Ten Most Important Players for the 2009 Football Team

With the ACC office apparently delaying the release of the 09-10 basketball schedule, let's just go ahead and tackle another football piece. I'll post the bball schedule as soon as it's available.

Anyway, we all know that this season is a critical one for Al Groh and really the state of UVA Football in general. I think we have some talent on the roster, and plenty of players with the ability to "come through" for their beleaguered coach and suffering fans. But these ten players are the ones whose performance this season I think are most pivotal when it comes to the ultimate success or failure of the team. These are my ten most important players for this year's football team.

#10 -- Landon Bradley -- The only newcomer on the o-line, Bradley will be protecting the blind side of the quarterback in a pass-happy offense (that is, unless Jameel Sewell wins the QB job -- he's a lefty.) Bradley needs to perform and perform well, or this critical spot will very likely be entrusted to a true freshman in Oday Aboushi. As much as I like Aboushi's upside and talent, that thought scares the piss out of me.

#9 Matt Conrath -- Conrath needs to do two things this season: 1) keep producing pressure in the backfield and 2) STAY HEALTHY. He's poised to take the next step and emerge as a star, and this defense really needs him to take that step forward.

#8 Torrey Mack -- Mack is on this list and Mikell Simpson isn't, because I think Mack is the back with the ability to make hay between the tackles and emerge as our most dynamic threat at the tailback position. For him to explode onto the scene would be a huge boost to the offense in general and overall.

#7 Will Barker -- Let's get this out in the open: to this point in his career, Barker has been a headcase. His play has been erratic and inconsistent, and he hasn't always maintained his focus on or off the field. For all of its experience, our o-line is still relatively young, and needs a leader. Barker representing the team at the ACC preseason function and then being voted a team captain are both good signs...

#6 Rodney McLeod -- If Torrey Mack is the #1 most hyped player this offseason, then Rodney McLeod is #1a. We really need McLeod to deliver the goods on all of his promise as a ballhawking centerfielder. If our secondary can punish teams for passing downfield, then we'll be able to stack the box and assist our potentially-shaky front seven.

#5 Cam Johnson -- I'm not really worried about the defense this season, because I think it will be solid. But if there is cause for concern, it stems from two things: lack of depth at defensive end and lack of an effective pass rush. Cam Johnson, as an every-down OLB and pass rush specialist at DE, can answer both of those questions emphatically if he plays well.

#4 Jared Green -- A passing offense always needs an effective go-to receiver. I love Tim Smith and Javaris Brown's upside and potential, but it's Jared Green who puts together the most complete package. I think he really flashed at certain moments last season, now we just need him to become a more consistent threat.

#3 Robert Randolph -- For better or worse, it looks like he's going to win the training camp battle at placekicker. He's got a weak leg, but [to this point in his career] has kicked with a lot of accuracy. If he can keep that up and extend his range about 10 more yards, we might have a chance to avoid leaving valuable points on the field.

#2 Ras-I Dowling -- He's our best player, so of course he's on this list.

#1 Vic Hall -- Grab the wallet-size schedule card, and it's Vic Hall's picture on the front. Unroll the 2009 football poster, and it's Vic Hall staring back at you. It was Vic Hall who had a speaking part at the ACC Kickoff event, it's Vic Hall with the longest line at Meet the Team Day, it was Vic Hall's performance against Tech that is giving every UVA football fan hope for a successful season in '09. Follow the stories about the training camp battle at QB and believe the rumors that Sewell is rapidly gaining on the lead if you'd like, but it's pretty clear to me that Vic Hall has been promoted as the face of the franchise for this season. He'll start the William & Mary game behind center. And if he's good enough, he might just lead his team to a successful season and save Al Groh's job.