When Tony Elliott was brought on board, he shared his vision for Virginia, emphasizing the need for a football-focused offense that prioritizes the run game. Now entering his third year with the Cavaliers, Elliott recognizes that it’s time to turn that vision into reality.
“It’s essential,” said Elliott. “To truly challenge defenses, we need them to respect every part of our offense.”
Last season, UVa finished second to last in the ACC, averaging just 117.9 rushing yards per game and a dismal 3.1 yards per carry.
This year, for the first time under Elliott, the team will have a definitive top running back in Kobe Pace.
In Elliott’s first season, three running backs — Perris Jones, Mike Hollins, and Xavier Brown — each had at least 50 carries. Last year, Kobe Pace shared the workload with Jones and Hollins, leading the team with 125 carries. Jones and Hollins handled most passing downs, with Hollins emerging as the short-yardage back, while Jones averaged 5.2 yards per carry, the team’s best.
Pace ran for just 382 yards and a touchdown, averaging 3.1 yards per attempt. Running backs coach Keith Gaither noted, “He could never really get in rhythm,” but now Pace is the No. 1 guy, and they aim to develop him as an every-down back. Virginia hasn’t had a true lead back since Wayne Taulapapa in 2020 and hasn’t seen a 1,000-yard rusher since Jordan Ellis in 2018.
Gaither and offensive coordinator Des Kitchings are pushing Pace to elevate his game, reminding him that this is his final college season. Pace has also improved his ability to pick up blitzers in pass protection, critical for remaining on the field during passing plays. Coaches have praised his vision and burst, believing he can provide both steady production and explosive plays.
Virginia is counting on the 5-foot-10, 215-pound fifth-year senior, Pace, to be a workhorse in 2024. After him, the backup situation is uncertain. Xavier Brown missed last season due to an elbow injury and has had a triceps issue. However, he impressed as a freshman in 2022 with 210 yards on just 50 carries. Other backs include sophomores Noah Vaughn and Donte Hawthorne, along with junior walk-on Jack Griese, who has shown potential.
The importance of a strong running game is underscored by the fact that the bottom four teams in last year’s ACC standings also had the fewest yards-per-carry averages. Improving the running game will require not only effective running back play but also a stronger offensive line, which began to gel last season.
Injuries have complicated establishing a steady starting five on the line, with Noah Hartsoe out for the season and Drake Metcalf sidelined until late October. Center Brian Stevens and tackles McKale Boley and Jimmy Christ also faced injuries during spring and preseason practices. Despite this, there is confidence that the returning starters can perform solidly.
Ultimately, Virginia needs Pace to take the next step as he runs behind the offensive line.
Running Backs at a Glance
- Returning starters: None
- Other returners: Kobe Pace, Xavier Brown, Noah Vaughn, Jack Griese
- Newcomers to know: None
- Key losses: Mike Hollins, Perris Jones
- Position coach: Keith Gaither (first year at UVa)
- Key stat: Virginia hasn’t had a running back in the top 10 of the ACC since Jordan Ellis (1,026 yards in 2018).
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