Head Coach: Al Groh
2003 Record: 8-5

Team MVP: Heath Miller, tight end. Last season, Heath Miller led the team with 70 catches and six touchdown receptions. With injuries to the receiving corps last season, he was the main target of quarterback Matt Schaub and he will be an important player for this offense once again. With a new quarterback, expect Miller to be the most dependable target for them.

Quarterback: Having to replace Matt Schaub is the biggest question mark for this team going into the 2004 season. Schaub was one of the most effective quarterbacks in the ACC last season and was one of the most efficient in the ACC. When he missed time with a shoulder injury, Anthony Martinez filled in and struggled mightily For the season, Martinez completed 17 of 36 passes for 136 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He is in the mix to replace Schaub, as well as former wide receiver Marques Hagans. Hagans has played quarterback before and is no stranger to the position. Also in the mix is Notre Dame transfer Chris Olsen. Hagans is likely to start the season, but keep an eye on Olsen.

Running Back/Fullbacks: With a new quarterback taking over the offense, expect the running game to be a major focus. Establishing the running game will help the young quarterbacks pass downfield. Returning in the backfield will be Wali Lundy and Alvin Pearman. Pearman is a solid third down back, while Lundy is the better runner Lundy rushed for 929 yards and ten touchdowns last season, but should be able to top 1000 yards in 2004.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Whichever quarterbacks wins the job has a solid set of receivers to throw to. Ottowa Anderson returns after catching 33 passes last season, also Michael McGrew returns after missing last season with an injury. Add in Marques Hagans if he doesn’t play quarterback and an All-American tight end in Heath Miller and this is a solid group of receivers. Miller is the best target out of this group and should be the leading receiver.

Offensive Line: Don’t expect any problems from this unit. With five starters returning, the offensive line is one of the best in the ACC. Guard Elton Brown is an All-American candidate and the line hasn’t quite played up to its potential yet. Look for another solid season from the offensive line.

Defensive Line: Overall, the defensive line has a solid make-up for the 2004 season. The return of all three starters, including star Chris Canty, should make this a better defense than last season. The Cavaliers defense hasn’t quite caught up to the offensive success, but they are getting close. Towards the end of last season, the defense got better and they had solid efforts. Canty finished second on the team in tackles last season and he should again be the top performer on the defensive line.

Linebackers: Kai Parham and Ahmad Brooks are only sophomores, which is scary for the rest of the ACC. Last season, Brooks led the team with 117 tackles and tallied 3.5 sacks. Parham notched 89 tackles. Also returning is junior Darryl Blackstock, who had 85 tackles and five sacks last season. The only non-returnee is Dennis Haley and he has plenty of experience. With Brooks and Parham returning, they are only going to get better and this should be one of the best units in the ACC.

Secondary: Overall, the play of the secondary wasn’t bad last season and they return two starters. The departure of Almondo Curry is a big blow to the defense, as it leaves young players to step up at the cornerback spot. Shannon Lane and Philip Brown are young players, who will provide key depth this season, have no game experience. Tony Franklin and Marcus Hamilton are solid starters, but still young players. Jermaine Hardy and Marquis Weeks will likely be the starters at safety. The cornerback spot has some youth and the depth is an issue, due to youth.

Special Teams: Kicker Connor Hughes is one of the most accurate kickers in the ACC. Last season, he nailed 23 of 25 field goals and 5 of 6 in his freshman season. Look for him to have another solid season and could be an All-American candidate. Punter is an issue with the loss of Tom Hagan.

Final Thoughts: Since Al Groh has took over the Virginia program, he has recruited well each season and brought some of the top prospects here. Now that he has his players in place, it is time for them to step up and take this team to the next level. Are the Cavaliers capable of winning the ACC this season? The answer is probably not. Holding the Cavaliers back is a quarterback question mark and the defensive secondary. Don’t be surprised if this team pulls off one big upset during the season and should make a top tier ACC bowl game.

-- Steve Lassan