ACC Roundup: Empty lockers, family ties and position changes
There's no shortage of drama in Charlottesville, Va., and spring practices haven't even begun. When the Cavaliers finally do start practice on March 21, a significant number of lockers will be empty.
Four players -- including starting quarterback Jameel Sewell, cornerback Chris Cook, linebacker Darnell Carter, and wide receiver Chris Dalton -- are in academic trouble and are not currently enrolled in the spring semester. Defensive end Jeffrey Fitzgerald, who was the Cavaliers' best hope at filling the crater left by All-American Chris Long, is also no longer in school. Patrick Kane, Fitzgerald's coach at Hermitage High School, said Fitzgerald is transferring for personal reasons. And junior defensive back Mike Brown is facing criminal charges.
"We're hoping that if [Sewell] does everything he needs to do, they'll let him come back next semester, but that's a UVA deal," said Kane, who also coached Sewell. "In the past, their policy has been two semesters."
Brown's future remains uncertain, too.
According to Lt. Melissa Fielding of the University of Virginia oolice department, Brown was charged with one count each of grand larceny, possession of stolen property with intent to sell, altering serial numbers and possession of marijuana. On Feb. 6, police responded to a call from the Central Grounds Parking Garage, where the victim reported four items worth more than $3,400 stolen from his vehicle.
Virginia coach Al Groh, who was on the road last week, has declined to address the media until his spring practice press conference later this month, but did issue this statement about Brown through assistant director for media relations Jim Daves:
"We take allegations of this nature very seriously," Groh said. "At this time we are currently gathering the facts. In view of the nature of the allegation, Mike Brown is not participating with the program at this time."
Here's a breakdown of who will be missing and possible candidates to replace them:
Out: QB Jameel Sewell: Threw for 2,176 yards, 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2007. Completed 58.8 percent of his passes and started all 13 games.
IN? Peter Lalich: Played in eight games as a true freshman in 2007 and threw the ball just 61 times. Threw for 321 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Marc Verica or Scott Deke could also earn time.
Out: Cornerback Chris Cook: The senior played in nine games last season, had one interception and six passes defended.
In? Ras-I Dowling started several games while Cook was hurt, as did Mike Parker (four pass breakups, two fumble recoveries). As a true freshman last season, Dowling played in 12 games, had nine pass breakups and two interceptions.
Out: Linebacker Darnell Carter: A backup to leading tackler Jon Copper, earned just one tackle in six games.
In? Copper returns.
Out: WR Chris Dalton: Did not play last season.
In? All of the receivers are back, including Kevin Ogletree, Virginia's leading receiver in 2006 who missed last season with a torn ACL. Dalton's status would have remained the same this season unless he made huge improvements.
Out: Defensive end Jeffrey Fitzgerald: The No. 4 tackler on the team, with 73 total tackles, including 11½ for loss and seven sacks. Will be sorely missed, especially with the departure of All-American Chris Long.
In? Alex Field and Sean Gottschalk both played sparingly last season. Field finished with 11 tackles and 1½ sacks. Gottschalk had four tackles in nine games.
Out: Cornerback Mike Brown: Redshirted in 2007 after suffering a season-ending knee injury.
In? Losing Brown and Cook hurt the depth in the secondary, but Vic Hall, Parker and Dowling have some experience. Trey Womack might also get a chance to play a more significant role.
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