Breaking down Virginia’s receivers

Jared Green
Sophomore — 6-foot-2, 180 pounds
The skinny: Stuck behind a host of veterans last year, Green fought for playing time and managed 12 receptions for 144 yards. He also found the end zone against Miami on a 2-yard pass from Marc Verica. One of the fastest players on the team, Green has impressed in training camp and should start the opener. “He has made a ton of plays so far,” said Virginia quarterback Vic Hall. “We know we can rely on him to make plays.”

Javaris Brown
RS Freshman — 5-foot-11, 175 pounds
The skinny: Explosive and athletic, Brown could be a household name in a matter of weeks. The rookie is likely to start the opener after redshirting last year. He hauled in 38 passes for 550 yards as a senior at Northeast High in Macon, Ga.

Matt Snyder
Sophomore — 6-foot-4, 205 pounds
The skinny: Although he did not play in a game last year, Snyder was impressive in the spring game and has continued to climb the depth chart. The former walk-on from Richmond has impressed with his ability to block, something that will be needed in the new spread offense.

Joe Torchia
Junior — 6-foot-6, 250 pounds
The skinny: A shoulder injury suffered at Duke kept Torchia off the field for five games, and he failed to catch a pass while backing up former starter John Phillips, now with the Dallas Cowboys. It remains to be seen how a tight end will be used in the new-look offense, but Bowling Green was quick to use the tight end in the red zone under new offensive coordinator Gregg Brandon.

Kris Burd
Sophomore — 5-foot-11, 190 pounds
The skinny: Buried on the depth chart, Burd did manage seven catches for 65 yards last year and lettered for the first time in his career. He was kept off the field early in training camp but has continued to climb the depth chart in recent days.

Quintin Hunter
Freshman — 6-foot-1, 185 pounds
The skinny: A quarterback at Orange County High, Hunter was slotted at wideout and could see the field this season. It remains unclear where he will play in the coming seasons.

Dontrelle Inman
Junior — 6-foot-3, 190 pounds
The skinny: After becoming a viable option in 2007 as a rookie, Inman was seldom used last year in the passing game. The South Carolina native finished the campaign with just two catches for 22 yards. The season prior Inman had 17 receptions, which left many to debate if he should have redshirted. He has missed training-camp snaps thus far with a broken bone in his hand, but could return to the starting lineup in the near future.

Staton Jobe
Junior — 6 feet, 185 pounds
The skinny: A potential force on special teams, Jobe saw the field in just four games last year. He provides depth at the position and started 12 games in 2007.

Zach Mendez-Zfass
Junior — 6-foot-1, 190 pounds
The skinny: A scout team standout, Mendez-Zfass has gotten better every season. Whether that translates into actual playing time remains to be seen given the host of options at the position.

Kevin Royal
Freshman — 6-foot-3, 215 pounds
The skinny: The fifth-best player from Connecticut last year, the rookie was rated a two-star prospect. Showed excellent footwork during open practice sessions and has above average hands. He missed half of his senior season due to an injury, leaving questions about his durability.

Riko Smalls
RS Freshman — 6 feet, 200 pounds
The skinny: A quarterback last year, Smalls has made the transition to wideout and could see the field this season. Has wowed the staff with his toughness, but must learn in the nuisances of the position.

Bobby Smith
Freshman — 6-foot-5, 205 pounds
The skinny: One of the tallest receivers on the team, Smith could emerge as a target in the red zone. A redshirt season remains a possibility.

Tim Smith
Freshman — 6 feet, 175 pounds
The skinny: Expect to see Smith on the field this season. A freakish player in training camp, Smith has scored numerous touchdowns in practice. A four-star prospect, Smith was rated the fifth-best player in the state. He caught 73 passes for 1,681 yards and scored five touchdowns on special teams. Smith could emerge as the team’s starting punt returner.

Colter Phillips
RS Freshman — 6-foot-6, 245 pounds
The skinny: One of just four tight ends on the roster, Phillips is the top reserve behind Joe Torchia. Phillips redshirted last season and has struggled at times in training camp pulling in passes in traffic.