London faces a tough decision at quarterback

When Mike London examined his roster for spring drills, the Virginia football coach had to take a long look at a question that confronts any rebuilding program.

With no pressure (except self-imposed) to win during his first year on the job, should he stick with his most experienced quarterback or throw caution to the wind and start anew with a youngster? Every coach has his own philosophy on which way to go.

London has kept an open mind and probably won’t made a final judgment until either the end of spring — or delay the decision until training camp in August — but for now, it appears he’s going to go with senior Marc Verica, the only guy on the roster with any real experience, and try to develop a strong backup amongst the younger players.

“I think right now you just try to find the right mix of guys that understand the schemes and systems, who can then go out and execute on the field,” said London, who will oversee his first Wahoo spring game on Saturday at Scott Stadium. “To me, nobody’s position is safe, including quarterback.”

Verica, of course, had a nice ride for part of the 2008 season before being plagued by interceptions. Last season, as Jameel Sewell’s backup, Verica appeared in six games and passed for a total of 156 yards and no touchdowns.

However, he has a better grasp of UVa’s offense, has seen all the coverages and blitzes and has been there when the bullets were flying.

The other guys — redshirt freshman Ross Metheny and early-enrollee freshman Michael Strauss — obviously haven’t played in a game. Several true freshmen coming in for training camp will also be thrown into the mix early.

London wants to redshirt the entire incoming class, but realizes that he probably can’t afford to do so, especially at quarterback.

“I do know that one of them is going to have to be one of those guys who will push for significant playing time,” the coach said.

Among Metheny, Strauss and the newcomers, somebody is going to be the backup or the third guy developed because the Cavaliers are so young at the position.

“We have to try to develop a strong starter and at least two others, a backup and another than can compete, that we can take on the road just in case,” London said.

While the Cavaliers are green at the position, that will not discourage the program from recruiting another quarterback in the new class. London believes that it’s necessary to bring in a QB every year because some candidates get injured, some transfer and some realize they can’t play the spot at this level and switch to another position.

The good news for Wahoo fans is that London and his staff are in the mix for a couple of good high school quarterbacks, and there happen to be a couple of really good ones in the state.

“After this season, if I’m a high school quarterback, I’d be chomping at the bit for an opportunity to play at Virginia,” London said.

With two other QB candidates — Riko Smalls (transfer) and former Orange County High School star Quintin Hunter (moved to wide receiver) — out of the picture, the future appears wide open at quarterback.

Cavalier fans will get their first looks at Metheny and Strauss on Saturday, along with a closer look at a refreshed Verica.

“The curve is easier for Marc as opposed to the other guys because nobody else has taken a snap in a game,” London said.

It’s an entirely different game when young QBs get their first taste of real action. If they’re not ready, it is a humbling spectacle.