Last season, Branden Albert went in the first round to the Kansas City Chiefs. Before that it was D’Brickashaw Ferguson going to the Jets with the fourth pick of the Draft. Eugene Monroe appears to be the next candidate in line for a future Cavalier lineman in the pros.
The 315 lb. senior tackle has always found a way to distinguish himself from the crowd. Being one of 16 children, including 10 brothers, Monroe has had his fair share of backyard brawls, and it clearly shows on the gridiron.
Monroe will be critical this season as he tries to keep quarterback Pete Lalich upright and create lanes against defenses that will expect the run practically every down. Thankfully, Monroe has proven to be durable, missing only two games in three years at Virginia. The Cavaliers will need that kind of consistency as they look to shore up their line and pound the rock early and often in 2008.
4. Clint Sintim- Before Chris Long came around, Virginia defenses were known for their linebackers. Kai Parham and Ahmad Brooks used to strike fear in ACC quarterbacks, and senior Clint Sintim is clearly the next in line to lead the 2008 defensive unit.
Sintim had 77 tackles last season, second among returning Cavaliers. He particularly knows how to get to the quarterback, leading the team in quarterback hits with 17 while recording nine sacks.
Of course, it is easier to rack up those types of numbers with Long and Jeffrey Fitzgerald penetrating the offensive line for you. The onus will be on Sintim and his teammates to not only pressure the quarterback but also play pass coverages. Overall, the secondary of Virginia is still very young and inexperienced.
Nevertheless, Sintim has shown the raw talent to dominate games, and now has the experience to be a true leader and role model. Sintim is almost guaranteed a spot on the All-ACC team; one wonders if he also has a spot as Virginia’s impact player.
THE REST: Of course, the truth is that sometimes the impact player is completely under the radar around this time. Maybe the real leader will be someone working hard in the gym right this moment to have his name mentioned among these big names. Time will tell, but fortunately for the Cavaliers, the wait is almost over.
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