CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Two games into Virginia’s football season, Kameron Courtney has been a steady pass-catcher from the slot, hauling in six receptions. The question facing the Cavaliers’ offense is, can Courtney produce big plays.

So far, the third-year wide receiver is averaging 7.8 yards per catch.

“Kam’s made the plays that were there for him to make,” UVA coach Tony Elliott said last week. “I just think we’ve seen things and we believe that there’s more upside to his game. And I think the biggest thing for him is just going in and making it happen, right? And taking those routine plays and then making them big plays, right? Like he’s made the plays we’ve asked him to make, but I think we all know that there’s more to his game. I think the biggest thing is him just seeing that in himself and going and elevating to that next level.”

Courtney totaled 37 receptions for 348 yards. His only career touchdown came on a 23-yard end around rush against William & Mary in 2025.

In the season opener against North Carolina State, a game where UVA rode its running game, Courtney received a team-high three targets, catching all three passes that came his way. He finished with 12 receiving yards. His longest play was an 8-yard reception. 

Saturday, against Norfolk State, Virginia put the ball in the air much more, throwing 24 passes after having just 11 against the Wolfpack. Again, Courtney received the most chances. He was targeted four times, catching three of those passes for 35 yards, including a 29-yarder.

“He’s going to get his opportunities,” offensive coordinator Des Kitchings said. “We know Kam’s going to get those opportunities.”

This Saturday, the Cavaliers face West Virginia in a neutral-site game in Charlotte, N.C. The Mountaineers (2-0) have allowed 271.5 passing yards per game so far this season. WVU has given up three passing touchdowns in its first two games – wins over Coastal Carolina and UT Martin – with opponents averaging 12.6 yards per reception against it.

Of course, Rich Rodriguez’s team hasn’t allowed a first-half point and much of its opponents’ production has come in the second half of games, in come-from-behind passing situations.

That includes 34 and 37-yard touchdown connections between Coastal’s Deuce Bailey and Clayton Coppock in the opener.

Once again, opportunities should be there for Courtney. Can he make the most of them?

Here’s a look at three other takeaways from Saturday’s win over Norfolk State:

Receiving options growing

Against Norfolk State, Virginia threw 24 passes to 14 targets, including eight wide receivers. Ty’Liric Coleman, playing for the injured Rico Flores Jr. (hamstring), had three catches for 14 yards and a score. Jacquon Gibson caught two passes for 36 yards, with both going for touchdowns. Da’Shawn Martin caught a 27-yard touchdown pass, his second scoring reception in as many games with the Cavaliers. 

“It was really, really good to play as many guys as we did,” Elliott said. “I think we had 12 different receivers catch at pass. We had three quarterbacks throw for touchdowns. … We knew they were probably going to try to sell out to stop the run, given the effectiveness we had the week before.”

Perhaps most notably, Isaiah Robinson – who was limited by an injury during fall camp – made his UVA debut. Robinson caught two passes for 24 yards and a score. 

“It was really, really good to see him get out there and play and have success,” Elliott said, who noted Virginia had expected Robinson to be sidelined for another week or two. “That’s a big plus for us.”

Flores and Dillon Newton-Short (hamstring) are both likely to be available when UVA faces West Virginia in the next game.

Hillman a ballhawk 

Michigan transfer safety Brandyn Hillman, who had an interception and a forced fumble in the Cavaliers’ season-opening win over State, picked off a pair of passes on Saturday, with each turnover leading to a UVA touchdown. 

“I’m just glad he’s on my team,” Elliott said. “He plays with such intensity, such love for the game. And he’s a natural playmaker.”

Hillman has shown those instincts before. In his first collegiate start, last season against New Mexico, he recorded his first career interception. 

Robinson’s return 

Star linebacker Kam Robinson, a preseason All-ACC selection who has been out since suffering a season-ending knee injury last year in a regular-season win against Duke, made his return to the field on Saturday against the Spartans. Robinson had five tackles, second most on the team, despite only playing the first half. 

Afterward, Robinson said he was “very close” to being 100% healthy. A healthy Robinson brings a dynamic element to the Cavaliers’ defense. His sideline to sideline speed can lead to big plays and cover up assignment errors by teammates. 

Robinson can also be a big factor in Virginia’s blitz package. Last season, he 

This year, UVA has four sacks through the first two games.