OK, the season is just about here. Several of you have gotten out to fall football practices to watch the Hoos in action. Yesterday was Meet the Team Day and was a big success. The Wilk Hall group was spotted tailgating at Hoomanchew's Winnebago outside Bryant Hall at Scott Stadium. You can just feel the season approaching. The excitement is in the air.

There are varying predictions among sports reporters on how well the season will go for the Cavaliers. Most predict UVa in the Top 25 going into the season, but some have the nerve to say the Hoos will finish 6-6. Those are the same unprepared writers that predicted Virginia to finish anywhere from 6-7 to 3-9 last season. That's what happens when you rely almost completely on what you read in the preseason magazines and don't pay attention to what's really going on.

The Hoos return over 80 percent of their starters from last season, including both kickers and Heisman Trophy Candidate Matt Schaub at quarterback. There's something to be said about any team that returns one of the nation's top quarterbacks, especially when he was the conference player of the year. Mix in a huge, talented offensive line, two of the nation's best tight ends, a stable of great running backs, and more than half a dozen receivers with blazing speed, and it's doubtful that UVa will have much trouble moving the football against any opponent.

The skeptics point to UVa's defense finishing 100th nationally last season. Well, that much is true. But, while finishing around 100th in many statistical categories, the team still finished with a 9-5 record, destroying two ranked teams to close out the season including a major butt-whipping (48-22) of highly-ranked West Virginia in the Continental Tire Bowl. If it wasn't for a heartbreaking fumble just one yard shy of the end zone against Colorado State at the end of the home opener, the Hoos would have finished with 10 wins. That's not bad considering they had one of the worst defenses in the nation (statistically).

Unfortunately for these skeptics, in my opinion, UVa's defense will be the most improved defense in the nation this season. With many of last year's defenders being true freshmen, it's probable that they will improve and be one of the toughest defenses to play against this season. Virginia lost two very good linebackers in Merrill Robertson and Angelo Crowell, but they fill in those gaps with several veteran players as well as two freshmen who were the top two linebackers in the nation coming out of high school, in Ahmad Brooks and Kai Parham. Coach Al Groh proved that he can prepare freshmen to play at a high level when he threw in Darryl Blackstock last season. Blackstock responded by leading the nation in sacks for a freshman with 10, racking up 107 tackles and corralling several National Defensive Freshman of the Year honors from around the country. He also garnered Freshman All-American status from several publications, including The Sporting News.

But those three linebackers are not all the UVa defense is about. Defensive end Chris Canty, at about 6-7, 290, is tough to stop. He racked up 86 tackles and led all ACC defensive linemen with almost eight tackles per game.

It's likely that Virginia's defense is only going to get better. My prediction? I saw they move up about 70 or more spots into the Top 30 nationally. A lot of improvements were made throughout the season and it started to show in the later games, so progress was being made with this young group of players.

OK, enough hype about the team from me. If you want to get the real scoop on what's happening this year, be sure to read our write-ups from our various reports in Sabre Edge. John Galinsky of the Daily Progress and Jim Reedy of the Washington Post are just two of our featured writers, as well as Sabre.com staff writer Jeremy Williams, who has been recapping all of Groh's teleconferences throughout the fall training period. Don't miss out on all of the action. Look below for info on how to sign up if you're not already a subscriber.

In addition to Wahoo football, there's another game going on this fall, TheSabre.com's fantasy football leagues! TheSabre.com has partnered with SandboxPlus to bring you NFL Fantasy Football this year. We've created several leagues for Wahoos to go head to head with each other. One of our leagues has already filled up, and the others are going to fill up early next week, so sign up now so that you can be part of the action. I'm already signed up for two leagues, so get in there and try your luck against the BoardHost. Click here if you'd like to know more about this exciting opportunity.

Go Hoos!

Virginia has made the current top seven for outstanding Spring Valley (Columbia, SC) offensive lineman Leon Hart. Hart, who says he will definitely officially visit South Carolina this fall, also likes Florida, Tennessee, Auburn, Penn State, and Clemson.

Talented tight end prospect Brad Allen of Venice (FL) says the Cavaliers, along with Vanderbilt and Auburn, are recruiting him the hardest. An outstanding student who wants to major in Pre-Med studies, Allen says UVA, Vanderbilt, Purdue, and Michigan stand out to him right now.

Fork Union Prep center Ryan Shuman, son of Fork Union Post Grad head coach John Shuman, likes Virginia Tech and Toledo followed closely by UVA and UNC. He has received scholarship offers from the Hokies and Toledo with UVA and UNC showing serious interest. Shuman is a gritty competitor likely to end up at center on the next level.

Deptford (NJ) linebacker/fullback Michael Green is up to six offers. UNC, VT, Temple, Indiana, Illinois, and Maryland have offered. Virginia has shown interest, but has not yet officially offered Green, who is looking forward to September 1st. That is the date when colleges can resume calling recruits.

Virginia remains in the top five for Pulaski Academy (AR) linebacker Matt Stoltz. Stoltz visited Arkansas earlier this month and says the Razorbacks are his favorite right now, though LSU, Nebraska, Tennessee, and UVA are there as well.

Ahmad Bradshaw has added offers from West Virginia and Maryland to his Virginia offer. The Graham (Bluefield, VA) star is a physical player who could play cornerback, running back, or wide receiver in college. His favorite position, however, is safety. Bradshaw is open but wants to decide sometime during his senior season.

The Cavaliers are in good shape to receive an official visit from Chris Gorham, a speedy corner from Pottstown (PA). Gorham will also likely visit Notre Dame and likes Georgia Tech as well.

Virginia has offered Lovejoy (GA) offensive tackle Anthony Parker, according to Parker himself. The 6-4, 285 pound OT will play defensive line this year and hopes to show off his 4.7 40 speed to opposing offenses. He has no leaders right now.

Other news...

Butler (PA) linebacker Tyrell Sales committed to PSU over Pitt, Notre Dame, and Virginia among others. Penn State has been reeling in an excellent class, as they have 18 commitments right now.

Eleanor Roosevelt (MD) linebacker/defensive end George Covington chose Maryland this week. Three Maryland prospects have chosen the home-state Terps within the past two weeks - Covington, Dane Randolph, and Erin Henderson.

In basketball recruiting news, former UVA target WG/WF Cheyenne Moore will stay in the ACC and play for the Clemson Tigers.

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If this year's fan turnout for fall training is any indication, it looks like the Media Relations folks at UVa are going to have their hands full this year. The heat and almost daily threat of rain was not enough to discourage hundreds of fans from showing up at UVa's football practice fields last week. The football staff and the Media Relations department anticipated a larger turnout this year, so they opened up two more sets of bleachers. Not enough. The crowd was so large that the Media Only bleachers filled up, overflow was behind the bleachers and behind the fence, and a good portion of the ring around University Hall was flooded by fans as well. The excitement of UVa Football is Grohing, that's for sure.

Top returning receiver goes down for the season

Michael McGrew

Michael McGrew, Virginia's top returning wide receiver, will miss this season because of a broken leg he suffered in practice this week. McGrew will be missed for his excellent hands, leadership and experience. Veteran receivers Ryan Sawyer and Ottawa Anderson will step in to help fill the void. In addition, converted to receiver from quarterback and cornerback are Marques Hagans and Art Thomas. Both are experienced players who understand the system and can step in right away and make an impact. Hagans is a versatile player who can run, pass and catch. Thomas was an All-American running back and receiver in high school, so he understands the position on offense. Both have looked excellent in fall training camp, and both have blazing speed. But each brings something different to the table.

Hagans is small, strong and elusive. With his ability to throw the ball from the backfield, or run reverses, he poses a deadly threat to defenses every time he steps onto the field. Just ask West Virginia. He played three downs against WVU and scored two touchdowns. His touchdown throw on a lateral from Matt Schaub and his 69-yard punt return for a touchdown were the back breakers that gave Virginia momentum in their rout of the Mountaineers in the Continental Tire Bowl.

Thomas has played kick returner and cornerback for UVa, but his most natural position is wide receiver. At 6-2, 205, he's a big target. Thomas has excellent hands and can flat out fly down the field. Fall training camp saw Thomas as one of UVa's greatest potentials at the receiver position.

Virginia has a few freshmen in the lineup that may see time on the field and help close the gap left by the injured McGrew. Ron Morton, a speedster from New Jersey, is coming off a redshirt year and should have an opportunity to see some time. Also, a lot of nice things are being said about three true freshmen receivers in camp this year. Emmanuel Byers came into camp looking like he'd already spent two years in a college weight room. Byers is a Top 100 national recruit from North Carolina. Another of the freshmen receivers, Fontel Mines, simply dwarfs every skill position player on the field. At 6-5, 205, he's a huge target. Mines has excellent hands and has been compared by many to the recently departed Billy McMullen. Lastly, one of the frosh receivers that will most likely see time this year is Deyon Williams. At 6-3, he's a big target. Williams has a combination of great athletic skills and blazing speed. If given the chance, he could make an immediate impact on the team. With the loss of McGrew, he may indeed get that chance.

Schaub on Davey O'Brien Award list
UVa Media Relations Report

Matt Schaub

University of Virginia quarterback Matt Schaub is a candidate for the prestigious Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, the Davey Foundation announced on its watch list of 42 candidates.

The O'Brien Award, given annually to the nation's top college quarterback, is the oldest and most prestigious award in the country for college quarterbacks. Named in honor of the late Davey O'Brien, the All-American and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback for Texas Christian, the O'Brien Award semifinalists will be announced in early November.

More than 52 photos of training camp were posted in the Sabre Edge photo gallery this week. Unfortunately, there were not many photos taken of defensive players due to the access for media and location of the players. Many of the photos are of the quarterbacks, running backs, coaches and receivers. More photos of running backs and receivers, as well as still shots of some defensive players, will be present later this evening. If you're a subscriber, click the link below to gain access to the photos. If you're not a subscriber, click this link to sign up today.

Sabre Edge Photo Gallery

Check out some of the new items in TheSabreShop.com!

TheSabreShop.com has loaded the store with a bunch of new items for the season. Last week, we featured the replica football jerseys and Scott Stadium print. Take a look at this week's featured items below, or scan through all of our new items.

Every month, Sabre Edge provides you with exclusive articles, columns, special features, interviews and recruiting news, including weekly recruiting updates. There's even a special message board just for subscribers. And to top it off, you get 10 percent off all of your online purchases through TheSabreShop.com during your subscription.

Still not convinced? Well, we've made it even easier for you to subscribe. We offer three subscription options, including a yearly rate of $34.95, a quarterly rate of $10.95 and a 'what the heck is this thing all about' monthly rate of $4.95. So, if you're unsure, check us out for a month and see what we are offering.

If you're a true Wahoo, then the Sabre Edge is right for you. Check it out!