Fall Camp Kicks Off with Offensive Emphasis
The first week of fall practice has already set the tone for the Virginia Cavaliers' offense, with coaches making it clear that the unit is a work in progress and that every position is up for grabs.
Offensive coordinator Des Kitchings told reporters that the team will give each receiver ample opportunities to prove themselves, aiming to lock down a rotation of six to eight players by the end of camp.
Four of those spots appear to be already spoken for: Rico Flores Jr., Kam Courtney, Da’Shawn Martin and Jacquon Gibson have each earned early praise and are expected to feature prominently in the planned rotation.
That leaves only four remaining places for a group that includes Dillon Newton‑Short, Isaiah Robinson, Tyson Davis, Dylan Cope, Josiah Abdullah and TyLyric Coleman, creating a tight battle for playing time.
The Running Back Race
Head coach Elliott has stressed that earning consistent performance and the trust of the quarterbacks will be the ultimate determinants of who sees the field.
Among the backs, Jekail Middlebrook has emerged as the frontrunner for the RB1 role, drawing repeated commendation for his versatility, physicality and ability to make plays in multiple phases of the game.
Kitchings highlighted Middlebrook’s three‑phase skill set — running, pass catching and pass blocking — and noted that the sophomore has never had a bad day in practice, a testament to his steady, playmaking and coachable nature.
Middlebrook’s positive attitude and body language on the field have also impressed staff, reinforcing the belief that he can handle the responsibilities of a lead back.
The conversation about the backfield also brings up J’Mari Taylor, who won the starting role in 2025 after beating out Harrison Waylee, the former NCAA active career rushing yards leader, underscoring the depth of talent vying for carries.
Looking Ahead
As camp progresses, the Cavaliers will continue to fine‑tune their rotations, with the ultimate goal of fielding a balanced, reliable offense that can execute under pressure. The early emphasis on competition suggests that the final lineup will be shaped by performance rather than preseason expectations.