Eugene Monroe graded out as the team’s top offensive lineman in five games last season.

In the 11 games Eugene Monroe played last season, the Virginia football team attempted 359 passes. Monroe, the starting left tackle, did not allow a single sack. Not one. As the senior statesman on the Cavaliers’ offensive line entering 2008, Al Groh thinks Monroe could be even better this season no matter how the statistics play out.

“He is a player that really has caught people’s attention here early. He finished at a high level last year – he looks like he’s already ahead of that level,” Groh said. “Gene’s another player who had an awesome summer, really bought into the nutrition and all the training. His movement is terrific. His size is still substantial. His strength is excellent. He’s certainly looking right now like where he could have a season comparable to any of those who preceded him.”

Take a moment to let that sink in. Those who preceded him include Branden Albert , last season’s No. 17 pick in the NFL Draft, and D’Brickashaw Ferguson, the No. 4 selection in 2006’s draft. That doesn’t even consider guys like Elton Brown and Brad Butler, who are both on NFL rosters currently as well.

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