With spring football practice kicking into high gear, Virginia coach Al Groh sounded optimistic about his Cavalier squad in a teleconference Monday. Though spring practice proves only marginally indicative of a team's performance during the season, Groh said thus far he's pleased with the Cavalier effort.

"We've had a very good energy level," Groh said. "I am satisfied with the physical nature of the practice."

Most questions during Monday's teleconference focused on Virginia's offense. Last year, the Cavaliers rotated between two sophomore quarterbacks, Matt Schaub and Bryson Spinner. After Spinner left school in January, Schaub seems the clear frontrunner for the starting job this fall, despite a challenge from redshirt freshman Marques Hagans.

"Matt is continuing to progress within the offense," Groh said. "Marques is learning the offense. He's getting the footwork down, getting the reads down. He is certainly in a different phase than Matt Schaub."

But while the quarterback spot looks filled for the upcoming year, the fullback position still remains in question. Sophomore Jonathan Ward suffered a concussion earlier this spring and is likely to be out for the duration of practice. Ward's status for the upcoming year also might be in jeopardy.

"This is going to have to be something that he thinks out," Groh said. "Apparently [his history with concussions] is a little bit more than the people here had realized."

Once again, the premiere offensive unit this fall probably will feature a veteran core of wide receivers, led by All-American Billy McMullen. The junior wide receiver set a school record last season with 83 catches. This spring, McMullen continues to improve.

"He looks very much on top of his game right now," Groh said in a teleconference last week.

Michael McGrew most likely will line up opposite McMullen. The sophomore started a number of games last fall and has continued to impress the coaching staff this spring.

"I thought Mike had a pretty decent year last year," Groh said. "I see him picking up on that. I'm anticipating the same evolution for Mike," that McMullen had before his junior year.

With a veteran quarterback and a strong receiving corps, Virginia looks primed to have another solid year offensively. On the defensive side of the ball, the Cavaliers hope to improve in the speed department. The Cavalier defense likely will get a boost from Virginia's highly touted recruiting class when it arrives in the fall.

"We have some faster players coming in that are in the mix for some playing time," Groh said.

Spring practice will continue for the next two weeks, and will culminate in the annual Spring Game April 20 at Scott Stadium