Tailback a position of strength for UVa

By Andy Bitter

Published: August 7, 2008

At this time last year, one of the Cavaliers’ biggest question marks was if one tailback could emerge as a reliable ballcarrier.

Now, their biggest problem in the backfield is trying to sort out carries between two established game-breakers.

Senior Cedric Peerman (William Campbell) and junior Mikell Simpson both shined at various points last year. Peerman ran for 585 yards in the first six weeks before a foot injury ended his season. Simpson took it from there, finishing with 972 rushing and receiving yards and 10 touchdowns despite starting just four games.

“If we can figure out a way for both of them to get the ball at the same time, then we’d put them both in the game at the same time,” Virginia coach Al Groh said.

It’s unclear who will start this year, or if that will even matter. Their running styles complement each other. Peerman is the more physical back, able to repeatedly pound the ball between the tackles. Simpson, as evidenced by his 96-yard touchdown run in the Gator Bowl, gives UVa a home run threat.

Both will get their fair share of carries and will be instrumental in driving an offense that must replace its starting quarterback, two established tight ends and three-fifths of its offensive line.

“They are two of our very best players. They’re two of our proven players,” Groh said. “They’re two guys that we’ll look to feature early in the season.”

Futbol to football

Yannick Reyering, who led the Virginia soccer team with 39 goals in the last three seasons, has joined the football team as a walk-on during training camp.

A native of Mettingen, Germany, Reyering completed his soccer eligibility last year but expressed an interest to join the football team after spring practice concluded.

Now he’ll be given an opportunity to compete with redshirt freshman Chris Hinkebein in what appears to be a wide-open place-kicking competition.

Groh never saw the 6-foot-5, 205-pound Reyering play soccer, but the coach has had a good history with kickers who have a soccer background. Both Connor Hughes and Kurt Smith excelled in the sport.

“Even though this is a different circumstance (from soccer), he clearly has the ability to kick the ball with some velocity and accuracy,” Groh said of Reyering.

‘A knock on the head’

Three more Cavaliers popped up on a police blotter in July. Starting right tackle Will Barker and reserve guard Dave Roberts were charged with larceny after allegedly stealing beer from a Charlottesville night club on July 26. The incident came just weeks after quarterback Peter Lalich was charged with unlawful possession of alcohol.

Now that camp is underway, Virginia is trying to put the incidents out of mind.

“I feel like that was a knock on the head,” junior nose tackle Nate Collins said.

“Everyone is trying to get focused right now. We’re ready just to worry about football.”

Groh did not say whether the involved players would miss any game time.

“There are certain things that we weren’t pleased with and we’ve dealt with them internally,” he said.

A real professional

Cornerback Vic Hall was voted one of the team’s four captains in the spring, the only junior of the bunch. Groh gave a glimpse of why with a glowing quote about the former Gretna standout during Tuesday’s teleconference.

“He’s one of the really great workers at practice, during training, totally tuned in and focused in every meeting,” Groh said. “If he was on an NFL team right now, I’m sure the coach would be describing him as the definition of being a real professional. Even though he’s doing this from an amateur standpoint, he already goes about his business in that particular way.”

In addition to his starting cornerback duties, Hall will again return punts, hold on field goals and play on several special teams.

Extra points

In addition to Reyering, Virginia added five more players to the roster for fall camp: WR Johnny Pickett (Centreville), PK Robert Randolph (Naples, Fla.), C John Maghamez (Ashburn), QB Kyle McCartin (Warrenton) and LB Brady Stovall (Roanoke). … Fifth-year senior Scott Deke starts training camp at the top of the quarterback depth chart, ahead of sophomores Marc Verica and Lalich, something that doesn’t figure to change in the near future. “We went in on a seniority basis,” Groh said, “and here for a little while, will probably stay that way.” … Virginia’s “Meet the Team Day” is set for Sunday at Scott Stadium. Players will be available for photos and autographs from 3 to 4:15 p.m. Gates to the stadium open at 2.