The Virginia football has moved into its second full week of practice and playing time remains up for grabs. Of course, new coach Bronco Mendenhall likes it that way. He has based the program on an ‘earned not given’ and ‘will before skill’ philosophy so ongoing competition is simply part of the bargain.

That’s true at quarterback – the most discussed position battle among fans – all the way around the roster.

”There’s competition everywhere, but we’re designing it as such because we think that helps the program move more quickly,” Mendenhall said Saturday. ”The secondary, there’s battles everywhere. Outside linebacker. Defensive line. Receiver. Put it this way, I’m not sure there’s a position where there isn’t a battle going on. I like it that way. I think it promotes growth. What’s happening with our quarterbacks is really happening everywhere else so there’s isn’t time to take a day or a play off because it’s reflected quickly on the depth [chart].”

Quarterback, of course, dominates the marquee. And why not? The play at that position heavily impacts team success and that player touches the ball on 100% (or close to it) of the offensive plays. Plus, let’s face it, UVA fans are used to quarterback competitions so some of it is muscle memory at this time of year.

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