Our Virginia Football “50 Thoughts Before Kickoff” series includes a four-part look at the stars and sleepers of this 2021 Cavalier team. Our first look is on the offense and the potential sleepers at each position. What names could become household by season’s end?

QUARTERBACK

Let me begin by stating that I believe Iraken Armstead will start out the season as Virginia football’s backup quarterback. The redshirt freshman received live game experience in his first season in the program. His development as a passer is the biggest question. Ahmad Hawkins notes, though, that Armstead’s passing is “night and day” from when he arrived in Charlottesville in January of 2020. He has the tools – size, athleticism, speed, running ability, a big arm – so let’s see if he can take a step forward. That being said, there are a couple of talented true freshmen on his heels.

In terms of a possible sleeper at quarterback, a few things about Jay Woolfolk keeping popping into my mind. Greg Lilly labeled Woolfolk the best player he has coached in his long tenure at Benedictine (Richmond, VA), a school that has produced numerous major college football players, including NFL First Round Draft Pick Clelin Ferrell.

“We’ve had a lot of great football players, and I think he’s maybe our best,” Lilly said of Woolfolk. “He’s a great player.”

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