Virginia names Colandrea as its starting quarterback

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Virginia has named sophomore Anthony Colandrea its starting quarterback for next Saturday’s season-opener against Richmond.

Colandrea, who broke most of UVA’ freshman passing records last season, won the starting job over fifth-year incumbent starter Tony Muskett after a month-long position battle in training camp. Coach Tony Elliott said a few days ago that both quarterbacks could play in the Richmond game (Aug. 31, 6 p.m., Scott Stadium, ACC Extra/ESPN+).

Last year as a true freshman, Colandrea started six of the eight games he played in, including the opener against Tennessee when Muskett was injured. Colandrea, who hails from St. Petersburg, Fla., went on to rank ninth in the ACC in passing yards and passing touchdowns, throwing for TDs in seven games.

His 1,958 passing yards were the most of any true freshman in Power-5 football last season.

Overall, he completed 63 percent of his passes (154 of 246) and 13 TDs, breaking Cavalier freshman marks for completions (154), passing yards and total offense (2,183).

One of the knocks against Colandrea was his decision-making, taking too many chances that led to turnovers. While it was that gunslinger mentality that made him exciting to watch, the interceptions often negated his brilliant passing numbers, such as the 20-for-26, 377 passing yards he put up against James Madison in his first start (a 37-36 loss). He broke the Virginia single-game passing record for a freshman in that contest.

Elliott and offensive coordinator Des Kitchings noted during August camp that Colandrea had made big strides in his decision-making, no doubt a key factor in him winning the job over Muskett.

Kitchings said that every play by both quarterbacks were charted in camp, with a heavy emphasis on passing accuracy and decision-making.

Elliott cited that both quarterbacks had added muscle and strength during the offseason training program in order to better handle the physical demands of the job.