2003 Review
 Wali Lundy |
Over their careers, Alvin Pearman and Wali Lundy have combined for 3,112 rushing yards, 196 catches for 1,682 yards, 10 100-yard games and 40 touchdowns. Over the last seven games of the 2003 season, Pearman posted 55 receptions for 390 yards and finished the season eighth in the ACC in receptions (4.9 rpg) and rushing (49.5 ypg). His 63 catches were the third-most ever by an ACC running back. Lundy concluded the season as Virginia’s leading rusher (77.4 ypg), finishing fourth in the ACC, and was 10th in the conference in all-purpose yards (98.5 ypg). Lundy led the ACC with 14 touchdowns and was second with 10 rushing scores.
Though the numbers sound good, the Virginia backfield’s performance of a year ago would have to be considered average at best. As a team, the Cavaliers ended up eighth in the ACC in rushing offense (130.4 ypg). The backs and the offensive line were young. They got better as the season progressed and executed well down the stretch, with the exception of the Maryland game. Virginia should build on that strong finish this season.
2004 Depth Chart
Tailback
First Team – Wali Lundy, Jr. (5-10, 214)
Career Starts: 19. Games Played 26.
Second Team – Alvin Pearman, Sr. (5-9, 204)
Career Starts: 10. Games Played: 34.
Third Team – Michael Johnson, So. (5-9, 192)
Career Starts: 0. Games Played: 9.
Fullback
First Team – Jason Snelling (5-11, 245)
Career Starts: 0. Games Played: 12.
Second Team – Brandon Isaiah (6-0, 228)
Career Starts: 0. Games Played 27.
Tailbacks
 Wali Lundy |
Wali Lundy actually led the ACC in rushing early in the season until an injury against Clemson slowed down his season. He finished with 839 yards and 14 TDs. He scored at least three touchdowns on three occasions with a high of four vs. Virginia Tech. He also was an effective receiver out of the backfield; his 28 catches were fourth among ACC running backs. Lundy led the Cavs in rushing eight times and receiving once a year ago. He closed out the regular season with 89 yards and three touchdowns in UVa’s win over Virginia Tech. He also caught a touchdown pass to equal his career high of four touchdowns.
“I think he’s a real good, solid, versatile back,” said Virginia coach Al Groh.
 Alvin Pearman |
Same thing goes for Alvin Pearman, who has become one of Groh’s favorite players over the years because of his toughness, versatility and intelligence. Pearman played a major role as a freshman in 2001. His sophomore season was cut short by a torn ACL, but Pearman bounced back last year and had his most productive season with 643 rushing yards, 518 receiving yards and 166 return yards, good enough for seventh in all-purpose yardage in the ACC. The other two tailbacks may be more talented, but Pearman has proven several things over his career: He’s a smart football player, he’s a playmaker, he protects the ball and he is a gutsy kid. Groh finds ways to get competitively tough players on the field and Pearman is no exception.
 Michael Johnson |
Michael Johnson came into the Virginia program with considerable hype and impressive statistics but the results have been mixed. Johnson is still probably the fastest player on the roster but durability has been an issue for the talented tailback from Hampton Roads. When healthy, Johnson can be dangerous. His 5.1 yards-per-carry average led the ‘Hoos in 2002 and he is a lethal runner in space. He redshirted last year in order to preserve another season of eligibility and work on his skills. If fall camp is any indication, a stronger, more powerful Johnson no longer has durability issues and now has the power to break tackles and get into the open field, where he will be difficult to catch.
Fullbacks
 Jason Snelling |
Groh believes in speed at every position and fullback is no exception. In 2002 fans had a chance to witness the exploits of Jason Snelling, getting a glimpse of the game-changing ability this versatile fullback possesses. “He’s certainly got a much more diverse set of skills than what you normally find at this position,” Groh said, “and he is going to bring versatility to the position and certainly a significant amount of firepower.”
An undisclosed illness caused Snelling to redshirt in 2003 but the dynamic young fullback is healthy and ready to play. He sure didn’t waste his redshirt year. He worked diligently in the weight room, adding significant size and power.
“Jason’s done very, very well ever since last fall. It certainly looks as if his circumstance has stabilized,” Groh said. “He’s made significant gains in the off-season program. He’s really changed his body. He’s got more size, more strength, more explosion. This is going to be a very versatile player. He’s going to really change the way we use the fullback position.”
 Brandon Isaiah |
After a solid performance last season, Brandon Isaiah has carried some confidence into 2004. Both in the spring and to a greater degree in fall camp, Isaiah seems more comfortable than ever before with the Virginia offense and his role. He will not only see substantial time at fullback this season but should continue to be a solid contributor on special teams.
All-ACC Candidates
Wali Lundy
Alvin Pearman
All-American Candidate
Wali Lundy
2004 Analysis
Like Virginia’s wide receivers, the diverse nature of the talent at running back allows the coaching staff to align the offense in an uncommon amount of sets and creates mismatches for opposing defenses. But the fact still remains that the job of the running backs is to run the ball and that is something Virginia must get better at doing. There will be no ACC title come December if the ‘Hoos average 130 rushing yards again in 2004.
Wali Lundy |
Virginia lost only one running back from last year, starting fullback Kase Luzar. Wali Lundy and Alvin Pearman return, as do Jason Snelling and Michael Johnson, both of whom redshirted in 2003. With the return of Snelling and Johnson, Virginia enters 2004 with perhaps the top running back unit in the ACC. Groh likes to go three deep with his running backs (2002 offers a great example as to why), so expect to see all three backs and possibly true freshman Cedric Peerman , who was impressive in camp.
Lundy, however, is still the man in 2004. Pearman will continue to see significant action simply because he is consistent, he doesn’t fumble and he’s a playmaker. Johnson will have to earn playing time by proving himself on the field. Virginia will run some two-tailback sets, which will allow Groh a chance to get the “bruise” and “burn” tandem of Lundy and Johnson on the field.
Don’t be shocked if at the end of the year Johnson is making a run at the top spot. He had a productive redshirt season, spring and fall camp.
“Coach has had me working on how to take five [yards] here, take three there and how to go 50 here,” Johnson said. “I’m learning how to let the play develop and develop as a complete back.”
