AMIDST THE MANY murmuring about the Grounds
talk is once again arising concerning the prospects for
the coming football season. What September may bring
is anyone's guess, but the current practice may cast some
light on the matter.
Coach Blackburn has instituted a number of interesting
changes, both to fill the gaps of those departed, and to
take advantage of the surfeit of talent from last year's
first-year squad. The big surprise last year was to see
Jeff Anderson switched from split end to fullback, and
a surprise of equal magnitude this year may be the
movement of last year's flanker, Bob Rannigan, to defensive
safety. Graduation hit the defensive backfield
the hardest, as four of the six mainstays of 1967 are now
departed. Only Paul Reeve and Peter Schmidt remain
from the nucleus which included Pete Gray, Dennis
Borchers, Paul Klingensmith, and Steve Schilke.
TO SHORE UP the secondary, Blackburn plans primarily
to use, in addition to Schmidt, Reeve, and Rannigan,
David Turner, who was sick or injured most of last
season, Andy Minton, from the first-year squad, and Bill
Lockwood, who was out with an injured knee last year.
Also in the running for spots in the defensive backfield
are first-year men Dave Smith, Mike Sutt, and Bill Shamel.
Speed will be the prominent asset of this unit, but inexperience
may bring costly errors.
Seasoned veterans sprinkle the remainder of the defensive
lineup. In defensive coach Don Lawrence's scheme
of working basically from a 4-3 or 5-2 defense, linebackers
hold the key to success. Herein should lie a Cavalier
strong point. Lost is Captain Mal MacGegor, but Tom
Patton, Steve Bryan, and Bob Paczkoski, all capable and
experienced, hold forth. Hard-nosed Charlie Blandford,
captain of the past first-year squad, stands ready as well.
CO-CAPTAIN RICK BRAND will be the mainstay
of the Virginia defensive line. Veterans Al Sinesky, Paul
Reed, and Patton will be working as ends. With Brand
at tackle is first-year man Randy Lestyk and Jim Willets
and Rick Constantine are battling for the middle guard
slot. Offensively, Virginia's main concern centers around
pass-catchers. The loss of tight end Joe Hoppe leaves
that position up for grabs. As spring practice closes, Joe
Ferens appears to be the man for the position. At 6′ 3″,
215 lbs., he has the size on contender Bob Bischoff. At
split end, first-year man Jim Carrington is favored by the
coaches. Known also for his IM boxing exploits, Carrington
is characterized by good speed, good hands, and
tenacity. It is hoped that he will be able to do the job
that Jeff Anderson so capably handled in his second
year, despite lack of size.
A real battle is being fought for the flanker spot,
between Jeff Calamos, Rick Moschel, and Chuck Mooser.
All three possess fine speed, although none are overly
experienced. Calamos, a track star, played his first season
of college football last year. He is a fourth-year man.
Moschel saw limited action in 1967, and Mooser started
for the first-year team.
LITTLE NEED BE said about the offensive backfield.
Co-captain Gene Arnette will be directing the show from
his quarterback position, backed by Danny Fassio. Potential
All-America Frank Quayle will hold down the tailback
position for the third season in a row. Last year's third
leading ground gainer in the ACC, Jeff Anderson, returns
at fullback. Dave Wyncoop stands by to back
up Anderson. Backfield experience, a problem last year,
will be a strong point of the 1968 team.
The offensive line should also feature experience, if
the draft does not interfere. Dave McWilliams, Paul
Rogers, and Greg Shelly will be fifth year, but have a
remaining year of eligibility. Hopefully, all will be able
to hold off Uncle through next fall. Rick Kotulak is slated
to see action at tackle along with Rogers and Shelly,
and first-year man Dan Ryczek is battling for the center
spot against McWilliams, who is out for the rest of
spring practice with a knee injury. Chuck Hammer, now
playing lacrosse, is counted on at one guard slot, and
first-year man Steve Miller, 6′ 3″, 230 lbs. has the ability
and speed to start at the other guard.
PREVIOUSLY an overbalance to either running or
passing has characterized the Virginia attack. Offensive
balance, complimented by an aggressive defense, a new
look, should peg the 1968 Cavaliers. We venture to say, this
could be the year.
