Cavalier quarterback Smalls to transfer

Among all the pressing questions surrounding what Virginia’s football program will look like in 2010, the most common surrounds the quarterback position.
One more potential option was erased from that equation Monday — through a released statement, UVa announced that sophomore quarterback Riko Smalls would transfer to another program following the current semester.
It was not a major surprise as Smalls, a native of Plano, Texas, had not been practicing with the Cavaliers during the spring practice period.
“Riko and I have decided that it is in his best interests to seek an opportunity that will allow him greater success in college,” Virginia coach Mike London said.
Smalls did not get on the field for the Cavaliers in 2009, although he was moved to wide
receiver early in training camp, and was redshirted in 2008 by former coach Al Groh.
After Marc Verica suffered a concussion at Miami on Nov. 7, however, Smalls was switched back to quarterback and was listed second on the depth chart behind former starting signal-caller Jameel Sewell.
Smalls picked Virginia over Wake Forest after being told that he would have a chance to play quarterback. The Demon Deacons’ coaches were interested in slotting Smalls in the secondary.
Sewell said he thought that Smalls could still be productive at quarterback in a new system.
“Riko is definitely a pure athlete. The reason that he will be successful is because he has something that a lot of guys don’t have and need to work on and that’s the extra work that comes with football,” Sewell said. “After every practice, he would still be out there for another hour throwing balls and working on his footwork. Just seeing that and seeing his drive, you can tell that he is working.
“I really think he will be successful as long as he keeps his head on straight and stays positive. There shouldn’t be anything that stops that kid.”
Smalls’ expected departure leaves Verica, a rising senior, as the clear favorite to start at quarterback in the season
opener at home against Richmond, but competition for the nod could eventually emerge from redshirt freshman Ross Metheny, true freshman Michael Strauss or sophomore Quintin Hunter, who was a star at Orange County High School, or from the incoming class of recruits.
As was the case with Smalls, Hunter was moved by Groh to wide receiver last year in training camp and essentially wasted a year of eligibility — he caught one pass for 13 yards in nine appearances.
For now, London has allowed Hunter to return to quarterback.
“He’s looking OK,” London said. “All these guys have room to improve. The system Quintin has been used to — spread, read, run — we’re asking him to throw the ball to spots and read coverage.
“So there’s a little bit of an adjustment he has to make.”
The Payne Train
Initially, there was a special bond between running back Keith Payne and Groh.
The former head coach, now the defensive coordinator at Georgia Tech, raved on numerous occasions about the production that Payne would provide at some point.
It never came and the honeymoon soured for numerous reasons, including those pertaining to academic obligations.
Payne, who was even listed at fullback for a brief period, was ultimately given the choice by Groh last year to buy into the system as a reserve or to walk away from the sport.
He walked.
After meeting with London, the 6-foot-3, 255-pounder was welcomed back to the Virginia family.
Well, kind of.
Payne’s academic success is being monitored closely as he nears graduation.
“I tell you what, Keith, so far, has done everything I have asked him to do in terms of class expectations and attending class,” London said. “He’s a guy going into his last year and that means this is the last opportunity for him. I wanted to make it clear to Keith that his talent alone, although it’s impressive, it wasn’t going to be the thing that’s going to put him on the field.
“It’s what he does off the field and how he handles his obligations in the classroom that’s going to be more important to me. Then I can trust him and put him in the game.”
Payne’s presence would certainly help the Cavaliers in short-yardage situations, London said.
“Keith is a big back that can run and get you five yards or get you 50 yards and he’s shown that a couple of times during the last couple of practices,” the first-year coach said. “How high, how far Keith goes is going to depend on Keith. He and I are in agreement that [there are] certain things that he has got to get done and as long he’s doing those things, then he’s going to be here. So far, he’s doing everything we’ve asked of him.”