Virginia, Its Running Backs Trying To Stack Together Consistent Days This Spring

Virginia
Mike Hollins said he has been adapting to the increased carries in spring practice at Virginia. ~ Photo courtesy of Jim Daves/Virginia Athletics Media Relations

Some position groups may have a crowded meeting room, but that’s not the case for the running backs with the Virginia football team this spring. The Cavaliers list just four running backs on the roster overall, while only two have been available in recent practices.

New running backs coach Keith Gaither, however, said that creates an opportunity. It’s one that UVA junior Mike Hollins and sophomore Amaad Foston have stepped up to try to seize the moment.

“Mike and Amaad are taking a ton of reps, which is obviously getting in better football conditioning, which I don’t think they were when we first got here,” Gaither said. “I think it’s a win-win. Next play mentality for our group. They’ve done a great job embracing the reps. It’s an opportunity to impress the coaches. It’s an opportunity to get better. So if you look at it from that perspective, we’re off to a good start.”

The duo picked up extra duty when fellow running back Ronnie Walker Jr. suffered an injury that UVA coach Tony Elliott announced last Saturday. Perris Jones, a special teams stalwart in recent seasons, is the fourth back on the roster, but he has not been available for carries either. Gaither said that he expects to get one of them back next week, potentially as early as Monday.

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