Brennan Armstrong had made successful cameo appearances for the Virginia football team, but transitioning to starting quarterback from a backup role comes with challenges in any year. However, 2020 added a few extra layers: no spring practice, social distancing and other protocols when practice resumed, no tune-up games, all but one game against ACC opponents, and a concussion too.

In other words, when it came to experience, Armstrong’s first season as starter offered a long list of opportunities and lessons. The hope for the Hoos is that leads to a shorter learning curve the second time around.

“Having Brennan go through all of that, that might be almost like two seasons worth of experience,” UVA coach Bronco Mendenhall said with a laugh. “The depth of different things and different leadership opportunities and different self discovery and understanding – wow. In terms of his progression, that might have been a blessing in disguise now looking back on it. I’m so glad he’s back and it absolutely puts our team in a different place.”

The Cavaliers have started spring practice after last season’s cancellation so the first steps for year two are underway. Armstrong is the clear cut starter and, he says, a lot more comfortable in that role. Through last season’s experiences, a 5-5 record, and a full cycle of strength and conditioning with his teammates this winter, he has his added to his leadership skills too.

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