ANAE
HOWELL
- Got off to a really good start, hoping to continue that trend as the year goes on. UNC is a very, very good opponent and nationally recognized, so it’s a chance for UVa to be on the national stage and pick up a Coastal Division win.
- Players on the UNC defense appear to have bought in at a higher level and they’ve very skilled. “You put those things together and you’re gonna get better results.”
- Would like to see better protection from the offensive line, better pass-offs and communication and better cohesion up front. Believes the battle at UNC is again in the trenches.
- Key to consistent fast starts offensively is putting players in the right spots and hopefully they respond. Guys were in right spots and responded well against Illinois. It begins with play of the quarterback. “That’s what you sign up for when you become a starting quarterback. That pressure.”
- Excited to see Wicks running around injury-free. “He’s got a lot to offer and a great year coming.”
- Coaching staff was looking for “someone who was willing” when it recruited Jelani Woods as a grad transfer. “He definitely was willing.” Brings size, strength and athleticism as a run blocker. “He’s a really good plus to the run game.”
- When asked about big plays from the offense through first two weeks: “The rear view mirror shares that. The front windshield says we’ve got a lot of work to do ahead of us. That’s what we look forward to this week: big plays.”
HOWELL
- Sam Howell is experienced and knows where to throw the ball. Can see it pre-snap or post-snap. Does a good job of making reads based on what the defense shows. UNC does a good job pre-snap of trying to get defense to show its hand. Offensive scheme is well thought-out, with answers for whatever a defense tries to execute.
- Ira Armstead and Jay Woolfolk have been rotating as scout team Sam Howell in practice.
- Evaluating how UVa has defended Howell first two meetings: “Not good. They’ve been able to move the ball and score points.” Will try to hit him on Saturday night, try to knock the ball when it’s thrown downfield and be smarter in coverage. Need to execute better defensively.
- Entire UNC offense runs through Howell. Offense is designed to take exactly what defense is giving. If a throw is there, Howell will take it. If the run is there, Howell will run. “You can’t take everything away so it’s tough.”
- Even with personnel changes around the offense, UNC scheme hasn’t changed much. New players look like the next version of previous guys. OC is clearly smart and they’ve recruited well. Still working on chemistry on timing but didn’t appear to be a problem last week. “I think their offense is really good and they do a really good job.”
- Hard to say how well UVa has plugged holes from last year’s defense. Will have a better idea after UNC game on Saturday.
- Anthony Johnson brings energy and confidence to the secondary. Teammates can feed off that. Starting to get a better idea of what UVa wants to do defensively and how he can improve. Johnson’s a good player who can be even better.
- On Johnson’s celebration after Saturday’s pick: “Good for him. Joy to his soul. It was good. That was cool.”
