Sights and sounds from Virginia football training camp practice on Aug. 9.
Virginia held its first scrimmage of the preseason on Saturday morning at Scott Stadium.
Five things learned from the first week of Virginia football training camp Virginia football notes: Why LB James Jackson switched to No. 1 for 2025
And from the short sample size in which reporters were given to observe the scrimmage, there are a few takeaways of significance.
Unamba gets first crack at right tackle
With Arkansas State transfer right tackle Makilan Thomas sidelined for multiple months due to a bone fracture in his foot after suffering the injury two days into training camp, the Cavaliers' search for his replacement is ongoing. Thomas was the projected starter at right tackle from the moment the Hoos acquired him in the transfer portal after the spring.
On Saturday, the first-team right tackle was former New Mexico and Kentucky offensive lineman Wallace Unamba, indicating that he's getting the first chance in the position battle to win the job.
People are also reading... How people are watching concerts for free at Allianz Amphitheater -- and whether they can for much longer TJ Maxx opens new location in Richmond area Richmond actor shot trying to help during confrontation in Shockoe Bottom This TGI Fridays in Richmond has closed Rhoades, Penn State buy out VCU home-and-home; Rams, Odom's UVa have held scheduling talks Nokoribi is closing, The Veil Brewing to reduce hours 5 things to know about what's happened at Midlothian baseball Richmond police confirms death of actor Adam Turck and 19-year-old shooter Azalea shopping center on Richmond border sells for $15 million It's a boy -- a big boy. Newborn shatters Newport News hospital's birthweight record. Update: Police identify Richmond actor as victim of Shockoe Bottom shooting Where to find the best pizza in Richmond A Renaissance faire with an edge at Agecroft Hall Preseason football T-D Top 10 : Who's set to run the 804 in 2025? Commercial real estate listings: Ukrop's Super Markets buys space on Patterson Ave.
Unamba, a 6-foot-6, 335-pounder, started 10 games for former UVa coach Bronco Mendenhall with the Lobos last fall. He did not allow a sack in 2024 and became a sought-after target in the portal. He committed to Kentucky over UVa in December and spent the spring with the Wildcats before re-entering the portal and ultimately landing with the Cavaliers.
Others involved in that competition are veteran Jack Witmer, sophomore Ben York and Syracuse transfer David Wohlabaugh Jr.
A noticeable absence
Standout UVa linebacker Kam Robinson was not at the scrimmage on Saturday. Earlier in the week, he was limited in practice. So, Robinson's status is one to keep an eye on, considering he is one of the best players at his position in the ACC.
Offensive starters
There were few surprises in the group of first-teamers on offense. Starters were quarterback Chandler Morris, running back Xavier Brown, wide receivers Trell Harris and Jayden Thomas, slot receiver Cam Ross and tight end Dakota Twitty. The offensive line starters from left to right were left tackle McKale Boley, left guard Noah Josey, center Brady Wilson, right guard Drake Metcalf and Unamba at right tackle.
Morris completed a pass to Twitty, who was running a slant, on the first play of the scrimmage.
Defensive starters
Defensive starters were transfers Fisher Camac (UNLV) and Mitchell Melton (Ohio State) at defensive end. Sixth-year Jahmeer Carter and Alabama transfer Hunter Osborne took the first snap at defensive tackle. James Jackson and Landon Danley were the first-team linebackers and in the secondary, Louisville transfer Devin Neal and Ethan Minter were the top safeties. Former Morgan State defensive back Ja'son Prevard started at nickel and Cincinnati transfer Jordan Robinson and true freshman Josiah Persinger started at cornerback.
The Hoos are undoubtedly thin at cornerback currently after losing former Georgia State corner Ja'Maric Morris to an ACL injury for the year.
A likely reason for Persinger working with the first-team defense is because Army transfer Donavon Platt was dressed for the scrimmage, but in a limited, non-contact jersey. Former Utah and Georgia Tech cornerback Kenan Johnson isn't expected to be cleared until midway through the month either.
Greg Madia
@GregMadia on X
Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Greg Madia Author email Follow Greg Madia Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification.
{{description}}
Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today