Virginia Cavaliers Roster 2019 Cavaliers Roster

Head Coach: Bronco Mendenhall        2017 Salary: $3,400,000        Offensive Coordinator: Robert Anae       Defensive Coordinator: Nick Howell/Kelly Poppinga         

Stadium: Scott Stadium       Surface: Grass        City: Charlottesville        State: Virginia

The Virginia Cavaliers have not been known for playing an exciting brand of football under Bronco Mendenhall, but that may be changing this season. The Cavaliers have definitely overcome the disastrous Mike London era, but still have improvements to make before they reach the next level in the ACC.

Virginia has at least risen to mediocrity, but will need the offense to improve to progress beyond that. Kurt Benkert has graduated, leaving the Cavaliers in search of a new quarterback for this season. Into the breach steps Bryce Perkins, a transfer from Arizona State. Perkins should allow the Cavaliers to open up the offense somewhat. He has a pair of possible playmakers in Olamide Zaccahaeus and Joe Reed. The open question is whether the offensive line will give Perkins enough time to reach these targets.

Virginia made improvements on defense last season. This year, the Cavaliers return a big and experienced unit. The Cavaliers did lose practically their entire defensive line from last season so they will have to rely on a veteran linebacking corps to be the linchpin of the defense. There is some depth in the secondary that may make Virginia stout against the pass. What is certain is that Virginia will have a different look and feel this season with a different type of quarterback at the helm.

The team was not expected to reach a bowl game last season and overachieved in some regards. The Cavaliers likely need another year to consolidate their gains before taking another step forward.