10-Day Hoo Preview ’07: Running Backs

The Roster

Mikell Simpson , 6’1″, 197, So.

Josh Zidenberg , 6’0″, 213, Sr.

Hall Simmons, 5’9″, 203, So.

William Webb, 5’9″, 171, Fr.

Keith Payne , 6’3″, 243, R-Fr.

Max Milien, 6’0″, 195, Fr.

Cedric Peerman , 5’10”, 205, Jr.

Rashawn Jackson , 6’1″, 254, So.

Raynard Horne , 6’0″, 203, R-Fr.

Curt Orshoski, 6’2″, 240, Fr.

Andrew Pearman , 5’10”, 176, Jr.

The running back spot is one that is oozing with potential for Virginia. Yet, with perhaps the exception of wide receiver, it is also the position with the least proven talent.

Heading into the season, junior Cedric Peerman is secure atop the depth chart but it remains to be seen who will emerge as Virginia’s No. 2 back. The list of candidates consists of junior Andrew Pearman and a pair of redshirt freshmen – Raynard Horne and Keith Payne . Additionally, sophomore Mikell Simpson figures to get some snaps in the
backfield as well as at the slot receiver spot.

At the moment, Peerman’s main competitor for playing time looks to be Pearman, the younger brother of Jacksonville Jaguar and former Virginia running back Alvin Pearman. What Pearman lacks in size (he is listed at 5’10”, 168 but says he’s up to 176) he makes up for with elusive speed. He played in four games last year as a receiver and punt returner before undergoing knee surgery and withdrawing from school for personal reasons.

...