UVa’s Greer: Cavs working overtime to sustain momentum
Optimism is a staple of the ACC Football kickoff, and UVa linebacker Steve Greer long has been one of the team’s more optimistic guys, even during the down times. But he says there’s more legitimacy for the feeling this year after the Cavaliers went 8-5 last season and broke their bowl drought.
“We really like the direction the program’s going in and we want to continue going in that direction,” Greer said. “Guys worked really hard to get in this position, and you’ve just got to keep passing on the baton.”
UVa must replace seven defensive starters from last season, and Greer understands why there’s some trepidation about his side of the ball.
“Naturally, that’s where people are going to put their eyes, losing so many upperclassmen and leaders from last year,” Greer said. “But it’s exciting, the young guys that are stepping up.”
Last year’s defensive emphasis was minimizing the amount of big plays, which had crushed the Cavs in 2010. This year’s focus is similar.
“We want to take away the deep ball and make sure that doesn’t beat us,” Greer said. “One thing we want to stay good at is third down conversions; we did pretty well last year. That’s something that we want to continue to get better on that we did well last year.”
Greer said it’s been the team’s most productive offseason since he’s been on the team.
“We might do a morning workout, and then guys are coming over and doing a little extra workout,” he said. “Guys are being selfless and doing the extra work on the field…We’re busy as it is and guys like to use their free time to do other stuff, but when you see guys come over and put in extra work it shows that guys are hungry and that they want it.”
Obviously we’ll talk with coach Mike London about this topic tomorrow more than a guy like Greer, but Greer said he doesn’t anticipate any fractures or cliques developing in the locker room with the addition of quarterback Phillip Sims, who will challenge incumbent Michael Rocco.
“I think it’s just the mentality of our team. We don’t really have animosity between guys,” he said. “You look at our running back position: We’ve got three very good running backs, and they’re all best friends…We look at it as competition’s healthy and makes everyone better.”
July 22, 2012 - 6:47 PM
Ok. When we’re done with our cream puffs and warm milk, can we talk about the Zombie Bowl match up between us and Penn State? Two universities with heavy bleeding from self-inflicted wounds. Comparison may end there given the horrendous nature of Penn State’s affairs, but we need a forum for this one. I’ll open: as a devoted alum of the Wahoo-Wa, I am cringing at the prospect of playing Penn State. It’s wrong. The game needs a rain date, but quick.
Greer is absolutely correct that the defense needs to minimize the big plays. Hey, wasn’t the final score VT 38, UVA 0? That’s an improvement, for sure! Keep smoking those pipes, Greer, and I think I know of a good source for Greer to tap into.
Those UVa guys crack me up, pun intended. They think their team are legit. Sure they are. They haven’t even touched or earned the Commonwealth Cup in several years. It probably is the stuff of a myth for those cousins in Charlottesville. Yes, Wahoos, the Cup does exist. It’s in Blacksburg, and no, you can’t have it. You have to earn it.
Best of luck!
Trevor,
Love the crack pipe references. By the way, congrats on the reinstatement of Cody Journell.
As a UVa fan, I am proud to have Steve Greer represent my school.
I don’t think it a good to put the Wha Whos? down – They have some pretty good tallent – Hit the Tidewater region pretty hard – Recruiting for 2013 have them ahead od us – Doing a good job with offensive linemen – We should do as well – Need those Ots and OGs to run the ball – Let’s se how we do on Labor Day!
Oh look, another UVa article, yet the Hokies try to make it about them. Do you VPI tools ever just worry about your own team?
Yep, Trevor, that was a pretty appropriate reference when talking about the Hokies. I see some pretty funny fan insults directed at Journell in the future.
Trevor
I am SURE the Hokies are proud to have a fan like you rooting for them…and a fine upstanding citizen like Cody Journell on the team.
Aaron,
What does Paterno’s vacated wins mean for Coach Beamer?
Trevor, not everything revolves around Blacksburg. May pizza boxes ans toy pistols find there way into the seats of Lane stadium at the Hokies first home game.
Trevor do you think Beamer puts the Commonwealth Cup in his empty National Championship case? If not he should. Might be the only thing he ever has to put in there.