With three returning backs who averaged between 4.7 and 5.1 yards per carry last fall, the only problem for Virginia coach Mike London is how to keep them all happy. On Monday, London said the Cavaliers will run some two-halfback sets.
That's good news, especially for sophomore reserves Kevin Parks, who rushed for 709 yards and nine touchdowns, and Clifton Richardson, who added 366 yards and a pair of scores, playing behind Perry
Jones, who had 1,421 yards rushing and receiving.
"It's very doable for us because of the matchups they present," London said. "We're coming up with creative ways, not only scrimmage plays but special teams. We're going to try to utilize all their skills."
London said that he will team up Jones (5-foot-8, 195 pounds), the smallest and shiftiest of the group, with Parks (5-8, 200) or Richardson (6-0, 210), both of whom have the ability to run between the tackles. Yet another back London wants to employ is sophomore speedster Khalek Shepherd (5-8, 185), son of former Redskins wideout Leslie Shepherd, who had just five carries last year.
- Kevin Dunleavy
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