Transfers give a boost to UVA’s O-Line

By Jerry Ratcliffe

One of the transfers to Virginia’s football program has enjoyed a strong spring, which is an important development for the Cavaliers’ offensive line.

Brady Wilson, a 6-foot-2, 300-pound center from Alabama-Birmingham (UAB), has delivered some eye-popping performances heading into Saturday’s Spring Game at Scott Stadium. Wilson, who started for three years with the Blazers, is the leading candidate to inherit the job from Brian Stevens for UVA.

“Brady Wilson has been awesome,” said offensive coordinator Des Kitchings this week. “Awesome in all regards. He’s a very low-maintenance guy, very mature. He’s married, so a lot of maturity there.

“He’s played a gazillion snaps, very smart and has an understanding of offensive-line play, communication and leadership.”

Wilson had more than 2,300 snaps at UAB after starting there for three years.

Wilson is one of three transfers who have made an immediate impact, along with guard Kevin Wiginton and lineman Tyshawn Wyatt. Another transfer, for whom the coaching staff had huge expectations, is Monroe Mills, a 6-foot-7, 305-pound, 4-star tackle from Louisville. Mills, however, suffered a torn ACL in practice and will miss what would have been his sixth season of college football.

Several returning UVA linemen have missed the spring while recovering from surgeries or injuries, including Blake Steen, McKale Boley, Noah Josey, Grant Ellinger and Drake Metcalf.

Wiginton, who has played at both Illinois and Michigan State, has more than 500 snaps under his belt at guard (he’s been working at left guard in spring drills), while Wyatt had 33 starts over four seasons at JMU.

“Wiginton loves football and has a big smile on his face all the time,” Kitchings said. “Was at Michigan State and Illinois, two programs that are known for being physical, tough outfits. So he brings that grittiness to the group.

“Another guy who’s played a lot of football and gives us flexibility at either guard spot is Wyatt. He comes from JMU, a program where they won. So these guys understand how to win.”

While those guys and others have held the fort during the spring, Kitchings is looking forward to the 25 practices in the fall training camp when the injured players will return, as the Cavaliers hope to give Tony Elliott his first winning season in his fourth year as Virginia’s head coach.