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The Virginia Cavaliers’ Football’s 2018 campaign gets underway in just five days as the Hoos welcome Richmond to Scott Stadium on Saturday night at 6pm. We got a look at the season’s first depth chart today, and there’s a lot to take in.
On the offense, Bryce Perkins is listed as the starting QB, Jordan Ellis as the small back, and Olamide Zaccheaus as the H-back. None of those are surprising, of course. The offensive line will be anchored by redshirt freshman Ryan Nelson and sophomore Chris Glaser on the left and by a pair of seniors in Jake Fieler and Marcus Applefield (a grad transfer from Rutgers) on the right. Dillon Reinkensmeyer holds down the line as the center. Joe Reed and Hasise Dubois are the primary wide receivers, and Evan Butts is the starter at tight end.
Nine of the 12 starters on offense got a least one start last season.
Defensively, the Hoos have a lot of youth, especially on the line. Freshman Jordan Redmond is getting the start at nose tackle, with juniors Richard Burney and Eli Hanback listed as the left and right ends, respectively. According to Coach Mendenhall in the press conference, Hanback made the move due to injuries and the ability of Redmond to play tackle. Hanback is the only player listed as a starter and a back up.
Sophomores Charles Snowden and Joey Blount are getting the nod as starters for the opener, and should be two of the most intriguing players on the defensive side of the field. As expected, Jordan Mack, Malcolm Cook, Chris Peace, Juan Thornhill, and Bryce Hall will anchor the defense.
The only position with an “or” still listed is at field corner, where it’s listed as senior Tim Harris (who is coming back from an injury) or sophomore Darius Bratton.
Of note:
- Of the 10 players listed in the OL positions, all but two are freshman or sophomores in eligibility.
- Only one true freshman—Jordan Redmond—is listed as a starter.
- Tavares Kelly isn’t listed on either kick or punt return teams—this could be because he’s young, maybe because the duo of Reed and Kier were solid. Additionally, Chuck Davis has the full trust of Coach Mendenhall:
Bronco: There is no one we trust more to catch a punt than Chuck Davis. If it comes down to ensuring the ball is caught, Davis is that person. He just catches the ball. He is steady at receiver, I wouldn't be surprised to see him on the field.
— Virginia Football (@UVAFootball) August 27, 2018
The full depth chart is below:
The first OFFICIAL Depth Chart of 2018.#NewStandard ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/EMRezB6DXQ
— Virginia Football (@UVAFootball) August 27, 2018