Breakout Eight

Simply enough, this is a list of eight players I expect to see surge from relative obscurity to enjoy a breakout campaign in 2011.

Max Milien, senior fullback
It seems like Milien has the starting fullback job on lock heading into the 2011 season.  With only squirtbacks at the halfback position, we're going to need a between-the-tackles grinder and a power back who can punch the ball into the end zone in goal line situations.  Can Milien do the job?  Maybe, maybe not... but I do know he's an adept receiver in the flats, and with a young QB behind center, those dumpoff opportunities will be plentiful.  Milien had 45 yards rushing and 75 yards receiving in 2010.  I'm looking for him to bump those numbers up to around 400-500 total yards of offense this season.

Matt Snyder, senior wide receiver
Once upon a time, Virginia was a school known for its good walk-on wide receivers.  Names like Patrick Jeffers, Keith Mattioli, Tim Finkelston, Staton Jobe, and Ryan Sawyer should bubble up in the minds of Virginia football fans.  Matt Snyder is the next in line.  He had a healthy 30 catches for 393 yards in 2010, but as the primary possession-type receiver heading into this season, it wouldn't be a stretch to see him get up close to around 500-600 receiving yards and a handful of touchdowns in 2011.  He's a tall (6-4), strong receiver who battles for the ball in traffic and who also has that second gear that allows him to get deep on occasion.  With Kris Burd and burners like Tim Smith, Darius Jennings, and Dominique Terrell opening up the field, there will be weak spots in the coverage for Snyder to attack.  As a senior eager to leave his mark on the program, I'm expecting him to have a steady, productive season.



 Miles Gooch, redshirt freshman wide receiver
This converted quarterback is all elbows and knees, but he's got the size (6-3, 215) and athleticism to be an intriguing weapon in the possession passing game.  He'll have to beat out guys like Bobby Smith and Kevin Royal to earn even a smidge of playing time, but I think Gooch will rise to that challenge.  Look for his number 17 on the field on passing downs when the Hoos really need to move the chains.

Jeremiah Mathis, sophomore tight end
After moving over to tight end from the d-line after Joe Torchia went down last season, I thought Mathis flashed some nice athleticism and ability in space at his new position.  At 6-3, he's sort of low-slung for a tight end, but his 255 pounds make him like a wrecking ball.  Thus, he has a good build as an off-line blockler, and I think we'll see him playing a bit of H-back this season.  I get the sense that he's a natural receiver, so he should be able to offer a nice complimentary impact to the other tight ends and receivers.  I think he'll be a weapon for us in the red zone, and a guy you'll see on the field a lot more than maybe you'd typically expect for a third-string tight end.

Will Hill, junior defensive tackle
Exiting the spring, Hill was listed as an "or" starter at both defensive tackle positions.  It's clear the coaching staff is enamored with this kid.  He's got some quickness and good footwork, and looks like a guy who might be able to bring some pass rush pressure from the DT position.  This is important in the London/Reid 43, especially considering the fact that John-Kevin Dolce has graduated.  I look for Hill to really put some pressure on opposing QBs, and in the process put some pressure on Nick Jenkins and Matt Conrath as the starting duo at d-tackle.

Chris Brathwaite (#98), Will Hill (#93)

Chris Brathwaite, redshirt freshman defensive tackle
Just from seeing him with my own two eyes this spring and during the Spring Game, I can tell you that Chris Brathwaite is a freaking MONSTER.  Big, strong, aggressive... the kind of impact tackle you like to have at the heart of your 4-3 defense.  I think he'll get on the field this fall, and I think he'll open some eyes and turn some heads in the process.  And I'll go ahead and call it now: he's a three-year starter at DT, beginning with the 2012 season.

LoVante Battle, junior safety/linebacker
I've mentioned Battle before, as my eyes always seem to be drawn to him whenever he's on the field.  He's fast and fearless, and should emerge as a special teams maven this season.  I'm actually excited about his potential in a "swing" role, bouncing back and forth between weakside linebacker and strong safety.  He'll probably be at his best playing up in the box, but with the razor-thin depth chart at the safety position, I think he'll see some burn this season.  He reminds me of LaRoy Reynolds, and I think he can make a similar impact in terms of tone-setting and aggression.

Rijo Walker, sophomore cornerback
I've gone on record several times, saying that Walker faces a stiff challenge and will probably cede his starting CB job to Tra Nicholson.  I'm not really backing down from that stance, but noticing Nicholson's slight 165-pound frame has given me some pause.  Meanwhile, Rijo Walker is physically ready to assume that starting role.  If he can fend off Nicholson, I expect he'll see a ton of passes thrown his way, as offenses go away from Chase Minnifield's side of the field.  Walker will have his chance to start, and he'll have his chance to produce some serious numbers if he can flash decent ball skills.  Interception machine?  Let's hope.