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In midst of losing streak, London defends system

Young players attest to success of Virginia's process

Entering the Virginia football team’s game against No. 7 Clemson, coach Mike London was tasked with ensuring that his players stepped onto the field with a competitive mindset despite facing such a talented team. Given the team’s result — a 59-10 loss — there may be questions about whether that preparation was adequate. London, however, has little doubt in his ability as a coach.

“I feel pretty confident in knowing that I’m passionate about this game,” London said. “And I think players that play it have to be passionate, as well. And you have to show that energy. “

Throughout the Cavaliers’ six-game losing streak, London has maintained an emphasis not on the scoreboard, but on the process of developing young players and learning lessons game to game. Players such as sophomore quarterback David Watford, freshman wide receiver Keeon Johnson and freshman cornerback Tim Harris credit this focus for improvements in their play during the last few weeks.

The rhetoric that London has used in conveying the importance of the process has led some to believe that he is being “too nice” — a claim London staunchly denies.

“I am an emotional, fiery, energetic guy, so there’s no niceness in that,” London said. “What we have to continue to keep teaching these players and keep striving on is that there’s an expectation of performing, and whether it’s through yelling, screaming, patting on the back, kicking in the butt, whatever it is, there’s an expectation of performing. And that’s the bottom line for us.”

London’s players do not believe for a second that London is lacking as a coach and more importantly, they have embraced his style of coaching.

“On Saturdays before the games, he always finds some way to say something to get you hyped or ready to go out,” freshman defensive tackle Donte Wilkins said. “Someone said he’s too nice — he’s far from too nice. He’ll definitely get in your face.”

Wilkins, who has been filling in for the injured senior Brent Urban, has been one of the players who has benefitted from London’s day-to-day emphasis on developing his young team. Wilkins has filled into the role and has frequently accompanied sophomore defensive end Eli Harold in disrupting plays in the opponent’s backfield. Wilkins is one of the many young players that are performing and embracing the system London has built.

“It’s just great to see that these young guys have not quit, that they want to soak up as much as they can learn because they want to win,” London said. “They want to play better. They want to do better. And I’ll tell you, it’s exciting that irregardless [sic] of what’s going on now, we still have to coach and teach these players with the three games left.”

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