New UVa offensive boss will have much work

When Al Groh took over as football coach at the University of Virginia after the 2000 season, one of his first moves was to install the 3-4 defense he’d taught during a decade on NFL staffs.

The 3-4 remains the Cavaliers’ base defense, but they’ve yet to establish a consistent offensive identity under Groh. UVa has run versions of the West Coast offense and the spread, lined up in traditional pro sets, emphasized power running and even, against Virginia Tech last month, shown elements of the single wing.

Mike Groh, the Cavaliers’ offensive coordinator for the past three seasons, failed to distinguish himself in that role and recently left his father’s staff. Until Al Groh fills that position, we won’t know what Virginia’s offensive philosophy will be in 2009. Nor do we know if cornerback Vic Hall, who dazzled at quarterback against the Hokies, will continue to see time on offense or how Jameel Sewell, Virginia’s starting QB for most of 2006 and all of ’07, will play after returning from two semesters of academic suspension.

What we do know is that Groh, no matter how shaky his job status, will be back as coach in 2009 and that he’ll be missing some talented pieces from a team that finished 5-7.

A look at who’s leaving and who’s returning at each position:

OFFENSE

Quarterback — Significant losses: None. Key returning players: Marc Verica, Riko Smalls, Jameel Sewell (out of school this year) and, possibly, Vic Hall.

Tailback — Significant loss: Cedric Peerman. Key returning players: Mikell Simpson, Keith Payne, Raynard Horne and Torrey Mack (redshirted this season).

Fullback — Significant losses: None, if Rashawn Jackson is back. Jackson has a court date next month that may determine his future at UVa. Key returning players: Jackson (perhaps) and Payne.

Center — Significant losses: None. Key returning players: Jack Shields and Anthony Mihota.

Guard — Significant loss: Zak Stair. Key returning players: B.J. Cabbell and Austin Pasztor.

Tackle — Significant loss: Eugene Monroe. Key returning players: Will Barker, Landon Bradley and Lamar Milstead.

Tight end — Significant loss: John Phillips. Key returning players: Andrew Devlin, Joe Torchia, Colter Phillips (redshirted) and Rod Wheeler (redshirted).

Wide receiver — Significant losses: Maurice Covington and Cary Koch. Key returning players: Kevin Ogletree, Dontrelle Inman, Jared Green, Kris Burd and Staton Jobe.

DEFENSE

End — Significant loss: Alex Field. Key returning players: Matt Conrath, Kevin Crawford and Zane Parr.

Nose tackle — Significant losses: None. Key returning players: Nick Jenkins and Nate Collins.

Outside linebacker — Significant losses: Clint Sintim. Key returning players: Denzel Burrell, Aaron Clark, Jared Detrick and Cameron Johnson.

Inside linebacker — Significant losses: Jon Copper and Antonio Appleby. Key returning players: Darren Childs, Terence Fells-Danzer and Steve Greer (redshirted).

Cornerback — Significant losses: None. Key returning players: Ras-I Dowling, Vic Hall, Chase Minnifeld, Rodney McLeod, Mike Parker, Dom Joseph and Chris Cook (out of school this year).

Safety — Significant loss: Byron Glaspy. Key returning players: Corey Mosley, Brandon Woods, Trey Womack, Matt Leemhuis and Ausar Walcott (redshirted).

SPECIAL TEAMS

Punter — Significant losses: None. Key returning player: Jimmy Howell.

Kicker — Significant losses: None. Key returning players: Robert Randolph, Yannick Reyering and Chris Hinkebein.

Returners — Significant losses: None. Key returning players: Chase Minnifield, Rodney McLeod, Vic Hall and Kevin Ogletree.