Virginia QBs keeping quiet

By Andy Bitter

Published: August 10, 2008

CHARLOTTESVILLE — The three players vying for Virginia’s starting quarterback job took an odd tack at the team’s media day on Sunday: They chose not to speak to the media.

Fifth-year senior Scott Deke sat before a throng of reporters at the beginning of the event and made a statement for himself and the two other players competing to be the Cavaliers’ starting quarterback, Peter Lalich and Marc Verica.

“I think it’s in our best interest to stick to ourselves and keep working to do what’s best for our team,” Deke said before joining his fellow quarterbacks at a table signing autographs for fans the remainder of the session.

The trio was expected to be available for the media after being off limits on Saturday following Virginia’s first open practice.

Quarterbacks coach Mike Groh defended the decision.

“I think it shows the maturity level of all three of them, whether they’ve been here two years or five years, like Scott,” he said. “This could’ve been their opportunity to say, ‘Hey, finally I’ve got a microphone in my face and I get a chance to answer questions.’ But they’re more focused on the team than they are themselves and I think that says a lot about them.”

Deke, the oldest of the group, is listed atop the preseason depth chart, despite never having thrown a pass in a college game.

Of the three, the sophomore Lalich has the most game experience, serving at Jameel Sewell’s backup last year and throwing for 321 yards and two touchdowns.

Verica, a redshirt sophomore, has yet to appear in a game.

Don’t expect the Cavaliers’ quarterback quandary to change any time soon. Head coach Al Groh has been intentionally vague when speaking about the situation in his daily teleconferences.

“As I’ve said on a couple of occasions, we’re not keeping a daily scorecard on them,” he said Sunday. “We’re looking at the body of work. …

“Unless something dramatic happens right away — that some guy for five or six days is, ‘Holy smoke, this is real different’ — it’s the best thing for the team to get as much input as we can (and) not make an inappropriately quick decision.”

Virginia has no timetable for settling on a quarterback for its opener, a home game against No. 2 Southern Cal on Aug. 30. In fact, the situation may not be resolved by then.

“The most important thing is for the team to have the right quarterback in there,” he said. “It might take a few games to find out.”