To say the competition is fierce for Virginia’s offensive linemen may be selling it short. The Cavaliers have 11 players that have seen in-game snaps on the line entering training camp. That means new offensive line coach Dave Borbely has a lot of options to choose from in 2015.

That combination of depth and experience could be a significant storyline this season as Virginia tries to end a three-year bowl drought. If the big boys up front can perform at a high level, it could set the tone for the entire offense. A stout line hopefully would allow Matt Johns to find his comfort zone in his second season with starts at quarterback and also allow the new faces at running back to be productive.

It’s one reason the coaching staff decided to shift the offense toward a more traditional running game during the spring with fullbacks and tight ends in the mix as well. That’s a departure from the read option looks out of the shotgun from recent seasons. The linemen that can help boost the running game in these schemes (the Hoos ranked 100th nationally with 137.75 rushing yards per game in 2014) likely will emerge in the battle for playing time.

That probably bodes well for senior captain Ross Burbank and junior Ryan Doull at the guard spots. Both players have a lot of experience and both have the feistiness needed to succeed in power running schemes. Burbank has started 15 games the past two seasons and really found his footing in 2014. Doull, meanwhile, may have been a breakout star on the line last season when he started the first six games, but an injury short-circuited his rise. Still, UVa went 4-2 in the first six games with Doull in the starting lineup and getting him back in the mix should provide a spark. Sean Karl and Jack McDonald played some snaps at guard last season as well so there is potential depth at those spots if needed.

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