University of Virginia football head coach Bronco Mendenhall delivered some disappointing news involving key positions during his August 21 morning videoconference with media.
At running back, Coach Mendenhall confirmed that sophomore running back Mike Hollins has opted out of the 2020 season. He did not specify a reason. Hollins, who is one of five UVA student-athletes who have opted out of the 2020 season, remains listed on Virginia football’s official roster.
“Of those five, not everyone is COVID-related, and at some point I’ll be able to talk about that,” Mendenhall said.
The Baton Rouge, Louisiana native played in 12 of UVA’s 14 games last season as a true freshman, finishing with 112 yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries. He rushed for 78 yards and two scores in an early season victory over William & Mary.
An already thin running back position was dealt another blow when Indiana transfer Ronnie Walker Jr. had his waiver for immediate eligibility denied by the NCAA. Virginia has appealed the ruling and is expecting a final decision as early as today, Coach Mendenhall said.
“In regards to Ronnie Walker’s waiver, I’ll be transparent with that, the first attempt was denied and we’ve sent in the appeal,” Mendenhall said. “Supposed to know by today.”
“Number one, I’m not sure how the waivers are even considered. I’m not sure why it was denied, I don’t agree with it, and hopefully the appeal will work in his favor and in our favor, which would be fair,” Mendenhall added.
Without Hollins and Walker Jr., the Cavaliers are faced with the prospect of playing the 2020 season with only two scholarship players on the roster at the running back position. Junior Wayne Taulapapa, who rushed for 12 touchdowns in a starting role last season, is back and is joined by Towson graduate transfer all-purpose running back Shane Simpson, who joined the program in August. Simpson was an FCS All-American All-Purpose performer in 2018 before suffering a season a torn ACL/MCL three games into 2019. He was granted a sixth year of eligibility this offseason, prior to transferring to Virginia.
Redshirt sophomore walk-on Perris Jones was part of the first wave of jersey selections and could contribute. The Hoos also feature walk-on senior Justin Zollar and walk-on true freshman Chris Barfield at the running back position. With mounting depth concerns, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Mendenhall move a player from another position to coach Mark Atuaia’s group.
Wide Receiver Update: Wicks Done For The Season
Promising sophomore Dontayvion Wicks, a 6’1”, 215-pound wide receiver who Coach Mendenhall has described as “dynamic,” was expected to compete for a significant role in the wide receiver corps this season. Unfortunately, the Louisiana native has received some disappointing news.
“We’ve lost Dontayvion Wicks for the season. An injury happened last week,” Mendenhall said.
Wicks’ injury is a blow to a Virginia offense that lost its top two receivers from last year in Hasise Dubois and Joe Reed. The good news is the Hoos return senior Terrell Jana, who enjoyed a breakout out season in 2019 and is considered the clear no. 1 heading into 2020, as well as experienced juniors Billy Kemp IV and Tavares Kelly Jr., who have impressed Mendenhall in camp.
“They are the most consistent, durable and productive players of the receiver group so far,” Mendenhall said of Kemp IV and Kelly. “They’ve taken a really, really nice step forward that I’m so thankful for. It’s clearly noticeable that they’re a stage further than where they were a year ago, which is needed.”
Some more hopeful news at receiver is that Coach Mendenhall is pleased with the early progress of three new additions to the Cavalier program.
“The rest of the receiver position is performing really well,” Mendenhall said. “We’re just more thin than we have been, but Ra’Shaun Henry has been really a bright spot for us, so that’s been a real positive as well as our two first years. Lavel Davis, he’s done a really nice job so far and is more capable of playing earlier than what I had imagined, as well as Demick Starling. Both of our first years … wow, they were needed.”
Converted quarterback Luke Wentz, a redshirt freshman, has returned to Charlottesville from Germany and is also practicing with the receivers.
“That’s added relief there as well,” Mendenhall said of Wentz’ return.
“Some volatility there, but, man, our recruiting, especially our two first years, as well as our graduate transfer, Ra’Shaun Henry, that’s been a lifesaver for that position,” Mendenhall added.
The addition of 6’7”, 260-pound tight end Tony Poljan bolsters the passing game too. The former Central Michigan star provides the Hoos with a big, athletic, experienced target. Poljan, who has drawn NFL buzz, had 33 catches for 496 yards and four touchdowns for the Chippewas last season.
JMU Transfer Additions
Literally right before the start of camp, Virginia announced the additions of James Madison University graduate transfers Adeeb Atariwa and D’Angelo Amos. Atariwa, a productive defensive tackle with the Dukes, and Amos, an All-CAA safety and punt returner in 2019, are “good fits” with the program according to Mendenhall.
“Number one, I’m really glad they’re both here,” Mendenhall said. “Number two, I think it was yesterday, we were walking on the field and they just were talking about the volume of defense, the amount of learning … and they are adjusting. They’re both capable, they’re both bright, and they’re really good fits with us. They are both already in the rotation. We have an immediate need at both positions and they’ve both proven to be capable. Now it’s just how fast can we get them up to speed. The good news is four more weeks until we play. I expect that will match really well. But, capable, really good fits. I love who both of them are, and they’ve been prepared well.”
Schedule Update: UVA “Likely” Beginning Season In Blacksburg
With VMI not playing this fall, Virginia Tech is now slated to be Virginia football’s season opener, unless a replacement game is found. The Hoos are scheduled to travel to Blacksburg on September 19.
“The latest I’ve heard is it’s likely we won’t replace VMI,” Mendenhall said. “That’s the latest I’ve heard. That then would lead to an opening game versus Virginia Tech. It’s not definitive yet; the latest I’ve heard though is that’s the direction we’re headed.”
Hoos In The Pros: Thornhill Back For Kansas City
Former Virginia star defensive back Juan Thornhill, who suffered a torn ACL in the Kansas City Chiefs’ final regular season game last season, made his return to Chiefs practice on Wednesday (August 19). According to the Chiefs official Twitter account, Thornhill practiced in a limited capacity.
I’m backkkkkkk 🍿⏰
— The_Juan_And_Only (@Juan_Thornhill) August 19, 2020
The injury cost Thornhill, a 6’0”, 205-pound safety selected by KC in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, a chance to play in last year’s playoffs and Super Bowl. He still earned a Super Bowl ring as the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers to capture Super Bowl LIV.
Thornhill finished his rookie campaign with 42 tackles and three interceptions (highlights below courtesy of Chiefs Central Prod.).
UVA hasn’t had a running game in years its ashamed given the experience of the oline this year