By Jerry Ratcliffe

There were times last season when Virginia was almost razor thin at running back because of injuries, so it was no surprise the Cavaliers brought in three new backs from the transfer portal.

Peyton Lewis (6-1, 212) from Tennessee, Jekail Middlebrook (5-10, 196) from Middle Tennessee State and Solomon Beebe (5-10, 205) from UAB are the new guys who will blend with Xavier Brown and Zay Davis. Brown was sidelined last season and Davis played in the Gator Bowl.

J’Mari Taylor, the team’s leading rusher with more than 1,000 yards, and Harrison Waylee both ran out of eligibility.

Having five running backs at his disposal this season was something Coach Tony Elliott wanted.

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