2009.01.07
Ogletree leaving; Cavs get commitment
Efforts to rebuild Virginia’s offense took an initial blow Thursday with the announcement that top playmaker Kevin Ogletree will make himself available for the NFL Draft.
Ogletree, who returned from reconstructive knee surgery to catch 58 passes this past season, graduated in December but was eligible to play as a graduate student in 2008.
“Kevin feels this is the appropriate time for him to move on,” coach Al Groh said in a statement released by UVa’s sports information office. “We agree and support him in his decision and wish him much success.”
Ogletree led the Cavaliers in receptions, receiving yards (723) and touchdown receptions (five). He was the second on the team in scoring and all-purpose yardage.
“Kevin has been a significant part of our team,” Groh said in an understatement.
Ogletree is scheduled to speak to the media on a teleconference tonight at 8 p.m.
His departure leaves Jared Green, who had 12 receptions this past season as a redshirt freshman, as the Cavaliers’ top returning wide receiver.
Senior Cary Koch, who had 30 receptions as a slot receiver, is preparing an appeal for an extra year of eligibility.
In other news concerning the Cavaliers, 6-foot-7, 300-pound offensive lineman Hunter Steward from Kellam High School in Virginia Beach has made an oral commitment to Virginia.
Steward, rated the No. 31 senior in Virginia by The Roanoke Times, moved to Virginia Beach from Canada before the season. He turned 17 over the Christmas break and may spend the 2009 season at Fork Union Military Academy, although he meets NCAA eligibility guidelines.
“He did a great job for us but he’s only begun to scratch the surface,” said Kellam coach Chris Dewitt, who said Steward picked UVa over Marshall.
Steward, who will join fellow Canadians Austin Pasztor and Brent Urban in the UVa program, is the 23rd player to commit to the Cavaliers for 2009.
Oggletree must have an inflated sense of value since he was decent for UVA but hardly a NFL receiver. UVA is going to lacking any playmakers in 09 and will suck again.
Comment by jeff H — January 7, 2009 @ 8:51 pm
I've seen Hunter Steward play. I don't know if UVa was the only Football Bowl Subdivision school to offer him a scholarship or not. He's not quick, but he's intelligent, and a hard worker. He towers over high school players. Who knows what the future holds for him? The NFL? The bench in college?
Kevin Ogletree made a good move to turn pro. As a college sports fan, it always leaves you feeling a little angry when a player "deserts" the college game to turn pro, but that's the way it is these days. It's the reality of college sports now.
Comment by Nelson — January 8, 2009 @ 12:48 am
UVA needs to bet on Steward's size and bring him into school. If he goes to Fork Union and develops further UVA might run the risk of losing him to a better program.
Comment by Golfman2 — January 8, 2009 @ 1:33 pm
I really question Olgletree leaving ? Does he really project to go in the top five rounds ? Time will tell ..
Comment by DW — January 8, 2009 @ 1:40 pm
Ogletree only caught 5 touchdown passes in 12 games this year, and we were one of just two ACC teams not to make a bowl game. That can be replaced. I wish him luck. I think he'll make an NFL roster.
I have a feeling that the new offensive co-ordinator might move Vic Hall to wide receiver.
Comment by Nelson — January 11, 2009 @ 3:05 am