Virginia releases updated depth chart for ODU game

Coming off a big win over FSU, Bronco Mendenhall and his staff have released an updated depth chart for this week’s clash against ODU:

The only change comes at QB, where Brennan Armstrong is not on the depth chart. Bryce Perkins’ backups are now sophomore Lindell Stone and true freshman R.J. Harvey. Though Stone is actually a year ahead of Armstrong, it’s the latter who has been getting backup reps. A big part of that is style. Armstrong is much closer to Perkins in style than Stone (a drop-back passer). Stone did get a little bit of experience as a freshman in 2017. Armstrong is the presumed heir apparent at QB after Perkins leaves.

Armstrong is reportedly dealing with a toe injury, which has been called a broken toe or turf toe by various sources. There’s been no official word, except that he’s out and there’s no timetable for his return.

If Perkins is forced to miss any time against ODU in a close game, figure on Stone. He has experience on the field and in the program. But if the game gets into garbage time, don’t be surprised to see Harvey. He has a lot of potential as a dual-threat guy and is more likely to be the No. 1 guy in the future than Stone. He can see action in up to four games without losing his redshirt.

As a side note, it was fun seeing Armstrong out there at QB last season wearing #98. This year, he’s No. 10. But with Stone (No. 36) and Harvey (No. 40), there’s a chance for that excitement again.

A couple of other notes about the depth chart:

• Dorien Goddard continues to be listed as the primary backup to Hasise Dubois, but grad transfer Dejon Brissett saw quite a bit of run against FSU and figures to remain in the mix.
• Bobby Haskins and Dillon Reinkensmeyer are listed as the starting OTs. Haskins and Ryan Swoboda have started the past two games, though all three are getting playing time. Reinkensmeyer and Haskins seemed to be the primary tandem late this week, as when the OL looked best. Expect to see all three continue to get run.
• The two Terrell’s (Jana and Chatman) are listed as co-starters at one WR spot. Chatman started against FSU, but did not record a catch on four targets. Jana had seven receptions for a game high 85 yards. Seems like Jana might be taking the lead in that role.
• The three RBs (Taulapapa, Kier, and Atkins) are still listed as co-starters, but anybody who saw the FSU game knows that Taulapapa is the No. 1 back. He had 18 carries, Kier had one and Atkins had zero. Atkins did get some run, mostly in passing situations.
• Zane Zandier and Robert Snyder are also listed as co-starters at Buck LB, but Zandier appears to be the leader there. He leads the team in tackles and is tied for the lead in TFLs. Snyder still got in for a few series against FSU.
• Joey Blount is listed as the starter at FS over DeVante Cross, but Cross was getting some run in the base defense this week. This came after Blount’s late hit personal foul, so maybe it was a teaching moment for Blount. Both play extensively in the nickel packages, so it may not matter. But Cross has been excellent, and the two are 3rd and 4th in tackles.

You can see Bronco’s comments here:

Check back for continuing coverage of the ODU game this weekend. Kickoff is Saturday at 7PM on ESPN2.