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By B.J. Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor
SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor B.J. Bennett takes a quick off-season look at the Virginia Cavaliers. Follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/SouthernPigskin. Become a fan of us on Facebook at the SouthernPigskin.com Facebook Page
2009 Recap - Save an impressive three-game win streak in October, last year was a difficult one for the Cavaliers. A season-opening home loss to FCS school William & Mary really set the team back. Conesuctive wins over North Carolina, Indiana and Maryland, which came by an average of 21 points per game by the way, provided some hope, but Virginia instead lost their final six games of the year. The 'Cavs played just one team within single digits the second half of the season. The finish cost veteran head coach Al Groh his job.
Biggest Strength - Virginia had one of the ACC's top pass defenses a year ago as they allowed just 184 yards per game and ten passing touchdowns. Back as one of the league's top cover corners is senior Ras-I Dowling. He has the size (6'2'', 200 pounds) to hang with the most physical wide receivers in the conference. Dowling could have been a high NFL Draft selection this April. Junior safety Rodney McLeod is expected to have a big year at safety as an upperclassman. Corey Mosley and Chase Minnifield are also back at safety and cornerback, respectively.
Biggest Question - The Cavaliers had the fewest passing touchdowns in the ACC a year ago and that includes Georgia Tech, who runs the triple option. Virginia mustered just 170 yards passing per game and eight touchdowns. With a passing efficiency rating of only 170.5, UVA ranked 113th in the nation in that category. Who steps up under center? Senior Marc Verica has experience but he has eight touchdowns compared to 17 interceptions for his career. Watch out for redshirt freshman Ross Metheny from Stephens City. Four quarterbacks were signed in the 2010 recruiting class; Mike Gooch, Jake McGee, Mike Rocco and Michael Strauss. First year head coach Mike London may end up playing multiple quarterbacks this fall.
Top Returnee, Offense - Kris Burd, WR
Top Returnee, Defense - Ras-I Dowling, CB
Rising Star - Ross Metheny, QB
Newcomer to Watch - Kevin Parks, Jr., RB
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