The Cavaliers return four starters from 2008.

“It was scary at first, because we are on an island and you really don’t have anybody next to you when you are in a tight situation,” said right guard B.J. Cabbell. “But mainly it is all about confidence. If you are confident in your ability, you shouldn’t have a problem.”

Weeks ago, Virginia right guard B.J. Cabbell threw in a video from last season’s opening game against Southern Cal.

Certainly, there have been many factors in Virginia’s reversal of fortunes on the football field over the past month: a quarterback who gets it, a tough-minded defense, the return of Cedric Peerman and Kevin Ogletree’s ability to stretch opposing defenses, just to name a few. One that is often overlooked is the steady improvement of the offensive line.

While the emotions were similar, the descriptions varied.

Last year was a good time to be Dave Borbely, in his second season as Virginia’s offensive line coach. From stem to stern, he had veteran linemen at every spot, including first-round NFL draft choice Branden Albert at guard. That was last year.

In just a few years B.J. Cabbell has gone from small town to big time — football, that is.

Barker, a junior, joins senior left guard Eugene Monroe as the lone returning starters on one of the units in question heading into the new season. Former incumbents Branden Albert and Ian-Yates Cunningham, both guards, and center Jordy Lipsey must be replaced on assistant coach Dave Borbely’s offensive line.