10-Day Hoo Preview ’07: Offensive Line

The Roster

Will Barker – 6’7″, 305, So.

Billy Cuffee – 6’5″, 300, Fr.

Isaac Cain – 6’4″, 295, R-Fr.

Jordy Lipsey – 6’3″, 280, Sr.

Jack Shields – 6’5″, 275, R-Fr.

B.J. Cabbell – 6’6″, 303, R-Fr.

Landon Bradley – 6’7″, 255, Fr.

Anthony Mihota – 6’4″, 245, Fr.

Lamar Milstead – 6’5″, 290, Fr.

Branden Albert – 6’7″, 310, Jr.

Patrick Slebonick – 6’5″, 296, So.

Eugene Monroe – 6’6″, 310, Jr.

Zak Stair – 6’6″, 299, Jr.

Ian-Yates Cunningham – 6’3″, 298, Sr.

Gordie Sammis – 6’4″, 297, Sr.

Dave Roberts – 6’6″, 286, Fr.

Much of the criticism for Virginia’s 2-5 start last season was laid of the feet of the five men that comprised the Cavalier offensive line. The 99.9 yards rushing per game was the lowest total in almost three decades for a Virginia club and the 15.1 points per game was the program’s lowest total in 25 seasons. As the front line gelled midway through the campaign and redshirt freshman quarterback Jameel Sewell adapted to the starter’s role, the Cavalier offense improved and the squad finished the season with a 3-2 mark.

The 2007 season should start off a little better. Why? Virginia returns its top seven linemen from a season ago, including all five starters.

The most striking difference between this time last season and now is the continuity factor. After All, the offensive line that we saw two weeks into fall camp last year was not the same group that line coach Dave Borbely had in spring practice. This season, spring and fall camp have looked very similar in terms of personnel. And the group is experienced with players that have combined for 3,493 game snaps.

...