As TheSabre.com continues its month-long “Hoo Preview” to get UVa fans ready for football season, it’s time for a media roundtable. The panel weighs in on some of the interesting questions surrounding the Cavaliers in 2014. Can Kevin Parks run well again? What does Greyson Lambert look like? And more.
The Sabre pulled in a TV anchor, two radio hosts, and a newspaper reporter to join Editor Kris Wright for this edition. Make sure to visit Damon Dillman and CBS 19 Charlottesville, Frank Maloney and Hoos Talking (new season starts Monday, Aug. 25!), Luke Neer and the Best Seat in House, and Andrew Ramspacher at The Daily Progress for more insight on the Hoos. UVa fanatics should also give the Sabre EDGE subscription a try.
The first part of the roundtable focuses on offense and special teams. Ready, set, go!
1. Running back Kevin Parks is the ACC’s returning leader in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns after posting 1,031 yards and 11 touchdowns. Can he put up those types of numbers again? Why or why not?
Kris: Can he? Yes. Parks will get a lot of carries and a lot of red zone opportunities for the Hoos. Plus, you can never discount the last rodeo effect for players with an internal drive like Parks. As a senior, he’s going to want to go out with everything he has. But will he? I’m not sure that he’ll get enough carries to get back to the 1,000-yard barrier. Keep in mind that the two chief back-ups Khalek Shepherd and Taquan Mizzell both missed at least one game last season with injuries so that gave Parks more of the load to carry. I think he flirts with 1,000 yards but ends up in the 850-999 range. I do think, however, that he’ll at least match his 12 total touchdowns (11 rushing, 1 receiving) in 2014. More red zone weapons appear to be emerging for the Hoos and that will free up some running room for Parks to get to the end zone.
Damon: I think he can put up those numbers again. But I’m not sure he will, for a few reasons that have nothing to do with Parks himself. For starters, Smoke Mizzell looks healthy, and as a result, looks like he’ll be a bigger part of the offense – both carrying and catching the ball. He’ll cut into Parks’ touches. Then you have the uncertain situation on the offensive line with Morgan Moses and Luke Bowanko are in the NFL now. And judging by the shuffling going on during the first two weeks of practice, the search for their replacements could be going on for a while.
Frank: Kevin Parks is a terrific tailback but he will be hard pressed to put up 1,000 yards this season. The O-Line has been decimated by the departures of Morgan Moses and Luke Bowanko to the NFL and the lingering injuries to several key returners, especially Jay Whitmire, are worrisome. It appears that three inexperienced lineman will start alongside possibly Conner Davis and Eric Smith. This is clearly the biggest challenge for the 2014 football squad.
Luke: I think it’s doubtful Parks replicates the numbers from 2013 due to the combination of a suspect O-Line and a healthy Taquan Mizzell (who should shoulder more carries this season). In my opinion the most achievable number for Parks to match or exceed is the touchdown count. He’ll get the goal line carries, and I doubt Virginia will have four offensive catastrophe games such as Oregon, Pitt, Clemson, and Virginia Tech in 2013.
Andrew: For the first time in a while, the No. 1 storyline in UVa camp this season doesn’t involve the quarterback position. Greyson Lambert has been with the first team since the beginning of the spring, ending any signal caller controversy. That’s the good news. The bad news is that really puts the offensive line struggles in the spotlight. Kevin Parks went for more than 1,000 yards last season behind a line that featured a pair of NFL picks. A year later, there’s no Luke Bowanko, no Morgan Moses. And, until further notice, there’s no Jay Whitmire, the projected starting left tackle. It’ll be a patchwork unit that will really test Parks’ chances at 1K. But the undersized senior has played with a ton of heart to this point of his UVa career and I don’t think that changes this season. Although a healthy Smoke Mizzell will likely take away some of Parks’ carries, I still expect the bruiser to at least enter the finale in Blacksburg with a shot at 1,000. And, yes, I know that’s a real copout of an answer.
2. Quarterback Greyson Lambert moved up the depth chart during the offseason and has been named the starter entering the season. What do you like most about the redshirt sophomore’s skills? What does he need to improve the most?
Kris: There is a lot to like with Lambert. He’s 6’5″ and 235 pounds for starters, which is great size for the position. He has plenty of arm strength so the ball gets to where it needs to go, but also some nice touch with a consistent spiral that makes it a very catchable pass. I like his mechanics generally too. High release, consistent follow through, and plants and throws off the front foot.
Still, this is a young player that has yet to make a college start. So there is plenty to work on. He has a tendency to sail passes a little high or leave ’em short at the shoelaces from time to time, particularly if he’s under pressure and his footwork is bothered. That footwork is the biggest area to keep an eye on early in the year – does he have smooth feet that stay in rhythm? Lastly, he’s got the mentality of a strong-armed quarterback, meaning he sometimes tries to put the ball somewhere it shouldn’t go. That’s not surprising but the decision-making area is one that will have to improve with experience. If it does, I think Lambert has a shot at a great career here.
Damon: Physically, Lambert seems to be the Cavs’ best option, without question. He makes throws that the other guys just can’t make. And he made at least one throw during the Virginia Tech game last year that I remember thinking while on the sideline, “Watford hasn’t made that throw all year.” And it’s tough to question his leadership when he was voted a captain by his teammates as a sophomore. So the question is how much he has progressed in terms of the mental aspect – reading defenses, making the right decisions. At media day, Steve Fairchild talked about how basic Lambert’s offense was in high school, and Lambert himself said he wasn’t ready to be a college QB prior to this point. But he says he’s ready now. We’ll find out soon enough if he’s right.
Frank: Greyson Lambert should do reasonably well this season. He gives the Hoos a chance for a 6-6 season. He has a terrific arm and good overall vision to scan the field. I like his ability to throw the deep outs and slants over the middle. If the O-Line gives him time, Lambert should be able to distribute the ball to the receivers and tight ends as well as the running backs.
Luke: Right now I’m impressed with Lambert’s arm and his ability to make every throw. I’m also impressed with his physicality. He looks like a quarterback. From what the coaching staff relayed, Greyson “knew he was going to be the starter heading into spring ball.” I also like that confidence aspect of his game. Since our sample size of Lambert’s play is considerably small (garbage time in 2013 and the spring games), it’s difficult to determine how far he’s come skill wise. That being said, I think he could improve on his progressions once the ball is snapped.
Andrew: At this point last season, everybody in the McCue Center raved about David Watford’s leadership skills and how that was going to play a key role in his command of the offense. Obviously, Watford, although still respected in the locker room, struggled his way to a woeful year of just eight touchdowns, 15 interceptions, and two wins. Lambert, only a redshirt sophomore, was voted a captain in the spring, sparking more talk of a Virginia QB’s outstanding leadership skills. I certainly buy it, but it just needs to translate to wins. Let’s face it: The biggest issue surrounding the recent downfall of this program has centered about the QB. If Lambert can be successful this year, that can only bode well for the future.
I like his size, his underrated mobility, and his arm. Certainly, his lack of experience is an issue, but an early season schedule that includes the likes of UCLA, BYU, and Louisville will make him grow up real quick.
3. A chicken or the egg question … Which has to improve first or the most – the play of the quarterback or the play of the offensive line – for the offense to score more points in 2014?
Kris: In the early stages of last season, I hammered on the offensive line and its inconsistency as much as anyone. As the season progressed, however, I think the line improved more than some may realize. With an overhauled O-Line to start this season (Morgan Moses and Luke Bowanko to the NFL and Jay Whitmire to injury), it’s tempting to zero in on this as the key for the offense in 2014 too. But I’m going to say quarterback play. UVa fans watched BYU, Ball State, and others neutralize Virginia’s quick and aggressive front seven with receivers spread around and quick passes. I think that’s what Greyson Lambert could bring to the table that David Watford couldn’t due to inconsistent accuracy on his throws. If Lambert can do that enough to loosen up defenses, the offensive line will get a chance to figure things out and the Hoos should get some points on the board. Should and will are two different things, of course, so stay tuned.
Damon: Can I say both? Everything needs to improve this season. But the offensive line is the big question that seems to loom over everything else offensively this season. Eric Smith and Conner Davis are the two guys back who started most of last season – and it sounds like they’re competing with each other for the RT spot. Ross Burbank has some experience, and seems to have the RG spot tied down. Michael Mooney (or Sadiq Olanrewaju, if he can get healthy) and Ryan Doull need to prove in games that they can hold down the left side of the line. Same with the eventual starting center (Cody Wallace? Jackson Matteo? Eric Tetlow?). We just don’t know what to expect from most of these new faces on the line.
Frank: Basically, the O-Line needs to come together quickly for Greyson Lambert and the offense to be more productive this season. Lambert must have time to survey the field and allow his receivers time to get open. The O-Line is the key! And as I said above, there is plenty to worry about there.
Luke: I’ll say play of the quarterback. If Lambert proves to be better at quarterback, it’s conceivable that he’ll help his offensive line by stepping into the pocket. I just think it starts with the quarterback’s release and decision making after the snap. I counted quite a few times in 2013 where Watford held the ball too long well behind the line of scrimmage, making the O-Line’s task difficult.
Andrew: Considering Virginia hasn’t finished in the nation’s top 80 – EIGHTY! – in scoring offense since 2010, it’s surely a healthy combination of both, but I’ll lean more toward the line. Steve Fairchild recently noted the offense, scheme-wise, isn’t going to look that much different with Lambert at quarterback as opposed to Watford. That means, we’ll see more of the power running game that was primarily featured last season. That means the line has to hold up. Lambert, meanwhile, has to stay upright to develop as a quarterback. Protection is key.
4. The receiver competition is a list long enough to make Santa Claus blush. Who do you think emerges as the go-to players at wideout?
Kris: Keeon Johnson and Canaan Severin. Johnson has the longest streak on the team right now of catches in consecutive games, this after expecting to redshirt through the first portion of last season’s schedule. Johnson is 6’3″ and 210 pounds, runs well, and plays the ball at its high point as well as anyone on the roster. He finished last season with 282 receiving yards, the most by a UVa true freshman wide receiver since Billy McMullen 1999 (483). I just think he’s going to blossom with Greyson Lambert throwing the ball (remember, his one touchdown catch came from Lambert against UNC).
I also like Severin this fall. At 6’2″ and 210 pounds, he’s a nice blend of size and speed out there. Healthy for the first time in a long time, Severin has really looked good in August. Plus, he’s got great hands. Get it near him and he usually makes the catch. After the drops of last season, a sure-handed target like that is bound to be a key piece for 2014.
Damon: One of the most interesting things Steve Fairchild talked about at Virginia Media Day was how he has a better idea of where guys will be effective, and able to make more plays in the offense. He specifically mentioned Kyle Dockins on the outside, and Darius Jennings in the slot. Keeon Johnson is an obvious choice, after starting seven games as a true freshman. Andre Levrone and Canaan Severin both look like they’ll get opportunities to make plays too, and Doni Dowling has made a name for himself this summer. But I’m going with Miles Gooch. His performance in practice jumped out at me the most. He was doing a good job of holding onto the ball across the middle, and made some nice catches downfield. And it doesn’t hurt that he lives with the Cavs’ new quarterback …
Frank: The go-to receivers that will emerge are Keeon Johnson, Darius Jennings, and Kyle Dockins. My expectation is that Jennings and perhaps Taquan Mizzell will go in motion often and could have big years.
Luke: I’m going with Keeon Johnson and Doni Dowling. Keeon is a known commodity from last season and appears to have strong ball skills in the air. I think Lambert will throw jump balls in his direction when he gets into trouble. For Dowling, I’m impressed with his speed and since he’s “earned the right to playing time” I expect an emergence from the true freshman. Also judging from Virginia’s play selection last year, Fairchild likes the quick hits and wide receiver screens. I think Dowling could be good target for such plays.
Andrew: In life post-Jake McGee, it seems the Cavaliers are trying out a variety of options for its next playmaker. To me, Keeon Johnson seems like the safest bet. He caught 20 passes in eight games as a freshman, but more importantly, I don’t recall many drops. Slippery fingers have been an issue for this unit in the past and Johnson looks to be somewhat of a cure. I’m also high on Andre Levrone, a physical 6’2″, 210-pounder who flashed some skill in the spring game and seems to have untapped potential as a redshirt freshman. As a whole, I believe the program move to bigger WRs – see Johnson, Levrone, Kyle Dockins, Canaan Severin, etc. – will be beneficial.
5. The offense’s starting field position last season was bad. Really bad. The return pieces of special teams could help that script. Is there any hope on the horizon for punt returns and kick returns? Why or why not?
Kris: This is an overlooked storyline from last season’s 2-10 debacle. Per the Football Outsiders website, the Hoos ranked 80th nationally in punt return efficiency and 119th nationally in kick return efficiency. That led to a ranking of 95th nationally in average starting field position (71.9 yards to the end zone on average). Nothing good there. Is there hope? Not unless the blocking improves. The returners in most cases haven’t had enough time or enough seams to make things happen so unless the second year of new schemes takes hold with Larry Lewis, this could be an uphill climb again.
Damon: Two words: Smoke Mizzell. As I said earlier, he’s healthy again. And the coaching staff seems determined to get him in spots where he can hit some home runs. Special teams is one way to do that. It looks like Darius Jennings and Khalek Shepherd are still in the mix as well plus Andre Levrone. But I think Smoke gives the Hoos the best shot to break one this fall.
Frank: I expect some improvement in the return game for UVa. Coach Lewis should have a better working knowledge of his available talent and how to employ his schemes. Clearly, he has weapons with Smoke Mizzell and Darius Jennings to return kicks. And Mizzell and Khalek Shepherd should be solid on the punt returns. There is no question that these return units must improve for UVa to secure six wins in 2014.
Luke: Returning the pieces which didn’t get the job done in 2013 doesn’t give me too much optimism for vast improvement. However, I think Taquan Mizzell makes somewhat of a leap in his return game, and overall effort on special teams should be at a higher level. I think the return units get a little better. Are they going to be the 2011-2012 49ers? No. But they’re not going to get any worse.
Andrew: Obviously, a healthy Mizzell can help the return woes. His freshman year was hampered by an ankle injury, dampening the hype that came with the former five-star recruit who was an open field terror in high school. But speed is one thing and blocking in front of that speed is another. Year No. 1 with Larry Lewis in charge of the special teams actually caused a dip in that explosive department – the Hoos had a 18.6 yards per KO return average in 2013, down from the 30.9 it had in 2012. Like all the second-year coordinators, Lewis is tasked with improving his unit.
