Virginia Cavaliers
2000 overall record: 6-6
Conference record: 5-3 (4th)
Returning starters
Offense: 5
Defense: 6
Kickers: 2
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing:
Antwoine Womack* (1,028 yds)
Passing: Dan Ellis (1,642 yds)
Receiving: Billy McMullen* (541 yds)
Tackles: Yubrenal Isabelle (128)
Sacks: Ljubomir Stamenich* (4)
Interceptions: Ahmad Hawkins (4)
What's new
Al Groh left the New York Jets to coach his alma mater, and Cavalier fans are excited to have him. So far, the team looks to be more physical and aggressive, and a new positive attitude is obvious to those around the program. The team might not have any more talent than it did a year ago, but it seems ready to play football.
Battling it out
A couple of sophomores, Matt Schaub and Bryson Spinner, are competing for the starting job at quarterback. Spinner has more game experience and had better stats in the final spring scrimmage, but Schaub seems to have a better feel for the new offense at this point. The position is up-for-grabs entering the fall.
Eye catcher: LB Raymond Mann
Mann tried to play as an undersized defensive end in his true freshman season last year but has now been moved back to his natural position of linebacker. He is now bigger and stronger than he was at DE and has fit well into Groh's 3-4 scheme.
Budding star: RB Antwoine Womack
There has been no denying Womack's talent from the moment he stepped on campus in Charlottesville, but until last season, various setbacks kept him from getting enough experience to further develop his skills. He carried the momentum from last year's 1,000-yard season into the spring and seems determined to take his game to the next level.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
