Locker Room Access - Virginia

By Josh Burton

This week, the University of Virginia Football team picked up a 43-24 win at Coastal Carolina.  The victory brings them to 3-1 on the year, having already picked up 3 of 6 wins needed for bowl eligibility in the first month of the season. Let's look at how things shaped out for the Hoos.

Offense

The offense played very well this week, racking up the most points and total yards achieved in a game under Coach Elliott. What I liked most was that the Hoos found success on the ground  They not only firmly established the run, but went back to it time and time again. The running game is something I’ve been wanting to see deployed more by the team.  Once they found they could exploit the matchup, they kept attacking it.   Kobe Pace led the team in carries (15 for 57 yards), but it was Junior back Xavier Brown who was the star, taking 9 carries for 171 yards including a 75 yard run. I thought Brown showed a good balance of speed and physicality and am expecting him to continue to see an increased workload going forward.

Xavier Brown rips off a 75-yard run, again showing off his dynamic playmaking.

Brown has 7 carries for 152 yards, eclipsing his career-high of 88 yards.

Most rushing yards by a UVA player since 2019 (Perkins vs VT) and most by a Virginia RB since 2018 (Ellis vs Ohio).

— Preston Willett (@PrestonWillett) September 21, 2024

Although the Hoos only had to complete 15 passes to coast to the win, I thought they did a pretty good job with the passing game. Malachi Fields led the way with 4 catches including two scores, while Tyler Neville continued to show as a threat to spread the field more vertically from the tight end position. Neville only had two catches but both went for over ten yards. There were some breakdowns in protection, something that will look to be addressed as the offensive line as a whole should be able to get healthy with a bye week coming up before hosting Boston College.

Defense

I thought the defense as a whole did a pretty good job in this one. It was similar to the Richmond game earlier this season, where the Hoos once again looked the part against an outmatched opponent.  The defensive line had maybe their best game so far, not only creating pressure but also completely shutting down Coastal’s vaunted run game. Coming into the week, Coastal was averaging 250 yards per game on the ground.  The Hoos held them to just 82 yards.

Although it is nitpicking, I thought our secondary had the worst performance of the day. Specifically the corners. Coastal was able to complete five passes for 20 or more yards on the day, including two that went over 50 yards. While one play was a busted coverage due to a defender slipping, the issue of allowing explosive plays needs to be addressed. The corners have been playing very relaxed coverage, meaning they line up backed multiple yards off the line of scrimmage, to accommodate for the lack of speed at the position. Even in doing so, they have still had issues with allowing the offensive players to get behind them. Personally, I’d like to see them maybe mix in some looks where the safeties are providing more help over the top to slow down the big plays coming from opposing offenses.

Special Teams

Although they did have one kickoff go out of bounds, I thought the special teams units did a great job today. I liked the strategy of kicking just short of the end zone and forcing Coastal to return the kickoffs. Coastal fumbled away the opening kick, setting up UVA's first score. They also managed to stop the returner around his own ten yard line on another kick. The Hoos also cleanly fielded both of Coastal's punts and converted all their tries from extra points and field goals. 

Next Up

Before the Hoos host Boston College on Saturday, October 5th, they will have a bye for the upcoming weekend. This comes at a great time, giving the Wahoos a chance to regroup, adjust and get healthy before conference play really gets rolling. Having already picked up half the wins needed for bowl eligibility, they’ll look to continue playing good football and take that next step as a program by getting back to postseason play.

How are you feeling about where things stand? Do you think the Hoos will go bowling for the first time since the 2019 Orange Bowl? Come join all our discussions over on the Locker Room Access forum!

(Featured Image Credit: Jamie Holt/UVA Athletics) 

Local product Chance Mallory is the first member of Virginia's 2025 recruiting class.  The St. Anne’s-Belfield point guard announced his decision to stay home and play for Tony Bennett, following an official visit the prior weekend.  Mallory is ranked as the 53rd overall player in his class, according to the On3 industry average. He chose Virginia from a final six that also included Clemson, Virginia Tech, Miami, Villanova, and Tennessee.  

From 8th grade to now…

Chance Mallory will play his college ball less than a mile away from @STABHoops after committing to UVA. pic.twitter.com/hePXkJC52u

— Preston Willett (@PrestonWillett) September 20, 2024

Mallory’s Recruitment

Chance had early doubters who pointed to his size, listed at 5’9”, but he kept proving that he could produce and even dominate against top competition.  Eventually, high-major programs were forced to take notice.  Scholarship offers started to pour in last summer, including one from the hometown Hoos.  He immediately became the first real priority 2025 recruit for Tony Bennett and staff.  

The UVA coaches definitely had hopes that Chance might jump on their offer earlier.  He was a frequent guest at JPJ over the past year, and the coaches were often around to see him at STAB..  There was even talk for a while of him reclassifying up to 2024.  But Mallory made it clear that he would wait until this fall to take official visits then make his college choice, and he stayed with that plan.  

There were swings in confidence level along the way from the UVA side, certainly from fans.  And history gave fans reason for concern.  Bennett has typically avoided drawn out recruiting battles.  In fact, this is the longest recruitment he’s won at Virginia. With Mallory, the UVA staff never let up.  They pursued him hard from start to finish. 

Mallory named his finalists in June, following an ankle injury that kept him out of action for the remainder of the summer.   There was no lack of competition for his commitment.  Clemson in particular, where he took an early unofficial visit, seemed to be a serious threat if not the favorite for a time.  Villanova and Tennessee were both very active as well.  

In the end, he did cut his recruitment a bit shorter than planned.  Chance only took two official visits, to VA Tech and UVA, before deciding to go ahead and commit to the hometown program.  There were visits scheduled through late October to the other four finalists, now canceled.  By committing now, it helps the Virginia coaching staff focus attention on other recruits.  And I know Chance intends to assist in that effort. 

Today’s commitment from Chance Mallory breaks a long in-state drought for the Virginia program.  He’ll be the first true in-state high school scholarship recruit to sign with the Wahoos since BJ Stith back in the class of 2014.   

What Mallory Brings to Virginia

Mallory brings a great combination of playmaking ability and elite shooting.  He’s very competitive and plays with great confidence on the offensive end.   Although small, his skillset allows him to be used in different ways.  He can run the point or play off the ball as a shooting threat.  

At STAB last season, Chance posted video game numbers.  He averaged 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists on his way to being named VISAA State Player Of The Year.  Nine rebounds, not a typo.  It wasn’t that different on the AAU side.  He was one of top scorers in the Under Armour Association, averaging over 21 points and 4 assists for Team Thrill.  The summer before, he finished with the best offensive efficiency rating on the circuit.   

Mallory is one of the top shooters in the country.  He hit 38% from three-point range in AAU play., 40% for STAB.  And those percentages doesn’t do him justice because it's on very high volume. He takes and makes tough shots, not just the wide open ones.  His 90% from the foul line over the summer tells the story better.  

While I would consider him more of a score-first lead guard, Chance is a trustworthy floor general too.  He’s shown good decision-making and values possessions, with a 2.5-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.  There will naturally be adjustments needed in college.  It won’t be nearly as easy for him to make plays in the lane.  And he’ll need to buy into being the pesky on-ball defender Bennett wants in a small guard.  

It’s a great addition for the Wahoos. I expect him to be a four-year contributor with the potential to develop into a real star for his hometown team. 

Virginia’s Recruiting Going Forward

With Chance Mallory now in the fold, Virginia has 12 projected scholarship players for the 2025-26 season.  They’ll try to add one more ahead of November’s early signing period.  

Tony Bennett has his guard, now he wants to finish his class with a forward.  There are three targets on the board.  The best possibility at the moment seems to be Cam Ward.  The Largo (MD) forward visited two weeks ago,  then Bennett paid him a visit earlier this week.  He’s probably headed for a mid-October decision after a couple more visits, but you never know.  UVA is battling with Marquette, Michigan State, and Kansas State. 

Jeffersonville (IN) forward Tre Singleton is another possibility. He has Virginia as a finalist  Bennett was up to see him this week too.  It's an uphill fight against Louisville and Purdue for his services. Then there’s five-star Highland School (VA) forward Nate Ament.  He’s planning to wait until next spring to make a decision. UVA will get a visit at some point this fall.  There’s a long line of teams in pursuit, headlined by Duke and Kentucky.  

Recruiting for the class of 2026 will really get going soon as well, as the page starts to turn over to a new cycle.  

Final Thoughts

Having Chance aboard is absolutely fantastic for the Virginia program.  Along with what he brings on the court, I think he’ll be a great boost to fan enthusiasm in the region.  It’s meaningful to a lot of people to see VA next to a player’s hometown, more so when he’s already known to the local community.. Maybe he’ll even inspire later recruits to follow in his steps. 

He’s another talented young piece added to the arsenal.  Bennett and staff have quietly recruited extremely well for the past few years.  Supplemented by the multi-year transfer additions this offseason, they’re building a team that could make another special run.  

Just quick updates…a lot of messages this morning.  

Point Guard Race

Recent visitor Keyshuan Tillery is down to a final three of Virginia, Wake Forest, and Cincinnati as was reported on Monday.  The New Hampton (NH) point guard is expected to make a decision at any time.  

A source close to Tillery said over the weekend that he believed UVA had the edge.  But since the final three dropped last night, all the speculation is centered around the other two finalists, Wake Forest or Cincinnati.  

The reason UVA isn’t coming up in relation to Tillery today is because there’s suddenly a lot of positive noise about St. Anne’s Belfield (VA) point guard Chance Mallory following his official visit this past weekend.  Definitely a shift in our favor, if not more.  There are multiple reports today of him canceling his other upcoming visits.  

Mallory has visited VA Tech along with UVA.  There's no decision date yet but all signs point that that coming.  Virginia only has one spot available for a guard.  First come first served between Mallory and Tillery.    

Gonzaga (DC) guard Derek Dixon has ruled out UVA.  I heard he recently called and let the staff know that Virginia wouldn’t be his choice, always a classy move.  He’s expected to announce his decision on September 27th.  Some sources believe Pittsburgh is the favorite, others are saying North Carolina.  

On The Road

Tony Bennett is out recruiting forwards today.  He’s headed for Largo High School in Maryland to see recent visitor Cam Ward.  The Hoos are making a strong push for him.  It’s safe to say he’s the top forward target at the moment.  I’ve heard the coaches really aren’t sure where they stand though.  He’s a tough read.  They’re just taking their best swing as long as he’s returning the interest.  

Later this evening, Bennett is scheduled to be at Jeffersonville High in Indiana to meet with forward Tre Singleton.  He's scheduled to be in Charlottesville for an official visit this weekend.  Virginia is in his final 8.   Louisville, very close to his home, is the team everybody believes is the favorite.  He just visited Purdue, also a contender.  UVA is obviously taking their shot.  He plays for Kyle Guy’s old Indiana Elite AAU program.  That relationship has been helpful in getting this far.  

Just the fact that forwards are the focus today is another great sign that UVA is feeling good about the guard situation.  

Team Notes

Senior guard Jalen Warley was spotted over the weekend wearing a cast on his arm.  I’m told it’s expected to be a short term injury with him likely back in action within 4 to 5 weeks.  Well before the season opener. 

Other injured Hoos are coming along on track.  Christian Bliss is back to full activities after his early August foot surgery.  And Blake Buchanan is already doing light work again, following his early September foot surgery.  The expectation was for Blake to be at full-go by somewhere around late Sept to early Oct. 

Fans also noticed Dante Harris in the posted practice video.  The senior point guard returned to team activities last week. I’m told the plan for now  is for him to only be a practice player.  He’s on schedule to graduate after the fall semester.  That leaves him with the option of transferring out and playing immediately elsewhere as long as he doesn’t suit up for games.  It’s still a fluid situation though.