Bronco updates UVA roster; who’s back and who’s not

Faumui opts out of season

By Jerry Ratcliffe

From the outside, it appeared that this would be Aaron Faumui’s breakout year in Virginia football.

The 6-foot-1, 280-pound junior defensive tackle from Kapolei, Hawaii, played in all 14 of UVA’s games last season and started five en route to his best season as a Cavalier. He posted 33 tackles, four quarterback sacks, eight tackles for loss, and broke up two passes.

With 26 games under his belt, Faumui was poised to make an impact in 2020.

That’s not going to happen.

Bronco Mendenhall confirmed Thursday that Faumui was one of four UVA players who have “opted out” of football this season. It appears that Faumui is back home in Hawaii and sitting this one out.

“Aaron Faumui has chosen not to play this year,” Mendenhall said.

The coach also confirmed that running back Mike Hollins (who we already identified as one of the four opting out), along with defensive back Tenyeh Dixon and wide receiver Dorien Goddard are the players he doesn’t expect to return this season.

Faumui’s absence will be felt, although UVA’s defensive line is the deepest it has been in a while. Still, it’s not easy losing a player as good as Faumui.

“The number of plays, the amount of experience and the depth that he provides,” Mendenhall said about what will be missed from Faumui. “This is the same that really a lot of teams are dealling with.

“So when you have experienced players that have started games and contributed at a high level, anytime they’re not with you, much like they would be lost to an injury, certainly that’s difficult. But again, every player on our team has the absolute choice in this setting and that’s what I believe in.”

Mendenhall also confirmed that several other players — coming off injury or other issues — have already reported back or are expected to be back soon.

“Antonio Clary is back (defensive back), Nathaniel Beal most likely will be back this upcoming week at wide receiver,” the coach reported. “Rob Snyder (linebacker) most likely will be back this upcoming week as well. Those are probably the three big ones that have been out for a while. Bobby Haskins (offensive line/offensive tackle) is probably the following week.”

Mendenhall also noted that redshirt freshman defensive lineman Ben Smiley III from Chesapeake, is back on Grounds, but has some quarantine work to do.

“We’re thrilled about [Smiley’s return],” the coach said.