The losses in the running back group are notable, as the Cavaliers lost two of their top three running backs from last season in Mike Hollins and Perris Jones. The two combined for 667 yards and nine touchdowns in 2023, and with both graduating, there is a gap open for new talent to fill.
Despite their efforts, the Cavaliers only managed 1,415 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2023, putting them second to last in the ACC in both categories and leaving room for significant improvement in 2024.
After Hollins and Jones left, Kobe-tempoThe former Clemson transfer, who served as the third running back last season, enters Virginia’s offense as the projected top running back. In 2023, Pace rushed for 382 yards and recorded 19 catches for 176 yards and three touchdowns.
In his sophomore year at Clemson, Pace rushed for 641 yards and six touchdowns at an average of 6.12 yards per carry, proving the graduate student’s tremendous potential in his final collegiate season. UVA offensive coordinator Des Kitchings praised Pace’s performances in camp, and with a (hopefully significantly) improved offensive line led by center Brian Stevens, Pace could return to his peak level starting in the 2022 season.
Behind Pace, Junior Xavier Brown is the projected No. 2 back, but a shoulder injury sustained during fall practice may have set back his progress. In 2022, Brown was named the team’s Offensive Rookie of the Year after rushing for 210 yards and a touchdown on just 50 carries. Unfortunately, injury woes caught up with him in 2023, as he missed most of the year with an elbow injury. If Brown can return to full strength in 2024, he will be a tremendous asset to Virginia’s backfield.
While Brown was out, Jack Griese stepped up and took advantage of the opportunity during fall camp. Griese rushed for 34 yards on 11 carries in 2023, but shined in UVA’s 2024 spring game with 90 yards and two touchdowns. Even though Brown is back in practice, Griese has earned a number of opportunities in Virginia’s running attack this fall.
After Xavier Brown’s injury, Jack Griese is the next man in Virginia’s RB room
Behind Griese, second-year student Noah Vaughn is the projected fourth running back for the Cavaliers, having missed last season with an ankle injury. The 5’8″, 199-pound running back, who was ruled out of the 2023 season, also missed some time in training camp due to injury but aims to return to full strength and be an effective reserve back. Look for Sophomore Donte Hawthorn to get a few appearances this season too.
Here is our latest prediction for Virginia’s running back lineup:
- PhD student Kobe-tempo
- Junior Xavier Brown
- Junior Jack Griese
- Second semester Noah Vaughn
- Second semester Donte Hawthorne
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