Entering his second year as head coach in Charlottesville, Al Groh appears to be building the foundation for a solid Virginia football program capable of consistently being one of the top 2-4 teams in the ACC.

	Billy McMullen, left, is the ACC's leading returning receiver after an 83-catch, 12-touchdown season in 2001.

The reason for such optimism is a much-talked-about recruiting class that included plenty of potential star power in linebacker Kai Parham, as well as running back Michael Johnson, versatile skill-position performer Wali Lundy, quarterback Anthony Martinez, and defensive lineman Kwakou Robinson. Parhan was the No. 11-rated player nationally on recruiting guru Tom Lemming's top 100. Johnson (46th), Lundy (70th), Martinez (80th) and Robinson (89th) were also on Lemming's list.

This season, however, several questionable areas must be solidified quickly if the Cavaliers are expected to improve on their 5-7 campaign of 2001.

OFFENSE
Front and center is the QB spot. Junior Matt Schaub started six games last year, but he didn't bring back memories of Don Majkowski, Scott Secules, Shawn Moore, Matt Blundin or Aaron Brooks. He tossed 10 TD passes, but he was intercepted eight times as well. However, with his 6-4, 225-pound frame along with the knowledge and understanding he gained last season, Schaub has a chance to make some strides this season.

This will only happen if the Cavaliers are able to establish a consistent ground game. Sophomore tailback Alvin Pearman showed promise last season, but there is no proven depth behind him. This is where true freshman Michael Johnson could come into play. He's a talent who could definitely provide an immediate impact. Also in the mix figures to be another highly regarded incoming freshman, Wali Lundy.

Schaub has a primary, go-to option in physically imposing senior wideout Billy McMullen (6-3½, 207). The team's leading receiver the last three seasons, McMullen is well on his way to ranking with John Ford, Herman Moore, Tyrone Davis, Patrick Jeffers and Germane Crowell as one of the top receivers in school history. After totaling 58 receptions for his first two seasons combined, McMullen hauled in 83 receptions for a 13-yard average and 12 TDs last season. If at all possible, the Cavs are hoping to spread the wealth more this time around. That means a great deal will be expected from junior Michael McGrew and sophomore Ottowa Anderson.

Depending on how things come together in the fall, you could see standout junior Kevin Bailey operating at either center or left tackle. The 6-5, 305-pounder is regarded as one of the ACC's top offensive linemen. Another blue-chipper up front is sophomore OG Elton Brown. He checks in at a physically imposing 6-5, 335 pounds.

DEFENSE
Defensively, the Cavaliers will attack with a 3-4 scheme that hopes to feature an intriguing linebacking corps led into battle by productive senior inside linebacker Angelo Crowell. He'll be joined on the inside by another senior, Merrill Robertson. On the outside, big-time freshman Parham could begin to make a name for himself. Another first-year performer to watch is outside linebacker Darryl Blackstock, who comes to the Cavaliers from Fork Union Military Academy.

Up front, the Cavaliers lack a great deal of experience and also have impressive sophomore Chris Canty coming off the injury list. The 6-6, 265-pounder missed the latter portion of spring practice with a broken leg. Reportedly, Canty is ready to go and back to full strength for the start of fall practice, which begins for the Cavaliers on Aug. 1.

While the defensive line, outside of Canty, is unproven, the same can't be said about the deep patrol. Even though they struggled at times last year, this group returns a great deal of experience, with all four starters back in the fold. Expect solid play from junior cornerback Art Thomas, while senior Jerton Evans has a chance to establish himself as one of the better free safeties in the country.

The Cavaliers will be breaking in a new placekicker and punter this season. True freshman Tom Hagan figures to handle the punting duties, while sophomore Bryan Smith and redshirt freshman Kurt Smith (no relation) are battling for the kicking job.

OVERVIEW
With a very difficult schedule that includes nine bowl teams from a year ago and 13 games overall, Groh's Cavaliers may be an improved, developing squad even though it may not be reflected in their win-loss record. Groh will be fielding an incredibly young football team. In fact, you may see as many as 15 true freshmen in action during the course of the season.

Offensively, Schaub must step up and become a consistent trigger man, spreading the wealth a little more rather than always relying on McMullen to come up huge. Pearman should be a solid ACC running back, while incoming freshmen Johnson and Lundy will be worth keeping a close eye on. Up front, Bailey is a top drawer trench man, while Brown can move defenders off the line of scrimmage from his right guard spot. The final determination on whether Bailey works at left tackle or center will be made during fall practice.

Along the defensive front, Canty needs to be back at full strength and wreaking havoc, since the Cavaliers lack the necessary experience at this spot. Crowell is always around the ball, while Robertson provides a nice tandem at ILB if he can remain at full strength. On the outside, Parham will be expected to provide an immediate impact. If the pass rush is steady, the battle-tested Cavaliers secondary should be able to show the necessary improvement. Thomas is an emerging cover man, while Evans figures to play on Sundays in 2003. In tight games, the new-look kicking game will have to be up to the task.