Virginia features a lot of experienced players across the offensive line, but junior Michael Mooney emerged last season as the go-to option at left tackle. Mooney appeared in 11 games last season and started nine times at that spot. In one of the non-starts, he played a season-high 86 plays against Louisville.
Mooney carried that experienced into spring practice and he maintained his status as the starter all the way into fall training camp. While senior Jay Whitmire has returned from a year-long injury absence to push for time, Mooney continued to take first team reps early in training camp.
I caught up with Mooney for a “Quick Take” on the offensive line.
Kris: I think it’s 11 guys who have played in a college football game before on the offensive line. What’s that competition doing for the unit?
Mooney: It’s bringing out the best in everyone. Every spot is up for grabs. Everyone is pushing everyone. Having a guy like Ross [Burbank] – he’s been here forever and played in a bunch of games – is like having an extra coach on the field. He’s helped everyone out. It’s good having all these guys who have played.
Kris: Has it changed the film room at all?
Mooney: It brings up the standard, brings up the expectations. We’ve worked on little stuff and technique stuff and now we can focus on things like reading defenses [with more detail]. It definitely helps.
Kris: What has the shift from Coach Scott Wachenheim to Coach Dave Borbely been like?
Mooney: Nothing too much. I haven’t really noticed it. We’ll do whatever is asked of us. Coach Borbely is a pretty intense guy and knows what he’s doing. We all like playing for him a lot. … Pretty similar concepts, but different terminology.
Kris: The left tackle can sometimes be the ‘island’ guy. Do you like that role?
Mooney: I love the challenge of it. I like going against usually the best pass rusher. I love the challenge every week.
Kris: Can you talk about Jackson Matteo a little bit? He seems like he’s down there after practice every day doing extra work and we heard he’s cut his body fat. What’s he been like in terms of his transformation?
Mooney: Jackson is working really hard. All summer, he’s been really dedicated to football and everything. He’s been coming in extra on Saturdays and watching extra film. He’s definitely stepped up his leadership role. He’s been a lot more vocal and helping the younger guys out this year.
