it based on his performance during spring practice due in large part to the recommendation of newly appointed offensive line coach Dave Borbely. As a result, Borbely was able to shift Ross Burbank to his more familiar position, offensive guard. Matteo checks in at 6-5 and 295 pounds. But another reason why he was able to earn a role in the starting GETTING TO KNOW REDSHIRT THIRD-YEAR CENTER JACKSON MATTEO CAVALIER SPORTS WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE … … TV show: "The Office" … movie: "Gran Torino" … actor and actress? Will Ferrell and Jennifer An- iston … place in Charlottesville: Ivy Provisions … musician/band? Future … pro sports team? Washington Redskins … food? Steak and mashed potatoes from The Down- town Grill … UVa class? American Sign Language … sport (other than football)? Basketball … person in history? John F. Kennedy … pregame ritual? Meeting with George Morris, the football team's chaplain After a strong offseason during which he re- covered from a broken foot, Matteo earned the starting center job in the spring. PHOTO BY MATT RILEY/COURTESY UVA