CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The coaching staff of UVA Football held media availability in the Welsh Indoor Practice Facility on Friday, addressing some of the pressing questions about how the team is shaping up for the 2024 season.

Running backs coach and special teams coordinator Keith Gaither expressed his desire to see first-choice tailback Kobe Pace play on every down. He believes Pace is skilled, big, and effective enough at running between the tackles to add a new dimension to the offense. Gaither is working with Pace on improving his protection abilities to allow him to take the field on plays that require him to block, providing time for the quarterback. He also compared Pace’s style and skill to Carolina Panthers runner Miles Sanders.

Wide receivers coach Adam Mims is excited about the return of tight end Sackett Wood Jr., as well as the two transfers at the position, Sage Ennis and Tyler Neville. He believes their presence will help his receivers get open more easily, widen the field, and make opposing defenses’ job harder. Mims is pleased to have a deeper wide receivers room, which includes several developing young talents and dynamic new talent with elite speed, Notre Dame transfer Chris Tyree.

Regarding the quarterback battle, offensive coordinator Desmond Kitchings will be one of the main voices in deciding between transfer quarterback Tony Muskett and second-year Anthony Colandrea. Kitchens is looking for the player who can lead, command the unit down the field effectively, and take care of the ball.

UVA begins its season against the Richmond Spiders at Scott Stadium later this month.