At the ACC Media Kickoff in July, Technician Senior Staff Writer J. Mike Blake sat down with Virginia senior tight end Tom Santi and discussed the upcoming year. Santi leads his team in receiving yards (293) and receiving touchdowns (three).
Technician: The offense was ranked in the 100s nationally [last season] in every category, and the only starters you lose are at the skill positions. How hard is it to improve without having those guys still there?Santi: We did lose Jason Snelling, our running back, and Fontel [Mines] at wide receiver. We’ve got a lot of young guys coming in who can take up the slack for those guys. I think what we’ve lost is minimal compared to what we’ve gained. Obviously, not to take away from those guys, because Snelling was the heart and soul of Virginia football, but the improvement that our offensive line has made and the experience with a lot of guys getting their first year of play is just invaluable.
Technician: How have last year’s lumps helped out this team, because it was so young and it went 5-7?Santi: I know for me and a lot of guys that I can speak for, it’s just motivation. I don’t think anybody likes to lose. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I don’t think I’m any more excited about this year than I have been about the other three — but there’s a little more urgency to come back and show people that that was not what we want to be remembered as.
Technician: What steps have been taken to putting more points on the board? Last year you averaged a little over 15 per game.Santi: We haven’t really talked about it — at least the players, I know the coaches are. But the points will come with the improved level of play. Our offensive line is coming back, and they know how to play with one another. We’re going to have more solid play from the quarterback position. If you can be more consistent with your level of play, then the points will come.
Technician: How vocal is [quarterback Jameel Sewell] this year as opposed to last year in the huddle?Santi: He commands more of a presence now. You can tell he’s got that added confidence from getting more plays under his belt. He’s going to be a leader for us.
