Simpson leader of green group

Mum was the word from Mikell Simpson.

Outside of a few nods of the head and a handful of handshakes, Virginia’s starting running back avoided contact with the media.

Strictly business was the approach that Simpson took entering the Cavaliers’ training camp after a season that included just five wins, few memorable moments and one separated shoulder.

Simpson’s slump remains a mystery to those within the program, but the presence of Cedric Peerman, healthy and productive, explained some of the dropoff.

Virginia enters the current campaign with Simpson slotted as the top back in front of a host of viable, yet unproven candidates.

Torrey Mack, a redshirt freshman, has continued to impress in training camp and junior Keith Payne appears poised for a breakthrough should the playing time emerge.

“It is a versatile group,” said Virginia running backs coach Wayne Lineburg. “All of them can run the ball well, which is the No. 1 thing they’ve got to be able to do, and they’ve got to protect the ball and protect the quarterback.

“All of them have good hands, too. They’re a good group of kids that can catch the ball, and that’s very helpful in this offense.”

What Simpson provides, however, may be the most beneficial based on his in-game experience.

“The two leading candidates as the leading tailback are Mack and Simpson, both for their skills and their versatility,” said Virginia coach Al Groh. “Keith Payne has upgraded his performance here this year and had some positive plays [of late]. He’s clearly very much in the mix.”

Despite having the 108th-ranked rushing offense last year, Virginia is hopeful to improve on its stats this season with a host of capable carriers.

“I think we will churn out yards,” said Virginia fullback Rashawn Jackson. “We have the weapons and in this offense we are in the right spots. It is up to us to get it done.”