University of Virginia football offensive coordinator Des Kitchings and defensive coordinator John Rudzinski addressed the media last week, their first appearances since being hired by new Cavalier head coach Tony Elliott. With spring practice on the horizon, what are some of the takeaways from last week’s press conferences?

Offense Takeaway: Running Backs Will Play A Larger Role

UVA was third among all FBS schools and second among all Power 5 programs in total offense in the 2021 season. Led by a prolific passing attack featuring record-breaking signal caller Brennan Armstrong and a gifted group of receivers, the Hoos averaged 515.8 yards per game, including 392.6 yards per contest through the air. Armstrong and the top three receivers from last season – Dontayvion Wicks, Keytaon Thompson and Billy Kemp IV – return in 2022. Wide receiver Lavel Davis Jr. returns from injury too.

The passing game’s potential and past production is not lost on offensive coordinator Des Kitchings. However, Kitchings is eyeing more balance in Virginia’s offense with a stronger emphasis on the ground game.

“When we look back at the end of the season, we’re not saying we’re going to be 50% run, 50% pass, but we’re going to be balanced enough that if the game requires us to win the game running the football that we’re capable of doing that, and obviously if we need to win the game throwing the ball more so, that we’re still capable of doing that as well,” Kitchings said. “From a team perspective, making an emphasis of that this spring to better the whole team. So, our defense becomes better at run stopping. We become better at running the football.”

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