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 Draft Scout College Football Player News: Virginia
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  08/05/21 - Cam RossrSr/2026, Virginia, 5-10, 186 (DS#72 WR) + More +

  On a young UConn football team two years ago, freshman wide receivers Cam Ross and Matt Drayton stood out as promising newcomers. Ross, now a 5 foot 9 sophomore, led the Huskies with 60 catches and 723 receiving yards. The Delaware native was second nationally among freshman in catches per game and total receptions. Drayton, a 6-1 native of Jacksonville, Fla., caught 21 balls for 278 yards and two touchdowns. Now in their second seasons, and third year overall at UConn after the Huskies opted out of the 2020 season, both are likely to be leaned on as top playmakers on offense.

"The big thing is, we were young two years ago," wide receiver coach Aaron Smith said. "We've aged a little bit, a little bit more maturity from the Xs-and-Os standpoint, and they understand how to work. That comes with age, and they've done it together. For the past two years, they've grown together, they've worked together, they've studied football together. That's been a big deal with the cohesion of that group and the development of that group - they've all done it together." Ross played largely out of the slot in 2019, and made plays in between the hashes using quick feet and speed. Against Eastern Carolina, he scored on a 94-yard catch-and-run pass from classmate Jack Zergiotis after gaining separation across the middle and outracing a defender down the field. In the year since he last played, Ross said he's been working to improve "everything." "Any weakness that I had, I tried to correct," he said. "Whether it's my game, whether it's mental, I've just been trying to get on everything. Every day, you at least want to come to this facility and do something. Every day you want to work on some kind of aspect." - Hartford Courant


(DS#72 WR) rSr/2026 WR Cam RossVirginia
News Source: Hartford Courant
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  08/02/21 - Mandy AlonsorSr/2022, Virginia, 6-2, 285 (DS#77 DT) + More +

  Agrueling nine-week summer conditioning period came to an end Friday morning for the Virginia football team when redshirt senior defensive lineman Mandy Alonso pulled a sledgehammer over his head and slammed it down to "break the rock." Teammates showered Alonso in Gatorade at the center of the McCue practice field, enjoying a moment of celebration after an offseason focused on hard work and improvement.

Alonso, who opted to return for a final season of eligibility, was chosen as the player to break the rock thanks to a productive offseason. "Mandy is unbelievable," junior linebacker Nick Jackson said. "If you could watch him every workout, you'd be in awe." Alonso is among the contingent of players that UVa coaches want to take a step forward. The team returns key upperclassmen at nearly every position, but the Cavaliers went just 5-5 last season and ended the year with a disheartening 33-15 loss at Virginia Tech. Alonso, like many of his peers, has been a solid option for UVa in his career. He's looking to go from solid to dynamic. Everyone inside the program expects a leap forward from the defensive end with 27 career starts to his name. "That dude has come back with a purpose," Virginia strength coach Shawn Griswold said. - Roanoke Times


(DS#77 DT) rSr/2022 DT Mandy AlonsoVirginia
News Source: Roanoke Times
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  07/25/21 - Keytaon ThompsonrSr/2023, Virginia, 6-4, 218 (DS#47 WR) + More +

  Keytaon Thompson's first season at UVa ended with a loss to Virginia Tech. To make matters worse, he also suffered a meaningful injury in the team's 33-15 loss to the Hokies. "I broke my ribs in that last game," Thompson said Wednesday at the ACC Kickoff. "That was really painful. I couldn't move. I couldn't work out for a nice amount of time after the game." Thompson shared that he returned to 100% health about a month ago. He's been able to work out while less than 100%, but he feels fully healthy now as the final remnants of pain fade away.

"I've been able to work out for a long, long time," Thompson said. "I've been working out and doing stuff. Still had a little pain. No surgery, so they have to heal naturally. It's just dealing with the pain. It's pretty much subsided all the way." The second-year UVa player, who transferred to Virginia from Mississippi State, is expected to play an important role within Virginia's offense this fall. The Cavaliers plan to use Thompson at numerous offensive positions, including quarterback and wide receiver. He accounted for over 300 yards of total offense and six touchdowns last season. "I can do whatever you need me to do," Thompson said. "That's the whole idea." - Charlottesville Daily Progress


(DS#47 WR) rSr/2023 WR Keytaon ThompsonVirginia
News Source: Charlottesville Daily Progress
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  06/09/21 - Artie HenryrSr/2022, Virginia, 5-11, 178 (DS#238 WR) + More +

  It may be the offseason, but the past week was a fairly busy one for the Virginia football team's roster construction. Bronco Mendenhall and company received two verbal commitments from high school prospects in the last seven days and officially added Artie Henry III, a graduate transfer wide receiver from Marshall. Henry III, who has one year of eligibility remaining, played in 22 games for Marshall. He finished his career with the Thundering Herd with 42 receptions for 504 yards and six touchdowns. Prior to playing at Marshall, Henry III spent two seasons at San Diego Mesa Junior College, where he caught 25 passes for 505 yards and four touchdowns. A three-star receiver coming out of high school, Henry III returned kicks in high school, junior college and one year at Marshall due to injuries at punt returner. He ran track in high school, and speed and agility seem to be his strengths. - Charlottesville Daily Progress

(DS#238 WR) rSr/2022 WR Artie HenryVirginia
News Source: Charlottesville Daily Progress
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  05/29/21 - Artie HenryrSr/2022, Virginia, 5-11, 178 (DS#238 WR) + More +

  For the second time in a week, Marshall has lost a key contributor from its 2020 team to the NCAA transfer portal. On Wednesday, Marshall wide receiver Artie Henry announced his intentions on social media. Henry was Marshall's third-leading pass-catcher in the 2020 season with 22 receptions for 308 yards and three touchdowns. Those figures were second at the wide receiver position, placing him behind Corey Gammage. Henry played in eight of 10 games during the 2020 season, one in which COVID-19 and injuries took their toll on the team. In addition to his duties as a receiver, Henry added the role of punt returner to his repertoire due to an injury to primary return man Talik Keaton. Henry had five punt returns for 60 yards with a long of 42 yards. - Charleston Gazette

(DS#238 WR) rSr/2022 WR Artie HenryVirginia
News Source: Charleston Gazette
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  05/08/21 - Terrell JanaSr/2021, Virginia, 5-11, 195 (DS#63 WR) + More +

  Former Virginia receiver Terrell Jana was selected by the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the second round of the Canadian Football League Draft on Tuesday night. Jana, a native of Vancouver, B.C., was the chosen with the 17th overall pick in the draft. He was the first wide receiver taken. Jana returns to Canada after a successful college career with the Cavaliers. Jana departs UVa ranked No. 12 all-time on the school's career receptions list with 123 and No. 17 all-time in career receiving yards with 1,481. Jana had a breakout junior season for the Cavaliers, finishing with 74 catches for 886 yards and three touchdowns. During the 2019 season, Jana was one of five FBS receivers with 100-plus targets, a 70 percent catch rate and 10-plus yards per target. - Charlottesville Daily Progress

(DS#63 WR) Sr/2021 WR Terrell JanaVirginia
News Source: Charlottesville Daily Progress
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  05/05/21 - Jacob FinnrSr/2022, Virginia, 6-4, 205 (DS#16 P) + More +

  The Virginia football team added a special teams standout Monday. Jacob Finn, a graduate transfer punter from Florida, announced on Instagram that he'll join the Cavaliers for his final collegiate season. Finn brings a powerful leg with him to Charlottesville. He punted 26 times for Florida last season, averaging an impressive 46.3 yards per punt. Of his 26 punts, 14 were downed inside the opponent's 20-yard line. Only one of his kicks resulted in a touchback.

The 6-foot-4 Florida native hit six punts that went over 50 yards last fall, and 12 of his punts resulted in fair catches from the returner. He blasted a career-long 67-yard punt in a game against LSU in December. As a team, Florida ranked third among FBS teams in net punting average. Finn was the team's starting punter, playing in all 12 games for the Gators. UVa, on the other hand, checked in at No. 80 in net punting average. - Charlottesville Daily Progress


(DS#16 P) rSr/2022 P Jacob FinnVirginia
News Source: Charlottesville Daily Progress
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  05/04/21 - Dontayvion WicksrJr/2023, Virginia, 6-1, 206 (DS#24 WR) + More +

  When Lavel Davis Jr. suffered a torn ACL this spring, Virginia's football team lost its most-anticipated deep threat at wide receiver. Saturday, during the Cavaliers' spring game, the team showed it has a replacement getting ready. Sophomore Dontayvion Wicks, who missed last season with a Lisfranc fracture in his right foot, had a breakout day at Scott Stadium, showing off his speed and athleticism during the two-hour practice. "We always knew he was special," said quarterback Brennan Armstrong. "Now, it's just him getting on the field. Obviously today, he made a lot of good plays down the field."

Wicks's big day included hauling in a 40-yard deep ball, making a jumping catch for a reception on a slant route over the middle and toasting a defensive back with a double move for a 20-yard touchdown. UVa coach Bronco Mendenhall said the offensive coaching staff went into Saturday planning to get Wicks heavily involved. Wide receiver Ra'Shaun Henry, who's been one of the team's top receivers this spring, was unavailable, and the Cavaliers didn't use receiver Billy Kemp IV or tight end Jelani Woods extensively during the scrimmage periods. Wicks said he knew that was the plan going into the spring game. "It's just normal to me because I know I can go out and make plays," said Wicks. "And that's what I have to do to get to where I want to be." - Roanoke Times


(DS#24 WR) rJr/2023 WR Dontayvion WicksVirginia
News Source: Roanoke Times
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  05/03/21 - Keytaon ThompsonrSr/2023, Virginia, 6-4, 218 (DS#47 WR) + More +

  After the Mississippi State transfer suffered a shoulder injury last preseason, UVa moved him to a slash role that saw him play wide receiver, running back and quarterback. Thompson caught seven passes for 98 yards and three touchdowns. He ran the ball 39 times and threw it three. Saturday, Virginia showed it plans to get Thompson far more involved as a receiver. He ended up with more catches on the day than he had all of last season. "We really like his ability to catch the ball," said Mendenhall. "And he's long and he's got such a great catch radius. He's a tough matchup for linebackers or safeties. So you'll probably see an increased volume the receiving part." - Charlottesville Daily Progress

(DS#47 WR) rSr/2023 WR Keytaon ThompsonVirginia
News Source: Charlottesville Daily Progress
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  05/03/21 - Aaron FaumuirSr/2024, Virginia, 6-1, 293 (DS#999 DT) + More +

  One of the focuses for UVa's defense this spring has been getting more one-on-one pass rush from its defensive line. And Saturday, it appeared to be making progress. Just 9½ of UVa's 32 sacks last season came from defensive linemen. Getting back end Aaron Faumui, who opted out of the 2020 season, figures to give the team a big boost in that department. He had four sacks and nine hurries as a sophomore in 2019. - Charlottesville Daily Progress

(DS#999 DT) rSr/2024 DT Aaron FaumuiVirginia
News Source: Charlottesville Daily Progress
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  04/30/21 - Jelani WoodsrSr/2022, Virginia, 6-7, 252 (DS#3 TE) + More +

  Recruited to Oklahoma State as a quarterback out of Georgia, Woods didn't think much of his late-season assignment in 2017, being asked to play tight end for the scout team because of his size and athleticism. He was redshirting that year and figured it was a one-time situation. "I ended up giving them a great look throughout the week," said Woods. "Literally the next week, my coach came to me and proposed the deal with me. I loved it." Woods also said he loved his team at Oklahoma State, though in the Cowboys' offense, he was used mostly as a blocker. He finished his time there with 31 catches for 361 yards and four touchdowns. The move to UVa brings him both closer to home and transitions him into an offense that appears more committed to getting the ball to its tight ends. "Jelani is a really good addition to our team," said offensive coordinator Robert Anae. "He's really, really tall, big, strong, athletic. Then, man, you couple that with a really good football IQ. Dang, I think we're going to have a lot of good things to come."

Woods has quickly fit in with his new teammates and demonstrated a devotion to and aptitude for learning the playbook heading into Saturday's spring game at Scott Stadium, the final team practice before fall camp. "I met him the first day he got in here and he was asking a lot of questions," said senior Grant Misch, a fellow tight end. "But the questions are kind of gone and now it's more like friendly banter. He's a cool guy." He's impressed his coaches, as well. "Jelani Woods is probably the brightest spot that I've seen in our program this spring," said Mendenhall. "He is big and he's fast and he's physical and he catches the ball well and he's a great blocker, and man, is he thankful to be here. So, he is a welcome addition to our program at a position of need coming off Tony's performance." - Roanoke Times


(DS#3 TE) rSr/2022 TE Jelani WoodsVirginia
News Source: Roanoke Times
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  04/22/21 - Joey BlountrSr/2022, Virginia, 6-1, 201 (DS#10 FS) + More +

  Big plays consistently crushed Virginia's defense, which yielded 29 passing plays that went for 30 yards or more. Only two other FBS squads allowed more. With disappointing defensive results last fall, Blount decided to use his additional year of eligibility for one final - and, with any luck, healthy - season in a Virginia uniform. "I've been super energetic," Blount said. "I'm looking forward to every day when we get to go practice. Being sidelined for so long, just hungry to experience the spring to its fullest." While Blount wished he was available more last season, he appreciated watching his underclassman peers earn game reps.

He saw Antonio Clary, a junior this season, grow into his own and become a more consistent option at safety. Coen King, another junior, led Virginia with 10 tackles in the season-ending loss to Virginia Tech. Both players were given significant playing time in 2020 due to injuries to usual starters. "I feel like there were a lot of identities that were found," Blount said. As for Blount, he's healthy during spring practices for the first time in his Virginia career. "Joey Blount is playing really well this spring," head coach Bronco Mendenhall said. "This is his first offseason, which has been amazing. Even though he's been here quite a while, it's the first time he's been through an offseason and been healthy. He's strong and he's fast and he's physical and he's making lots and lots and lots of plays." - Charlottesville Daily Progress


(DS#10 FS) rSr/2022 FS Joey BlountVirginia
News Source: Charlottesville Daily Progress
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  04/21/21 - Lavel Davis Jr.Jr/2024, Virginia, 6-6, 219 (DS#999 WR) + More +

  The Virginia football team's roster has suffered a major blow this spring, losing two potential starters for at least most of the fall season. Head coach Bronco Mendenhall announced Monday that sophomore wide receiver Lavel Davis Jr. and junior outside linebacker Chico Bennett Jr. have suffered ACL injuries. "That's always the risk of spring practice," Mendenhall said. The earliest return for the two impact players is November. UVa's head coach said those are the only two major injuries suffered this spring.

Mendenhall added that Davis' injury occurred when the receiver became tangled up with a defensive back during a practice session. Bennett's injury came in a non-contact setting. Neither injury occurred during a full-contact period, but Mendenhall wouldn't change anything about how the Cavaliers handled their practice routine. "The only way to really avoid that is not practice in the spring," Mendenhall said of the significant injuries. Davis was expected to be a starter at wide receiver for UVa after a tremendous first season. The 6-foot-7 target caught 20 passes for 515 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman. - Charlottesville Daily Progress


(DS#999 WR) Jr/2024 WR Lavel Davis Jr.Virginia
News Source: Charlottesville Daily Progress
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  04/20/21 - Chandler MorrisrSr/2026, Virginia, 6-0, 192 (DS#999 QB) + More +

  Oklahoma has released Chandler Morris from his national letter of intent. Finally. OU coach Lincoln Riley informed Morris on Friday that OU would release Morris from his NLI, a source confirmed. OU had refused to release Morris from his NLI much of this offseason, creating a stir nationally. Riley talked about his belief that student athletes should not be able to transfer within conference without consequence. Those comments came before the Big 12 agreed to waive its intraconference rules requiring players to sit out one season earlier this week. The NCAA also adopted rules that will allow student athletes the opportunity to transfer one time without penalty. OU and Riley relented after the new policies were announced. Morris is expected to compete for the backup job behind starting quarterback Max Duggan this season. - Fort Worth Star

(DS#999 QB) rSr/2026 QB Chandler MorrisVirginia
News Source: Fort Worth Star
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  04/07/21 - Mitchell MeltonrSr/2026, Virginia, 6-3, 253 (DS#31 DE) + More +

  Ohio State football lost another potential defensive contributor for the remainder of the spring. Redshirt freshman linebacker Mitchell Melton was on crutches Monday during the portion of practice reporters were allowed to watch. Ohio State coach Ryan Day would not go into injury specifics but said Melton suffered "a long-term injury." Melton joins defensive tackle Haskell Garrett, cornerbacks Sevyn Banks and Cameron Brown, linebacker Dallas Gant and safety Kourt Williams as defensive players who are out or limited from practice. "We're going to have to do a great job developing the young guys, so we're a little thin going into the preseason," Day said. "I think we have a good plan and Al (Washington) will do a great job with the young guys." - Cleveland Plain Dealer

(DS#31 DE) rSr/2026 DE Mitchell MeltonVirginia
News Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer
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