Mack ready for his chance

Virginia running back Torrey Mack’s favorite movie genre is horror. One of his favorite films is “Friday the 13th,” featuring the hockey mask-wearing Jason. “The last one was really good,” Mack said. “I liked how they showed [Jason] growing up.”

Mack has done some maturing himself since redshirting last season as a freshman. This season, the 6-foot, 190-pounder has his sights set on putting some fright into opposing defenses.

Mack, known as “T-Mac” to his teammates, seems well on his way.

The Stratford, Conn., native is getting some first-team reps with presumptive starter Mikell Simpson hobbled. Whether that remains true for next Saturday’s season opener versus William & Mary isn’t clear, but regardless of whether Mack earns the nod, it’s a near certainty that he will get a chance to show his talent at some point.

After being ranked the eighth best running back in the nation by SuperPrep coming out of high school, and then not playing last season, Mack is chomping at the bit.

“I had a lot of things to learn,” said Mack, when asked about being redshirted. “I was mad at the time, but it ended up really benefiting me a lot. I’m glad it happened.

“I’m just anxious to get back on the field. I don’t care where. Wherever the coaches put me, I’m going to be happy.”

Mack says the biggest things he absorbed from his sideline perch were reading defenses, offensive blocking schemes and how to carry the ball properly. He credits former Virginia running back Cedric Peerman for teaching him the most. Peerman, now with the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, still stays in contact with Mack.

Peerman told The Daily Progress last April that he expects Mack to carry the torch at the position that has produced numerous NFL standouts, including Tiki Barber, Thomas Jones and Terry Kirby.

When you ask current Virginia players about Mack, they begin to talk excitedly.

“I just like to sit in practice and watch T-Mac run around,” said Virginia fullback Rashawn Jackson. “He’s like a bigger Reggie Bush [or] LeSean McCoy. He’s shifty. He can run and stop on a dime, and he’s crafty.

“I just really can’t wait to see T-Mac [against William & Mary]. I like his style. He’s really come along and progressed.”

Mack, who grew up idolizing former Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith — his current favorites are Saints back Bush and Adrian Peterson of the Vikings — will also get a chance in the kickoff-return game. Mack, along with teammates Mikell Simpson and Chris Cook, has been taking reps during the preseason.

“I kind of like [returning kicks],” Mack said. “It gives you a chance to be aggressive.”

Mack, whose father, Torry Sr., played basketball at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, says he likes to incorporate facets of Bush and Peterson’s games into his own

“I think I have a little aspect of both of them,” he said. “I’m shifty, but I can lower my shoulders when I have to.”

Jackson can’t wait to see Mack in action.

“T-Mac is just explosive,” he said. “He brings a different element in his game. This is going to be a big year for him.”