One thing that can't be questioned under Al Groh's tenure as the UVA head coach is that he definitely had some talented Tight Ends that went on to the NFL: Heath Miller, Tom Santi and John Phillips just to name a few.
That tradition is something that Mike London would like to continue. When Joe Torchia came to UVA, he thought he would be the next tight end to be featured in the Cavaliers offense. But things didn't go as planned.
"Coming in here and being recruited to Tight End U, and then come in and they go to a spread offense, where the tight end is kind of removed, and it is frustrating, but I'm really excited to see how the tight end is going to be effective in the offense this year," said Torchia.
New Head Coach Mike London has brought back the pro-style system that will have the tight end as a big part of the offense. But Torchia is behind having missed all of spring practice with surgery on both shoulders.
"There is a difference between seeing the reps being done out and actually doing the reps. When you'rr out there taking reps on the field, you get a feel for what is Marc thinking on this play, what is he looking at, you can get this cohesiveness between you and your quarterback, or you and the tackle," said Torchia.
"That is a pretty adverse condition cause you're always engaged whether you're blocking, or catching or taking a hit. That is a tough thing, he has done a good job of battling back from that and getting stronger," said Marc Verica.
While Torchia and Verica may not have gotten the reps together on the field, the two definitely have a connection, they have been roommates.
"He understands and I understand that this is his last go and he is definitely looking forward to making the most of it," said Verica.
Torchia will be looking forward to topping his career stats of 15 catches and two touchdowns for the Cavs this season, his final one.
