Hoo Preview 2010: Quarterbacks

Marc Verica gets another shot as the starting quarterback.

It feels like the Cavalier offense has been one giant question mark this offseason. Head coach Mike London and offensive coordinator Bill Lazor have a “running back by committee” situation brewing in the backfield as they wait to see who will emerge as their go-to guy, as well as an offensive line with a lot to prove. The receiving corps is still young in some respects and there is an entire brigade of tight ends that are itching to get back into the mix after last season’s unsuccessful spread offense experiment. The linchpin of an offense is definitely the quarterback, however, and for the first time in a long time, Virginia heads into the season with a designated starter under center.

Marc Verica emerged as the quarterback choice as the only quarterback on the entire Wahoo roster with game experience. Verica has made 17 appearances during his time at Virginia, and has been everything from the hero, to the scapegoat, to the villain in the eyes of some Cavalier fans. He received criticism for his erratic performance in 2008, even though he managed to tie only Cavalier legend Matt Schaub for the most consecutive 200-yard games in a season after being thrust into the starting role. Last season, during the 3-9 season everyone would like to forget, Verica became something of a fan favorite, or at least someone the fans wanted to see given a chance. Late in games, strains of “Ver-i-ca! Ver-i-ca!” could be heard at times. This offseason, Verica is doing his utmost to be the best leader he can be for his teammates.

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