Keytaon Thompson, Virginia Football News: Draft Scout Player News

11/04/20 - WR Keytaon Thompson, rSr/2023, Virginia

Virginia needed an offensive explosion Saturday to keep up with Sam Howell and North Carolina's high-powered attack. A depleted secondary left UVa in a tough position, but the Cavaliers won a shootout against Howell and the Tar Heels. Bronco Mendenhall's group fought extremely hard, gutting out a 44-41 victory to vanquish its four-game losing streak. It was a gritty performance from a team desperate for a victory. "It's just more fun," Mendenhall said of winning. "Let's just face it, it's just more fun. I like to see our players when they work so hard have fun, and I love to see them smile, and I love to see them carry themselves in a way that they're proud of the outcome. There have been so many really cool plays that I can celebrate with them in team meetings, but it's not the same when the world doesn't see them."

Transfers made plays all over the field for Virginia in its upset over the Tar Heels. Offensively, Keytaon Thompson carried the ball 10 times for 43 yards and a touchdown. He also converted the critical fourth-and-short on a fake punt late in the contest to clinch UVa's win. "He's becoming one of the cultural examples that we can present when a player comes into our program," Mendenhall said. Thompson did a little bit of everything Saturday. He lined up at wide receiver, running back and quarterback and even on special teams. He motioned under center at times, creating a surprise quarterback sneak setup. UVa used him creatively, and Thompson is clearly embracing the role. "When you list the position, it'd be smart just to put football underneath," Mendenhall said. "He might be setting a record for the most different positions played in a game each and every week. We're so thankful he's here because we need him." - Charlottesville Daily Progress

rSr/2023