Both men knew the importance of setting an example, they never complained and they never showed fatigue or pain. They were players that fans could be proud to cheer towards.
Peerman finished his senior year with a disappointing record but a strong performance.
His 127 rushing yards and touchdown against Georgia Tech gave the Cavaliers their biggest win of the season, but it was his 180-yard, two touchdown effort against East Carolina that turned around a season that appeared doomed for the dumpster.
Poindexter's unit has clearly seen success during his time. So imagine the thrill Virginia fans must have to hear that their famed safety is finally getting the chance to return to his roots and coach the secondary this season.
"Coach gave me the opportunity to come back and coach the secondary," Poindexter said in a recent interview with virginiasports.com. "It's always something I wanted to do. To have the chance to come back and coach these guys, which I have a lot of great players at their positions, it's a great challenge but I'm excited about doing it."
He is not the only one excited.
If Virginia is going to make some noise in the ACC this season, it will have to rely on the strength of its secondary. While the defensive backfield has been a nightmare at times during Groh's tenure, this corps of veterans is perhaps the biggest strength heading into this season.
"I think this group is as deep as I've seen at this University, even when I played with Ronde [Barber]," Poindexter said.
The compliment comes with high expectations though. For a program that has taken on the image of the stoic and hard-nosed Groh, it is nice to see some energy from Poindexter on the sidelines.
The cornerback knew a thing or two about making a big play and he is trying to instill that into his young players.
"The first thing you have to overcome is that 'I'm going to get beat deep,'" Poindexter said. "The kids have got to understand that it's going to happen to everyone. You've just got to play fast, try to make plays and do the system."
Big plays in the secondary will be a big key for the Cavaliers this season. Last year, Virginia's defense was ranked ninth in conference in interceptions and 10th in turnover margin.
Considering that three of Virginia's four losses in November came by 10 points or less, one big play on defense could have meant the difference between a bowl game and a long off-season.
So why not bring in a man ranked fifth in school history in interceptions?
"Play hard and good things will happen for you," Poindexter said.
As the longest tenured staff member at Virginia behind coach Groh, Poindexter now has a chance to shape the image of the program.
Without a doubt, it is his endless hustle and energy that Virginia so desperately needs.
When Poindexter roamed the field for the Cavaliers, it was his fearlessness that struck fear in opposing offenses.
Poindexter's mission now will be bring the swagger back to the Orange Crush defense with his young apprentices.
It is not an easy task, but the Cavalier legend has made a legacy by succeeding in difficult positions.
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