Virginia narrowly missed a bowl game last year with a 5-7 finish, and the Cavaliers saw a promising start to the season end in disappointment. Head coach Mike London is feeling the pressure, but he's brought in some high-profile recruits during his time at the helm. And 2015 is going to be the time for some of that high-caliber talent to develop.
1. Matt Johns
Johns was named the starter coming out of spring ball, and that decision led to the transfer of Greyson Lambert. But since Lambert's transfer, Virginia has added a transfer of their own in Connor Brewer, who will no doubt give Johns a run. Johns, a junior, completed 54.9 percent of his passes last year for eight touchdowns and five interceptions; his season was limited due to injury. If he doesn't want to spend the whole season looking over his shoulder at Brewer, he's going to have to get off to a good start.
2. Taquan Mizzell
London has had some recruiting hauls in his time in Charlottesville, and Mizzell -- a five-star tailback -- was one of his first big fish that he landed. Mizzell, a junior now, hasn't really produced quite like a five-star recruit normally would, but he's clearly getting better each year. He had 64 carries (4.4 per rush) and 39 catches a season ago, and he can be a dynamic playmaker. He'll be running behind a better line this year and he's going to have to make plays to make this offense more dynamic.
3. Quin Blanding
Speaking of five-star recruits, Blanding was yet another one -- and as a freshman last year, he certainly lived up to that lofty status as a safety, finishing with 91.5 tackles, three interceptions and six pass breakups. He adapted quite well to the college game, and he got better as last season went on. He's going to be the crown jewel of an experienced returning secondary and should be due for a big season.
4. David Dean
Virginia lost just one starter on its defensive line, a unit that is designed to obstruct while the linebackers make plays in Jon Tenuta's defense. Dean, a senior defensive tackle, was an Honorable Mention All-ACC performer last season and helped make life difficult on opponents all season long up the middle. He's going to have to be even better this season to help make up for some of the playmakers lost at linebacker.
5. Kwontie Moore
Speaking of the defensive line, Moore is a guy who's going to need to take a step up as well. The senior defensive lineman can play end or tackle in Tenuta's scheme and reinvented himself after a failed stint as a linebacker. He had just 6.5 tackles in 10 games last season, but 2.0 were sacks, and he forced two fumbles. With more reps, he could do even more up front on defense -- and Virginia is going to need him to do that.
