Post-Spring Analysis: The Defense


Andrew Hoffman

Remember how Virginia’s defense almost helped Larry Johnson (188 rushing yards) win the Heisman Trophy two years ago? Or how other quality running backs like Kevin Jones (181), Cecil Sapp (178), Greg Jones (173), Anthony Davis (147) and Bruce Perry (143) ran roughshod over the Cavaliers in games during the past three seasons? Or even how — cringe — pedestrian backs like Fred Staton (151) and Andre Williams (147) looked like Jim Brown against the UVa “D”?

Well, those days may be over.

Judging from the spring, the Cavaliers aren’t going to be pushed around anymore. Finally, for the first time since Al Groh became head coach in 2001, it looks like he has the kind of defense that he desires — fast, strong, tough, aggressive, deep and experienced. That’s true of the front seven, at least, though the secondary remains a significant question mark.

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