Some Justin Anderson highlights:
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Ok, now let's begin.
Max Valles Declares for NFL Draft
This one comes as a surprise following a Twitter post on December 10 -- the same day as DE Eli Harold declared for the NFL -- where Valles stated, "I don't know where everyone is hearing it from but I did not declare for the NFL draft. I'm staying at UVA"
But the sophomore announced today via Twitter that he was indeed following his pass rushing bookend to the pros. Of course, I am thrilled for the man. Who can be sad when a dynamic player gets to pursue his dream of playing at the highest level?
Still, I question whether the decision was truly in his best interest. Yes, he will certainly be drafted, but from what I've heard, not until the fourth or fifth round. My concern is that given another year to truly develop his skills, he could potentially double his salary.
Check out this link that lists the slotted contracts of NFL draftees based on where they were selected. Let's say Valles is drafted at the beginning of the first round -- a relatively high selection given his circumstances. He would have a four year deal worth about $2 million. Now say he develops and moves up as a first or second round prospect for the 2016 draft; he could have the same four year deal worth double that amount. Also, he'd be more likely to climb the board a year later since this class has an abundance of good pass rushers.
And this isn't just about money either. NFL teams are very impatient. Even when players have potential, if there is little production after year one, they can easily be drafted over. I doubt that will be the case for Valles, but if he get's injured in training camp and misses the season, there are no guarantees in the NFL.
Of course, the counter argument is that he gets injured here and never gets a fair chance at the pros. More recently, think of Chase Minnifield; he was a second round prospect before knee injuries prevented a single team from drafting him. For a more extreme example, think Marcus Lattimore.
Regardless though, I'm thankful for his brief career in Charlottesville. He finished with 18 career tackles for loss and 13 sacks. (Just imagine the numbers he could put up if he played four years!).
This puts us in an interesting dilemma for next year as a once feared pass rush lost its two leading sack-masters. Look for both Mike Moore and Kwontie Moore to see more time as edge rushers. Also, this makes Andrew Brown's return to 5-star form all the more critical. Trent Corney will see 3rd down snaps, and also look for the development of another speed rusher, like Valles and Harold.
Tom O'Brien Retires
Unlike the Valles situation, this one was far from unexpected. In fact, after reading a Doug Doughty article a couple weeks ago, I was surprised it was not already official.
O'Brien's second stint with the university was one of disappointment. As the associate head coach, no one really knew what he did. And whatever he did do, the program failed to improve.
And then after running out our biggest playmaker -- TE Jake McGee -- he failed to get the other tight ends to produce last season.
The hiring was once heralded. I, in fact, was a large supporter. After coaching the likes of Matt Ryan, Russell Wilson, and Mike Glennon, I thought he could develop one of our QBs into at least a respectable threat. Between Watford, Lambert, and Johns, though, that never happened.
So long, Tom. Enjoy retirement.
Tra Nicholson Gets a Fifth Year
I honestly didn't know this one was up in the air. Mike London made it seem very clear that the stud corner would be back. I guess he was right, at least.
The hardship waver will allow Nicholson to bolster what should be a fairly strong secondary. Anthony Harris will be hard to replace, but Nicholson should fill in just fine for Brandon Phelps. The presence of Quin Blanding and Maurice Canady should help to give the secondary three quality starters, all with NFL potential.
They can only help a young front seven with just three returning starters.
UNC WR T.J. Thorpe Transfers to Virginia
The former Tar Heel (who by the way, if you haven't heard, caught the game-winning touchdown against us last season ... note the sarcasm) decided to forgo his senior season in Chapel Hill and convert over to the good side.
The 6-foot 200 pound WR -- a former 4-star recruit -- was the No. 15 WR in the class of 2011. He will not have to redshirt a season since he has already graduated.
Expect Thorpe's biggest impact to come in the return game. With the graduation of Darius Jennings and the likely promotion of Taquan Mizzell to an every-down role, Thorpe is the obvious candidate to take over kick return duties, especially after leading the ACC in kick return average as a true freshman in 2011.
Although I'm not sure if he has experience in this role, look for him to handle punt returns too with Khalek Sheperd moving on and coaches probably unwilling to give Dominique Terrell, who is returning after redshirting last season, another opportunity.
That being said, there is no reason to expect nothing short of another open competition at WR again. If Thorpe can earn his role, he'll be more than welcome to contribute. Last season he caught 16 balls for 237 yards and three touchdowns.
The 6-foot 200 pound WR -- a former 4-star recruit -- was the No. 15 WR in the class of 2011. He will not have to redshirt a season since he has already graduated.
Expect Thorpe's biggest impact to come in the return game. With the graduation of Darius Jennings and the likely promotion of Taquan Mizzell to an every-down role, Thorpe is the obvious candidate to take over kick return duties, especially after leading the ACC in kick return average as a true freshman in 2011.
Although I'm not sure if he has experience in this role, look for him to handle punt returns too with Khalek Sheperd moving on and coaches probably unwilling to give Dominique Terrell, who is returning after redshirting last season, another opportunity.
That being said, there is no reason to expect nothing short of another open competition at WR again. If Thorpe can earn his role, he'll be more than welcome to contribute. Last season he caught 16 balls for 237 yards and three touchdowns.
UVa Picks Up WR Commitment in Warren Craft
After de-committing from a Virginia Tech basketball scholarship with the departure of former coach James Johnson, the Roanoke, Va. native will join our football program.
I'm not going to pretend to know much about high school football, but he must be a heck of an athlete since he earned a DI scholarship after just two years of high school football.
We only really had competition for Craft, who currently does not have a "star" rating by rivals or scout, from UNC.
I'd expect Craft to redshirt, especially given his inexperience. At 6-2 and 185 pounds, he's likely to provide another big-body target for whoever our quarterback winds up being in the future.
I'm not going to pretend to know much about high school football, but he must be a heck of an athlete since he earned a DI scholarship after just two years of high school football.
We only really had competition for Craft, who currently does not have a "star" rating by rivals or scout, from UNC.
I'd expect Craft to redshirt, especially given his inexperience. At 6-2 and 185 pounds, he's likely to provide another big-body target for whoever our quarterback winds up being in the future.
As always, Go Hoos!
