The Roster

33: John Bivens – 6’2″, 233, So. 39: Brady Stovall – 6’2″, 235, Fr. 41: Aaron Clark – 6’5″, 250, Sr. 45: Denzel Burrell – 6’4″, 230, Jr. 49: Darren Childs – 6’1″, 233, Jr. 57: Daniel Childress – 6’2″, 213, So. 50: Terence Fells-Danzer – 6’1″, 242, R-Fr. 51: Clint Sintim – 6’3″, 254, Sr. 52: Aaron Taliaferro – 6’2″, 222, R-Fr. 53: Steve Greer – 6’2″, 218, Fr. 54: Jon Copper – 6’0″, 230, Sr. 55: Jared Detrick – 6’1″, 235, So. 56: Cam Johnson – 6’4″, 220, Fr. 58: Antonio Appleby – 6’4″, 250, Sr. 59: John-Kevin Dolce – 6’2″, 240, So. * Numbers subject to change

If there’s a central theme surrounding the Virginia linebackers in 2008, it’s probably rooted in one question: Is it enough? As individuals, the corps features proven production skills. Is it enough to boost the group as a whole? Thanks to improved redshirting strategy, there is more playable depth available. Is it enough to break the iron man routine of recent seasons? Among the starting units, the linebackers are by far the most experienced. Is it enough to lead the defense?

And so begins the 2008 journey for the UVa linebackers. The surface value seems promising. Some of the most experienced players on the Cavalier roster are linebackers. Three proven starters. 89 combined starts. As a trio, they’ve racked up 530 career tackles. Jon Copper has led the team in tackles for two straight seasons and Clint Sintim led LBs nationally in sacks a year ago.

In 2007, the middle line of defense fit perfectly among its surroundings. With a seasoned defensive line in Chris Long , Allen Billyk , and Jeffrey Fitzgerald setting the tone up front, the linebackers were left to fill the gaps, both literally and figuratively. Turn the play inside? The LBs have you covered. Try to for quick-hitting passes to slow down the rush? That’s OK. The LBs are sure tacklers.

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