Davis steps in for Cascarano on Virginia's O-line

CHARLOTTESVILLE - Sean Cascarano was on the McCue Center practice field on Monday. Just in a hat and on crutches.

Conner Davis was out there, too. In a helmet, running first team right guard.

These were key images for the Virginia football team as it began its 2013 season with an afternoon practice.

Cascarano, battling a hip injury that could require surgery, will not be participating this August and might not be able to go this season. He was the No. 1 right guard coming out of spring.

Davis missed spring ball after recovering from shoulder surgery. Now back, he's the first team right guard.

The recently healed has replaced the recently injured.

"Conner was battling shoulder issues, had a bad wheel [in the spring]," UVa head coach Mike London said before Monday's practice. "But it was good that he had a chance to recuperate and get to a point. He's a guy that played in college games last year.

"With Sean's issue, then Conner will be able to step in and provide some playing depth for us. It'll be interesting to see how he does here today as we go through our first practice. And then as we start moving forward, we get into practices six, seven, eight to see how far he's back."

Davis made it through day one without an issue. Chalk up a victory for the Wahoo O-line, which needs the junior to remain healthy to help with bodies and experience.

Davis, a 6-foot-5, 300-pounder, made 11 starts at left guard last season. The No. 2 right guard Monday was redshirt freshman Sean Karl.

"When you look at the line in itself, you look at the depth behind them, we're young there," London said. "But there's guys that have played in games. It is important that we stay healthy, particularly up front with that particular group. But Conner brings us some experience there."

Day one highs, lows

It was your standard day one of fall practice. Ups. Downs. Catches. Drops.

A few observations:

• In a 7-on-7 drill, Brandon Phelps intercepted David Watford.
• Third-string quarterback Matt Johns connected with Jamall Brown for the longest gain of the afternoon on a streak down the right sideline.
• Reserve safety Rijo Walker picked off Greyson Lambert and later gobbled up a fumble after Lambert stumbled to hand off to LaChaston Smith.

Don't forget about Kye

Kevin Parks is the feature back. Khalek Shepherd is rapidly becoming a seasoned veteran. Taquan "Smoke" Mizzell is the ballyhooed newcomer. Smith is the linebacker transplant.

But, yes, there's another running back on Virginia's roster.

During Friday's media day, Parks made reporters aware of Kye Morgan.

"Looking at Kye, I feel like Kye's going to be a great asset," Parks said. "Don't forget about Kye Morgan. He can tote that rock, too. He's something ya'll haven't seen."

Morgan is 5-foot-11, 175-pound redshirt freshman out of Somerset, N.J. A three-star prospect, Morgan rushed for over 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns in his high school career.

"Kye's very much a part of this team," London said. "Obviously, he's a redshirted freshman. He spent a lot of time on the scout team, so he got tackled, he got ran down and beat up and all those things. But he's gotten bigger and stronger.

"He's got a chance to do great things as well."

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