Concussions have taken a toll on the Virginia football program, most recently costing the Cavaliers the services of rising redshirt junior wide receiver Warren Craft. The Roanoke (VA) native announced his retirement from football last Saturday, February 17.
It’s been a blessing! HoosForever @UVAFootball pic.twitter.com/xKDgrP7mWR
— Wadro (@WarrenCraft1) February 17, 2018
UVA head coach Bronco Mendenhall and wide receivers coach Marques Hagans took to Twitter to express their appreciation.
Mendenhall:: “Warren is an amazing young man with a bright future. I appreciate his commitment to the football program and wish him the best in the future. We are all proud he will complete his degree this summer.”
Hagans: “It’s been an honor to coach @WarrenCraft1 love you bro and I’m truly proud of the man you’ve become but I’m more proud of how you’ve overcome the adversity life threw at you and you are graduating! What may look like the end is just the beginning!”
Earlier this month, Mendenhall revealed that redshirt freshman defensive lineman Christian Brooks is no longer playing because of concussions. Another defensive end, John Kirven, had not cleared concussion protocol as of February 7. Kirven, who received playing time as a true freshman last season, was injured prior to the 2017 Military Bowl.
The 6’2”, 210-pound Craft played in nine of Virginia’s 25 games the past two seasons, totaling 13 catches for 152 yards. He had five receptions for 55 yards this past season.
Virginia welcomes back last season’s leading receiver, Olamide Zaccheaus (85 catches, 895 yards, five TDs in 2017), but will have to replace departed starting X and Z receivers Doni Dowling and Andre Levrone, who combined for 84 catches for 1,336 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2017. Rising redshirt sophomore De’Vante Cross and rising sophomore Terrell Jana, the listed X and Z receiver backups for the Military Bowl, combined for only three catches for 29 yards all of last season.
Other returning scholarship receivers include: Senior Ben Hogg (Two catches for 16 yards in 2017), juniors Joe Reed (23 catches, 244 yards, two TDs) and Hasise Dubois (16 catches, 120 yards, one TD), sophomore Cole Blackman (missed all of 2017 with an injury), and redshirt freshmen Darnell Pratt and Shawn Smith. Additionally, Virginia signed four receivers in the class of 2018 in Tavares Kelly, Billy Kemp, Ugo Obasi and Wooby Youmans-Theork.
Mendenhall said during his early signing period press conference that he could be in the market for a grad-transfer at the position this offseason.
Battle Visits UVA
Rocky Mount (N.C.) class of 2019 cornerback/wide receiver prospect Shyheim Battle received a scholarship offer from Virginia while on Grounds on an unofficial visit last weekend. Now, it’s customary for prospects to try on jerseys on their college visits. With Battle, though, the entire family got in on the action …
In addition to the photos, Battle tweeted the following regarding his experience in Charlottesville: “UVA Visit was #DIFFERENT enjoyed my time on grounds”
The 6’2”, 170-pound junior boasts double-digit offers, including Boston College, Duke (first offer), East Carolina, NC State, Tennessee and Wake Forest. He has taken visits to Duke, NC State, Virginia and Wake Forest.
NFL News
NFL Scouting Combine Approaching
The 2018 NFL Scouting Combine begins Monday, February 27 and runs through March 5. Quarterback Kurt Benkert, safety Quin Blanding, defensive end Andrew Brown and linebacker Micah Kiser are on the list of expected participants. All four players were on hand for the 2018 Senior Bowl; however, Kiser left early because of a knee injury.
Groh To Become Eagles Offensive Coordinator
Former Virginia Cavalier player and coach Mike Groh is set to become the offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, the NFL.com reports. Groh, who served as UVA’s offensive coordinator from 2006-2008, replaces Frank Reich, who was recently named head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.
Virginia Football Releases Promotional Dates
Virginia Football announced promotional dates for the 2018 home football games. Here is the rundown …
Saturday, Sept. 1 vs. Richmond – Paint the Town Orange
Saturday, Sept. 15 vs. Ohio – Youth Day and Band Day
Saturday, Sept. 22 vs. Louisville – Military Appreciation Day
Saturday, Oct. 13 vs. Miami – Homecomings Weekend
Saturday, Oct. 27 vs. North Carolina – UVA Family Weekend
Friday, Nov. 2 vs. Pitt – University Day
Saturday, Nov. 10 vs. Liberty – Senior Day and Fan Appreciation Day
An Announcement From Andrew Brown
I am truly blessed and very proud to announce that I have partnered with Pledge It and The @susangkomen Organization to help fight breast cancer with Reps for Research! My mom had breast cancer and I want to be a blessing to others! Please CLICK THE LINK IN MY BIO to donate! pic.twitter.com/fRBVk69v7K
— ⚡Andrew Brown⚡ (@DrizoBeats) February 20, 2018
Click here to pledge!
