Cavalier Close-Up: The Defensive Line

2003 Review


Defensive linemen Andrew Hoffman and Chris Canty

Completing their third year in Virginia’s two-gap, 3-4 defense, the defensive linemen emerged as a force for Al Golden and the Cavaliers in 2003. Chris Canty and Brennan Schmidt led the ACC in tackles among defensive linemen last fall and Andrew Hoffman came into his own as the starting nose tackle. The line, along with the entire defense, still struggled early in stopping the run but closed the season strong, holding five of the final six opponents to under 151 rushing yards. Canty was named second-team All-ACC for the second consecutive year.

Nose Tackle

1st Team – Andrew Hoffman, Sr. (6-4, 284)

Career Starts: 26. Games Played: 34.

2nd Team – Melvin Massey, Jr. (6-1, 267)

Career Starts: 0. Games Played: 20.

3rd Team – Keenan Carter , Fr. (6-1, 315)

Redshirted in 2003.

Andrew Hoffman has quietly become one of the best interior linemen in the ACC. Look for his senior year to be the season he gets some All-ACC recognition. He may have had the best two performances of his career last season against Georgia Tech center Hugh Riley (first-team All-ACC) and Virginia Tech center Jake Grove (first-team All-Big East and 2003 All-American). Hoffman made seven tackles against the Hokies as Virginia held the ACC’s and Big East’s leading rushers (P.J. Daniels and Kevin Jones, respectively) to fewer than 80 yards apiece.

This season Hoffman has reshaped his body, losing 14-15 pounds, but has maintained his power. The key for Hoffman is to be a greater force at clogging up the middle and significantly improving his tackles for loss and pass-rushing results.

Melvin Massey has secured the No. 2 slot on the depth chart based in large part on his play in 2003. Massey participated in every game in 2003, posting 14 tackles, including 10 solo stops. “He’s starting to make a real move,” said coach Al Groh. “His strength levels have changed significantly. He’s putting himself in the best position that he’s ever been in to challenge for playing time.”

Keenan Carter , who redshirted in 2003, is expected to fill the tip of the triangle in Groh’s 3-4 defense in the future. For now, however, he will have to earn any playing time in 2004. The most significant change in Carter was getting his weight down (now about 315) and by doing so improving his endurance. Carter’s big focus this fall will be improving his understanding of the defense and his dependability.

Defensive Ends

1st Team – Chris Canty, Sr. (6-7, 290)

Career Starts: 22 Games. Played: 36.

1st Team – Brennan Schmidt, Jr. (6-3, 269)

Career Starts: 28 Games. Played: 27.

2nd Team – Kwakou Robinson, Jr. (6-4, 327)

Career Starts: 6. Games Played: 24.

3rd Team – Chris Johnson, Fr. (6-3, 275)

Redshirted in 2003.

3rd Team – Chris Long , Fr. (6-4, 265)

True freshman.

Chris Canty has established himself as one of the top defensive ends in the ACC. He has led all ACC linemen in tackles each of the past two years. Along with 104 tackles last season, he finished second on the team in sacks (4) and tackles for loss (11), and third in quarterback hurries (12).

Canty is a consensus first-team All-ACC pick by Lindy’s, Sporting News, Athlon and Phil Steele. Steele rated Canty the No. 3 defensive lineman in the nation while Athlon rated him No. 12.

Canty’s coaches have told him that 2004 is the year he needs to go from being a good defensive end to a great one. The Charlotte native has gladly accepted the challenge. Look for Canty to double his sack total from 2003.

DeMatha product Brennan Schmidt has proven to be a remarkably consistent performer for the ‘Hoos and 2003 was no exception. Schmidt finished second among ACC defensive linemen in tackles, averaging 6.7 per game. His 87 tackles last fall are 10th in school history by a lineman. Schmidt finished third on the team with three sacks, fourth with six tackles for loss and second among linemen with 10 quarterback hurries.

Schmidt is solid against the run and will be called upon this season to improve his pass-rushing numbers along with his colleagues on the starting front three.

Kwakou Robinson is the top player at both end positions and will also serve as the fourth down lineman in Virginia’s 4-3 set alongside Hoffman on the interior. In two seasons, Robinson has posted 58 tackles. We look for Robinson to have his best season in 2004 since he appears to be in good shape and has a better understanding of the defense. Groh already said that true freshman Chris Long will play against Temple. Chris Johnson and possibly Allen Billyk also may see action, so expect to see a larger rotation this season on the defensive front, which should keep everyone fresh.

All-ACC Candidates

Chris Canty

Andrew Hoffman

Brennan Schmidt

All-American Candidate

Chris Canty

2004 Analysis

Virginia returns virtually every member of the 2003 two-deep on the defensive front and expectations are high for this group. The unit is no longer learning how to play the defense as it has become almost instinctive for the starting three. The front wall will not only be expected to keep blockers off UVa’s playmaking linebackers, but will also be expected to play a critical role in getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

The focus of this unit is to significantly improve its ability to stop the run and be more disruptive in the pass-rush department. There is good depth as Massey and Robinson combine for six career starts and 44 games of career experience.