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McGrew Out for the Year
Virginia head coach Al Groh checked in with some bad news for Cavalier fans, as he let the media know that senior
wide receiver Michael McGrew broke his leg yesterday in practice and will be out for the remainder of the season after
having surgery today. The injury comes as a big blow to a receiving corps that was one of the bigger question marks
heading into the 2003 season.
Coach Groh did not want to dwell on the subject, and told reporters that it was time to move on and let other players
step up and perform throughout the season.
"McGrew broke his leg yesterday and will have surgery today," Groh said. The other wide receivers have
"to make plays for us. That challenge was there for them before what happened yesterday, so they are prepared for
it."
Groh was asked if McGrew could come back for a fifth year since he wasn’t a redshirt earlier in his career. Groh
said that he would certainly be welcomed back if the situation was right for McGrew and he wanted to come back for that
fifth season.
Lundy O.K., According to Groh
Groh did have a bit of good news when he declared Wali Lundy as not seriously injured. There had been reports that
Lundy might have had a pulled or torn hamstring, but Groh did not mention any such injury during his press conference
and had three words that summed up Lundy’s condition.
"He’s all right."
The Replacements
With one of the Cavaliers’ best receivers on the shelf for the upcoming season, it will be imperative that Groh
groom a replacement for McGrew as quickly as possible. The first player behind McGrew appears to be converted defensive
back Art Thomas, who has been impressive so far in the early days of training camp.
"He has always shown the size and speed" to be a good wide receiver," Groh said. "We’ve seen
him do things on the practice field, and now he’s going to have to show it in the games."
Junior Ottawa Anderson also figures to be a big part of the passing game now that McGrew has gone down to injury.
Anderson showed some sparks of greatness at the end of last season, but will need to be more consistent throughout the
year if he hopes to make an impact. Sophomore Marques Hagans, who was also converted to wide receiver, will also see
more time on the field. He is an explosive player who could stretch the field for the Cavaliers. Freshmen Deyon Williams
and Fontel Mines have also received rave reviews so far in practice and could step into the rotation.
Taking Advantage
Junior Bryan White has taken advantage of his situation at inside linebacker this fall, as he has impressed coach
Groh with his play. While most people assumed Ahmad Brooks or Kai Parham would be given his role, White has impressed
coach Groh while wearing the orange crush jersey.
"I think this is his best position as a college player," Groh said. "He’s got continuity of reps
there and he’s starting to show a much quicker reaction to all the ins and outs of the position. He’s probably
playing at 10 or 12 more pounds than last year, and he’s just as quick"
On the Line
Defensive linemen Andrew Hoffman and Brennan Schmidt have really picked up their play since they started on the
defensive line at the beginning of last season. Groh hoped that both young men would turn into power players and help
them provide a front three that could stop the run. After an offseason of bulking up, both men are ready to make big
impacts this season.
"They like contact, and they like competition," Groh said. "We are going to need more power up front
and those are two guys that are supposed to provide that.
"I think Schmidt is really beginning to maximize his power abilities."
Meet the Team Report
Stay tuned tomorrow evening for the Sabre Edge’s full report from media day. We will find out how the receivers,
and rest of the players, are reacting to the loss of Michael McGrew.
Virginia Football fans will have an opportunity to meet this year’s Cavaliers at the annual Meet the Team event. The
event will take place Thursday, August 14th from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. at Scott Stadium. The East Gate will open at 3:30 and
free parking is available in the East and South lots of the Carl Smith Center beginning at 3 p.m.
Posters and schedules will be distributed at the gate. Activities will include an autograph session with the players,
a football uniform try-on station, and photo opportunities with Virginia Football player cutouts. The Virginia Horse and
Cavalier will also be present for photos and interaction. Admission is free and concessions will be available.
