Perhaps it is a sign of two things: the Cavaliers’ offense has vast room for improvement in their new system and coach Al Groh’s defense has taken full advantage.

Virginia opens its ninth training camp under coach Al Groh today at 2:30 p.m. in a newly-announced open session for fans that will be held at the practice fields next to the McCue Center.

One of the key elements that help a spread offense become effective is a corps of wide receivers that can make something happen after the catch, or as Gregg Brandon said last December, “turn six yards into 60.”

Virginia coach Al Groh comes from a coaching tree that believes that while it takes more than three things to have a really good football team, there are three certain things a coach has to have above all else: good quarterback play; a good kicker; and a good defense.

Virginia’s Al Groh spent a portion of his media time dodging bullets during Monday’s ACC football kickoff session.

On the heels of a five-win season that included a dismal 3-5 mark in the ACC, the Cavaliers were picked by members of the media to finish fifth in the league’s Coastal Division.

With a very strong shot at being Virginia’s starting quarterback, Vic Hall wants to be as prepared as he possibly can for the task. He’s in a three-way battle with more experienced QBs, Jameel Sewell and Marc Verica, so he has to be at the top of his game.

After his memorable career at Virginia was complete, running back Cedric Peerman made a bold prediction.

If Saturday’s spring fling was any indication, the days of Virginia’s offense being the caboose of NCAA statistical data are over.

“Vic is a competitor,” said Virginia right tackle Will Barker. “On offense or defense, he is just a playmaker. Everybody respects what Vic has done and can do.”

Finally, the senior southpaw will be back.

Who knows what might have happened with Virginia football last fall if not for a change in plans last spring.

“This past year was the most phenomenal coaching job I’ve been around in all my years of coaching,” said Bob Pruett.

Virginia has secured a final non-conference tilt for the 2009 season.

Kevin Ogletree, Virginia’s leading wideout in 2008, will forego his final year at Virginia to enter the NFL draft.