For the Virginia football team, the big story this spring has been who’s missing. About a dozen players expected to play significant roles next season have missed all or part of this practice period because of injuries and other reasons. But that doesn’t mean it’s been a waste of time.

On the contrary, for a number of Cavaliers, this month has been an ideal time to spring forward, both in their development and on the depth chart. Here are five young guys – all members of the 2004 recruiting class now participating in their first spring camp – who have made substantial progress, based on my observations during practice and from talking with Coach Groh and other players. None played major roles last season, but thanks to their performances this spring you may be seeing a lot more of them in the fall.

1) Sophomore DE Chris Long

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