10-Day Hoo Preview ’07: Q&A – Jeffrey Fitzgerald

Jeffrey Fitzgerald is looking to have another solid season for the Hoos.

Jeffrey Fitzgerald jumped on the scene in 2006 and “snuck” up on opposing teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The redshirt made one of the most surprising splashes in the league, going from an unknown name to a defensive force and a freshman All-American.

Fitzgerald’s immediate impact gave the Hoos a defensive front with game-changing ability. In total, Virginia’s defensive linemen recorded 13 sacks last season and Fitzgerald led the group with 5.5. He also racked up 64 tackles, which was good enough for third on the team.

“At the beginning of last year, people really didn’t know much about me,” Fitzgerald said. “As the year went, more teams started focusing on me, which freed things up for Chris.”

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