Last year, Virginia’s defense was anything but good. Ranked 118th in defensive efficiency, 122 in value drive rate, and 127th in average line yards, the unit held the team back from a spectacular season under the leadership of starting quarterback Brennan Armstrong. At the end of the year, because of the defense’s performance, it was certain that change was coming. 

  

Now, 2022 marks the beginning of a new era for Cavalier football. Coach Tony Elliott’s arrival led to the transition to a new defensive staff. Elliott was quick to bring on John Rudzinski, a former coach at Air Force, as the Cavalier’s defensive coordinator. While both Rudzinski and former Defensive Coordinator Nick Howell are similar in their use of a base 3-4 defense, they differ in their philosophical approaches to defense. Rudzinski, unlike Howell, focuses on using linebackers to cover the field and play in space against faster offensive opponents. Though it will surely take time for the Virginia defense to adapt to its new leader, Rudzinski will hopefully be the spark to turn around a unit that really struggled last year. 

  

While Rudzinski can provide the spark though, it is the players who must fuel the fire. Last year, we saw key players like Mandy Alonso, Noah Taylor, Nick Grant, and Joey Blount conclude their career in the orange and blue. Now, it is up to the next generation. Let’s take a look at some of Virginia’s defensive big names and underdogs for the 2022 season. 

 

Big Names:

Nick Jackson - LB (SR) 

This year, Nick Jackson will undoubtedly be the leader of the Cavalier defense. Following his 117 tackles last season, the 6-foot-1-inch, 235-pound senior is gearing up for a massive senior season. With his eyes set on the NFL, the two-time All ACC honoree will look to build on the 248 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, four broken up passes, and one forced fumble he has already accumulated in his three seasons with the team.

 

Kam Butler - Edge (SR) 

Kam Butler, the transfer from Miami University, will be another key part of Virginia’s 2022 defense. The 6-foot-3-inch, 250-pound was a three time All-MAC pass rusher at Miami University where he logged 120 total tackles, 16 sacks, 31.5 tackles for loss, and three broken passes in his four seasons of play. His size and speed will make him the heart and soul of the Cavalier pass rush.

 

Anthony Johnson - CB (SR) 

Anthony Johnson, a 6-foot-1-inch, 195-pound cornerback, decided to stay in Charlottesville for another year after transferring from Louisville before last season. A big hitter, Johnson accounted for 43 tackles, two interceptions, 13 broken passes, and three forced fumbles during his three years with the Cardinals. Last season, for Virginia, he logged 44 tackles, three picks (tying Joey Blount), and five broken up passes. If he can continue to build on these numbers, Johnson will surely be an asset on defense this season.

 

Jahmeer Carter - DT (JR)

Jahmeer Carter will be another star of this year’s defense. He’s 6-feet-3-inches, 319 pounds, with a fair amount of quickness. In the last two seasons, he has accounted for 37 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss while at nose tackle.

 

Aaron Faumui – DT (SR)

Last season, Faumui posted 23 total tackles, 13 solo tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and one sack. Though these stats don’t immediately jump off the page, this was a comeback season for the Hawaii native as he did not play in any games during the 2020 season. Now, with a year back under his belt, he could be ready to take the main stage for Virginia.  

 

Underdogs

Jonas Sanker – S (SO)

Last year, Sanker was one of 14 true freshmen to appear for Virginia. During his nine appearances, the 6-foot, 199-pound safety posted five tackles and two solo tackles. With that experience, Sanker has a solid foundation to build off of this season- particularly with UVA in such desperate need for improvement in the secondary.

  

Langston Long – S (SO)

Like Sanker, Long was one of the 14 freshmen who made an appearance for UVA last season. He played in eight games- logging four total tackles and three solo tackles. If Long uses his offseason productively, he could be due for a big sophomore year.

 

Chico Bennett Jr. – LB (SR)

Georgia Tech transfer Chico Bennett Jr. is definitely someone to keep your eyes on. Though he was unable to play last season due to a knee injury, he has been in the locker room with the team since the spring of 2020. Bennett also played well with the Jackets: leading all freshman tacklers with 17 total tackles (12 solo) with 0.5 tackles for loss.

Mike Green – LB (SO)

Mike Green is a 6-foot-4-inch, 233-pound sophomore linebacker from Williamsburg, Virginia. Last season, he joined Sanker and Long as another one of the 14 true freshmen to earn in-game reps. During his six appearances, he contributed four tackles. This year, his size, speed, and experience could make him a dangerous weapon for the Cavaliers.

 

Antonio Clary – S (SR)

Last season, Antonio Clary accounted for 42 total tackles, 20 solo tackles, and 0.5 tackles for loss. While these numbers don’t immediately pop, they reflect the consistent improvement that we have witnessed from Clary over the course of his career. If he can continue to develop the way he has (2019: 4 tackles, 2020: 24 tackles, 2021: 42 tackles), he could become a big name in the opponent's locker room.

 

While much about Virginia’s offense this year is uncertain, it seems as if the only direction they can go is up. And, due to the arrival of Tony Elliott and his new coaching staff, including John Rudzinski, there seems to be a new energy surrounding Cavalier football. To be successful, though, the Hoos will need its stars to shine bright and its sleepers to wake up.