The Professor - The Coaching Career of James Xavier

[YaBoyRobRoy]

loving the dynasty so far CC! Humbling end to the season but nice job going undefeated. At least you can say you guys lost to the champs. Nice choice moving on to Virginia, good luck in the ACC!

[Captain Canada]

we ready for next week

Year THREE

we lit!!!!!

Come on now!!

loving the dynasty so far CC! Humbling end to the season but nice job going undefeated. At least you can say you guys lost to the champs. Nice choice moving on to Virginia, good luck in the ACC!

Appreciate kind comment brother. It was definitely humble pie in the playoff against Georgia. But, we onto better things in UVA.

[Captain Canada]

Anthony Colandrea was once called the future of Virginia football. Will the new regime of coaching allow him to fully utilize his talent?

Lofty expectations afoot for Coach Xavier in first year as the big boss

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA -- The music is pumping onto the football, causing coaches to have to bark their instructions with a little extra bite. It's the attitude that new head coach James Xavier wants to instill into his new team: "say it with your chest."

After a tumultuous yet extremely successful two-year tenure with the University of Massachusetts, Coach Xavier has made his way to Charlottesville, Virginia to take on the mantle of head coach, hoping to take this Virginia team coming off a 6-6 record that finished under .500 in the ACC back to the top of the conference. With a schedule that features matches against four different ranked opponents (Notre Dame, Duke, North Carolina, and rival Virginia Tech), Coach Xavier isn't sweating it.

"Ranked or unranked, this is a different kind of conference," he said to a legion of sideline reporters eager to get soundbites from the new man on campus. "Anyone can get got on any given day in college football. We have expectations of lining up against anybody and giving them the hardest four quarters of their lives. That's what this coaching staff is designed to impart on our guys. Raise hell."

It begins and ends with quarterback Anthony Colandrea, the incumbent starter trying to prolong his football career and prove he can make it to the NFL. A strong season could thrust his resume into the hands of men who decide who plays on Sundays.

"Coach and I have a great relationship because from day 1, we've been on the same page. We both are starting for recognition and success."

On the defensive side of things, the players are noticing something about their new head coach. He might be an offensive coach, but he has the swagger of a defender.

"He's not a pretty boy, he wants to bash heads and get it on, and I respect that" commented cornerback Tayon Holloway, a former corner for Louisville that Xavier and co. managed to pull out of the transfer portal. "He has no problem mixing it up with anyone."

It's easier said than done for the Virginia Cavaliers to earn their respect in the ACC after a few disappointing seasons, but with this amalgamation of talent, it may be important to keep your eyes peeled on what happens down in Charlottesville.

Quarterback
Current Roster: #10 Anthony Colandrea (Sr, 6’0”, 183 lbs), #13 Gavin Frakes (Rs Sr, 6’4”, 232 lbs), #5 Cortez Bettis (Rs Fr, 6’3”, 201 lbs), #16 Jaden Brahmas (Rs Fr, 6’4”, 204 lbs), #2 Demetrius Garland (Fr, 6’3”, 225 lbs), #6 Theo Ulbrich (Rs Jr, 5’11”, 211 lbs)
Analysis: Colandrea is the starter and this offense goes as far as he takes it. He was quoted as saying he worked on his speed and watched plenty of take of UMass' Ahmad Haston to get a feel of how Coach James Xavier will want to use him. He has a big arm and high football IQ. Demetrius Garland, the number one recruit for the Cavaliers, takes the redshirt this season but look out for next season. It feels as though if it wasn't for having an incumbent senior starter, Garland could have truly challenged for the starting job.

Running Back
Current Roster: #26 Bennett Galloway (Rs Sr, 5’11”, 210 lbs), #3 Donte Hawthorne (Rs Jr, 6’0”, 228 lbs), #28 Noah Vaughn (Rs Jr, 5’8”, 199 lbs), #22 Bob Amerson (Rs Fr, 6’1”, 192 lbs), #32 Thad Nailor (Rs Fr, 5’9”, 187 lbs), #33 Rico Burfict (Fr, 5’9”, 196 lbs), FB #35 Ron McCray (So, 5’10”, 224 lbs)
Analysis: Slade Nagle loves to pound the rock and going to get Bennett Galloway out of the transfer portal, so this is going to be a point of emphasis for the Cavaliers. However, Galloway may not be ready to go after he went down with an injury during spring camp. Hawthorne loves to run behind his pads while Noah Vaughn is an immediate threat out of the backfield. They would love an absolute speed threat but for now, Rico Burfict will take the redshirt.

Wide Receiver
Current Roster: #1 Suderian Harrison (Rs Jr, 5’9”, 181 lbs), #9 Jaden Gibson (Rs Jr, 6’0”, 179 lbs), #85 Kameron Courtney (Rs So, 5’10”, 193 lbs), #23 Triston Ward (Rs So, 6’1”, 185 lbs), #19 Jamie Lima (Rs Fr, 6’4”, 208 lbs), #15 Titus Ivy (Rs Jr, 6’3”, 197 lbs), #17 Tylyric Coleman (Rs Jr, 6’2”, 194 lbs), #80 Shamir Lacy (Fr, 6’3”, 195 lbs), #18 B.J. Brown (Fr, 6’2”, 186 lbs), #84 Joseph Hewitt (Fr, 6’3”, 208 lbs)
Analysis: How will the Cavaliers replace losing their top four pass catchers to graduation? Strength in numbers. There has been a rotating cast of shorter, route running speedsters, and tall 50/50 ball catchers that have all rotated with first team reps. Coach Xavier has maintained that time will tell who out of this relatively young cast of players will take over as their true number one.

Tight End
Current Roster: #89 Dom President (Jr, 6’2”, 241 lbs), #81 Tekai Kirby (Rs Jr, 6’2”, 230 lbs), #86 Marvin Cash (Rs Fr, 6’3”, 238 lbs), #87 Hakeem Uzomah (Fr, 6’3”, 204 lbs), #88 Oscar Foxworth (Fr, 6’4”, 254 lbs)
Analysis: The ultimate conundrum for the Cavaliers and Coach Xavier: their tight end with the most athleticism is Oscar Foxworth, the high school recruit who, despite his size, doesn't have the technique or knowledge to start while their most experienced tight end, Dom President, is their slowest, least athletic player in the group. Foxworth will take the redshirt while his recruiting classmate Hakeem Uzomah will take the third tight end spot due to his impressive speed and receiving ability.

Offensive Tackle
Current Roster: #72 Ben York (Rs So, 6’5”, 302 lbs), #68 George Dragosavich (Jr, 6’7”, 291 lbs)
Analysis: Depth is obviously an issue here, because one injury and you're going to see one hell of a juggling job from Coach Xavier and offensive coordinator Slade Nagle. Both offensive tackles are starting for the first time replacing graduations. York has the pure, brute strength while Dragosavich has the impressive size and reach. Will they be able to hold up to that ACC-level pass rush?

Offensive Guard
Current Roster: #64 Cole Surber (Rs Jr, 6’4”, 303 lbs), #58 Kona Folau (Rs Fr, 6’2”, 322 lbs), #73 Noah Whittaker (So, 6’1”, 308 lbs), #53 Matt Magoolaghan (So, 6’1”, 286 lbs), #62 Brian Volk (So, 6’3”, 302 lbs)
Analysis: One thing Coach Xavier will miss from his days at UMass is the height of his offensive lineman, particularly in the interior. Cole Surber is going to be starting at left guard, while Noah Whittaker is expected to get the nod on the right side. They have good size and lateral speed to be able to pull when called up, but they just aren't as menacing as Xavier would like. Volk will take the redshirt in stride and grow.

Center
Current Roster: #65 Grant Ellinger (Rs So, 6’4”, 290 lbs), #56 Ben Bueno (Rs Fr, 6’3”, 308 lbs)
Analysis: The offensive line continues to be young in the interior. Ellinger got some reps last year as a redshirt freshman, and is thrust into the starting role that Coach Xavier expects him to grow into. He has the right body type and good enough foot speed to make good initial contact off the snap of the ball. Bueno has good size too, but is still a touch slow compared to Ellinger. Once he gets his technique up, he should be a solid option.

Defensive End
Current Roster: #46 Chase Morrison (Rs So, 6’4”, 241 lbs), #56 Tyler Simmons (Rs So, 6’3”, 255 lbs), #85 Jewett Hayes (Rs So, 6’4”, 227 lbs), #11 Mekhi Buchanan (Sr, 6’3”, 243 lbs), #14 Miles Greene (Rs Jr, 6’2”, 231 lbs), #90 Tim Fink (Fr, 6’4”, 254 lbs), #93 Roberto McCracken (Fr, 6’5”, 270 lbs)
Analysis: The team is expecting new leaders to take over on the pass rush front, namely with Chase Morrison and Jewett Hayes, two redshirt sophomores that got into the rotation last season for the 6-6 Cavaliers team. The team is getting increasingly younger in the front seven, which is fine, but they definitely need someone to take that next jump to keep up with the stronger defenses in the ACC.

Defensive Tackles
Current Roster: #55 Anthony Britton (Rs Jr, 6’3”, 311 lbs), #94 Colin Potts (Fr, 6’1”, 322 lbs), #95 Chris Marable Jr. (Rs Jr, 6’3”, 293 lbs), #91 Jason Hammond (Sr, 6’1”, 295 lbs), #98 Jimmy Ames (Rs Fr, 6’1”, 275 lbs), #92 Mike Roe (Rs Fr, 6’0”, 298 lbs), #99 Barry Cameron (Rs Fr, 6’4”, 288 lbs), #96 Collin Nagy (Rs Fr, 5’11”, 289 lbs)
Analysis: A rotating cast of premier run stoppers, namely Anthony Britton and Colin Potts. Potts feels like the future of this interior defense. He's been an absolute mauler from the get-go at training camp and is expected to get the start. Don't sleep on Jason Hammond proving the old guard is still worth something though.

Outside Linebackers
Current Roster: #10 Rashard Grady (Rs Fr, 5’11”, 214 lbs), #24 Everett Freeman (Rs Fr, 6’0”, 244 lbs), #15 T.K. Wright (Rs Sr, 6’3”, 220 lbs), #12 Cris Niswanger (Rs Fr, 6’4”, 243 lbs), #32 Landon Danley (Rs Jr, 6’2”, 212 lbs), #40 Rob Keys (Rs Jr, 6’2”, 217 lbs)
Analysis: This is a team that has a little bit of everything you want. You want an edge rusher that will put their hand in the ground? There's Cris Niswanger, and he's an absolute menace. You need someone to play a pseudo-Rover role for you and go cover their tight end? Everett Freeman is rangy and can come down and lay the hammer. A versatile group of players.

Middle Linebackers
Current Roster: #13 Myles Brown (Rs So, 6’3”, 212 lbs), #48 Kahlil Johns (Fr, 6’1”, 234 lbs)
Analysis: Previously mentioned Everett Freeman could slide into this role if need be, but a couple of recruits falling through and former Cavalier Kam Robinson heading to North Carolina makes this position extremely light. Myles Brown is a monster and plays extremely well between the sidelines. Kahlil Johns won't get the redshirt, even though he could probably use some grooming. Trial by fire, it seems.

Cornerbacks
Current Roster: #6 Dre Walker (Sr, 6’1”, 192 lbs), ##23 Kevon Gray (Rs So, 6’0”, 170 lbs), #20 Tayon Holloway (Sr, 6’1”, 190 lbs), #27 Trent Baker-Booker (Rs Jr, 6’1”, 182 lbs), #7 Cliff Meekins (Rs Fr, 5’11”, 174 lbs), #0 J.C. McAfee (Rs So, 6’2”, 197 lbs), #4 Elijah Hopkins (Rs Sr, 5’10”, 195 lbs), #22 Brandon Crutchfield (Rs So, 5’10”, 165 lbs), #28 Derek Bequette (Rs Fr, 5’10”, 197 lbs)
Analysis: Incoming Tayon Hollaway will sit in his preferred spot in the slot while Dre Walker and Kevon Gray have the outsides. This is an incredibly deep secondary playing for Bowling Green's former defensive coordinator Brandon Fisher. Fisher's defense notably caused the most turnovers in the MAC last season. This unit comes with high expectations.

Safeties
Current Roster: #30 Ethan Minter (Rs So, 6’0”, 201 lbs), #8 Collin Dickson (So, 5’10”, 220 lbs), #1 John Ojeda (Fr, 6’2”, 202 lbs), #21 Keke Adams (Jr, 5’11”, 192 lbs), #26 Caleb Hardy (Sr, 6’3”, 207 lbs), #3 Ezra Abiamiri (Sr, 6’1”, 212 lbs), #29 Tony Radunz (Fr, 5’9”, 189 lbs)
Analysis: Ethan Minter started last season as a redshirt freshman last season for the Cavs and had an exceptional season. He will have to lead this younger secondary with his experience. Caleb Hardy is expected to start alongside him as he is the hardest hitting and rangiest defensive back on the roster. A little more speed to be desire, but these guys have high football IQ to put themselves in good position to make plays.

Special Teams
Current Roster: K #16 Jawan Hocker (Rs Fr, 5’11”, 199 lbs), K #11 Kenyon Mentor (Fr, 5’9”, 177 lbs), P #15 Rasheem Roosevelt (So, 6’5”, 182 lbs)

[Captain Canada]

Is Kareem Kamalu the next in line of quarterback recruits to join Coach James Xavier?

Initial recruiting board has Xavier and company plugging roster roles

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA -- Virginia did their best to plug as many holes as possible caused by their mass exodus of seniors hitting graduation night from their 6-6 season, but were left with several holes that might hamper their progress through an ever-improving ACC. Coach Xavier has directed his staff to start reloading the clips as soon as they can.

Though they brought in Demetrius Garland in their last class, the team has decided to take a look at two quarterbacks this cycle, though it is reported to not be an area of high priority. Kareem Kamalu out of Manchester, TN plays startingly similarly to current Cavaliers quarterback Anthony Colandrea. He makes the right moves, doesn't turn the ball over, and isn't afraid to move out of the pocket to convert. Chase Stevens out of Ramsey, New Jersey (a football hotbed Xavier has previously recruited out of during his time at UMass) runs a lot more than Kamalu but is less accurate when throwing down the field.

Davis is the most impressive recruit on the Cavs' recruiting board and is expected to see an offer from Coach Xavier earlier than most. "Trying to establish Maryland as a key pipeline of talent for us is a priority, that's for sure" commented offensive assistant key recruiting coach Jakobie Keeney-James. The former Minutemen wide receiver joined the staff as early as he could and has been given the role of multi-tool coach. He's expected to frequent the roads as a key scout for the football team.

Cornell Davis, the lightning quick offensive tackle that could easily see time in the interior line at the next level, is another huge target.

2026 Virginia Recruiting Board

Quarterback
(#221) QB Kareem Kamalu | 6’3”, 228 lbs | Manchester, TN | 2-star | South Carolina, Nebraska, Virginia, Wisconsin, Minnesota
(#75) QB Chase Stevens | 6’4”, 208 lbs | Ramsey, NJ | 3-star | Rutgers, Temple, UConn, Virginia, Kent State

Running Back
#14 HB Seth Davis | 6’0”, 209 lbs | Leonardtown, MD | 4-star | Rutgers, North Carolina, Virginia, Penn State, Virginia Tech
#112 HB Morris Tripucka | 5’9”, 225 lbs | Suwanee, GA | 3-star | Tulane, USF, Virginia, Georgia Tech, UAB
#142 HB Gerald Tuggle | 6’1”, 182 lbs | Marrero, LA | 3-star | South Carolina, Virginia, LSU, Rutgers, Minnesota

Wide Receiver
#75 Mohammed Cherry | 6’5”, 207 lbs | High Point, NC | 3-star | Virginia, James Madison, Georgia Southern, Florida Atlantic, Charlotte
#64 Benji Maginn | 6’2”, 176 lbs | Chantilly, VA | 3-star | Rutgers, Virginia, Temple, James Madison, North Carolina
#100 Felix Maybin | 6’4”, 197 lbs | Cornelius, NC | 3-star | Virginia, James Madison, Georgia Southern, Florida Atlantic, Charlotte

Tight End
#63 Carl Beard | 6’3”, 237 lbs | Indian Trail, NC | 3-star | Virginia, James Madison, Georgia Southern, Florida Atlantic, Charlotte
#72 Alex Milliner | 6’3”, 259 lbs | Wake Forest, NC | 3-star | Virginia, James Madison, Georgia Southern, Florida Atlantic, Charlotte

Offensive Line
#14 OT Sam Abraham | 6’7”, 282 lbs | Washington, MD | 3-star | Rutgers, Virginia, James Madison, Vanderbilt, Buffalo
#33 OT Cornell Davis | 6’5”, 299 lbs | Greensville, SC | 4-star | South Carolina, Clemson, North Carolina, NC State, Virginia Tech
#56 OT John Lokombo | 6’4”, 314 lbs | Statesville, NC | 3-star | Virginia, James Madison, Georgia Southern, Florida Atlantic, Charlotte
#30 OG Donovan Bada | 6’5”, 303 lbs | Gallatin, TN | 3-star | South Carolina, Virginia, Minnesota, Rutgers, Oregon
#7 OG Matthew Cook | 6’3”, 306 lbs | Germantown, MD | 3-star | Rutgers, Virginia, Temple, James Madison, North Carolina

Defensive Line
#73 DE Britton Mauldin | 6’4”, 278 lbs | Charlottesville, VA | 2-star | Rutgers, Virginia, Maryland, Temple, South Carolina
#76 DE Jahlil Kearns | 6’2”, 285 lbs | Alcoa, TN | 2-star | South Carolina, Virginia, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Minnesota
#55 DE Jake Jennings | 6’4”, 258 lbs | Bethesda, MD | 2-star | Rutgers, South Carolina, Virginia, Nebraska, Northwestern

Linebacker
#71 OLB Trip Kiselak | 6’2”, 224 lbs | Greensboro, NC | 3-star | Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, NC State, Temple
#93 OLB Tremaine Rossouw | 6’0”, 229 lbs | Fort Mill, SC | 2-star | South Carolina, Virginia, Liberty, Tulane, Kennesaw State
#51 OLB D’Andre Wiggins | 6’4”, 233 lbs | Miami, FL | 3-star | Georgia Southern, Florida, Virginia, South Carolina, Kennesaw State
#105 OLB Shawn Addison | 6’0”, 256 lbs | Oakboro, NC | 2-star | Hawaii, Florida Atlantic, Virginia, Georgia Southern, South Carolina
#99 MLB Sam Madden | 6’2”, 221 lbs | Miami, FL | 2-star | Georgia Southern, Virginia, South Carolina, Kennesaw State, UAB
#61 ATH Gabriel Dubose | 6’2”, 220 lbs | Shreveport, LA | 3-star | South Carolina, Virginia, LSU, Rutgers, Minnesota
#89 MLB Taylor Bruggeman | 6’1”, 235 lbs | Bethesda, MD | 2-star | Rutgers, Virginia, James Madison, Buffalo, Vanderbilt

Defensive Back
#203 CB Ryan Procter | 6’0”, 179 lbs | Washington, MD | 2-star | Virginia, East Carolina, Buffalo, Eastern Washington, USF
#52 CB Marquez Bordeaux | 6’1”, 181 lbs | Collierville, TN | 3-star | South Carolina, Virginia, Minnesota, Rutgers, Oregon
#11 CB Mike McCann | 5’11”, 178 lbs | Washington, MD | 4-star | Penn State, Clemson, North Carolina, Virginia Tech, NC State
#104 FS Ramon Mingo | 5’11”, 195 lbs | Portsmouth, VA | 2-star | Rutgers, Virginia, Temple, James Madison, Navy
#75 SS Warren Rutter | 6’1”, 203 lbs | Rockville, MD | 2-star | Virginia, East Carolina, Maryland, Kent State, Buffalo
#16 Rasheem Meredith | 6’1”, 207 lbs | Charleston, WV | 3-star | Virginia, Temple, Kent State, Akron, James Madison

[redsox907]

couple of big targets on the recruiting board

Looks like Colandrea is gonna need to fill up the stat sheet in year 1

[Captain Canada]

couple of big targets on the recruiting board

Looks like Colandrea is gonna need to fill up the stat sheet in year 1

In Colandrea we trust (please God )

[Agent]

Bringing anyone from UMASS with you?

[Captain Canada]

Week 1 Preview: vs Colorado


Record: 0-0, 0-0 Big 12
Head Coach: Deion Sanders
Offensive Scheme: Spread
Defensive Scheme: Base 4-3

Injuries
HB Bennett Galloway, Sr - Torn Pectoral (Out)

Colorado Projected Starters
QB #3 Dominiq Ponder, Rs So | 6'5", 185 lbs | 81 overall
HB #7 Dallan Hayden, Sr | 5'10", 205 lbs | 88 overall
WR #6 Drelon Miller, Jr | 6'1", 195 lbs | 91 overall
WR #85 Elic Ayomanor, Rs Sr | 6'2", 210 lbs | 91 overall
WR #82 Terrell Timmons Jr., Rs Sr | 6'2", 195 lbs | 84 overall
TE #37 Morgan Pearson, Rs Jr | 6'1", 225 lbs | 78 overall
LT #77 Jordan Seaton, Jr | 6'5", 285 lbs | 88 overall
LG #75 Zack Owens, Rs Jr | 6'6", 375 lbs | 91 overall
C #58 Hank Zilinskas, Sr | 6'3", 285 lbs | 90 overall
RG #59 Yahya Attia, Rs So | 6'4", 330 lbs | 72 overall
RT #71 Payton Kirkland, Rs Jr | 6'6", 350 lbs | 83 overall
---------------
DE #96 Frederick Spruce, So | 6'4", 292 lbs | 88 overall
DE #93 Samuel Okunlola, Rs Sr | 6'4", 245 lbs | 86 overall
DT #95 Tawfiq Thomas, Rs Sr | 6'4", 300 lbs | 78 overall
DT #99 Travis Whyte, Fr | 6'1", 296 lbs | 61 overall
OLB #54 Bo Lapenna, Rs Sr | 6'1", 225 lbs | 80 overall
MLB #57 Kyeran Garcia, Rs So | 6'0", 215 lbs | 77 overall
OLB #19 Shakir Moffett, So | 6'1", 233 lbs | 73 overall
CB #17 Isaiah Hardge, Rs So | 5'10", 160 lbs | 86 overall
CB #3 Colton Hood, Rs Jr | 5'11", 190 lbs | 85 overall
FS #23 Carter Stoutmire, Rs Jr | 5'11", 205 lbs | 81 overall
SS #5 R.J. Johnson, Rs Jr | 6'2", 180 lbs | 80 overall
K #11 Robert Bowanko, Fr | 6'2", 191 lbs | 70 overall
P #10 Caesar Marpet, So | 6'5", 230 lbs | 73 overall
KR #28 Asaad Waseem, Rs Jr | 5'11", 175 lbs | 97 overall

---

Coach James Xavier's Gameplan

"We're not going to sit here and act like there's no butterflies, no nerves. It's game one, and there's a lot of pressure, a lot of eyes on us. How we perform from the top down. Coach Prime has assembled one hell of an offense, and a defense that swarms to the ball. They adopted his identity very well. We need to stick to the fundamentals of winning football. Take advantage of their mistakes and limit our own. Don't try and do too much. Don't try and win the game in one big play. We do that, we can handle them. Those receivers are dynamic, they want to spread the field and destroy is, we need to harness that energy and slow them down."

[Captain Canada]

Bringing anyone from UMASS with you?

Nope, they can stay in the MAC. (What I wouldn't give for C.J. Hester with my number 1 running back out right now).

[YaBoyRobRoy]

Smoke the buffaloes!