In Greek mythology, the Hydra was a serpent-like creature that grew multiple heads if one was severed.
This myth might strike a chord with opposing defenses when trying to stop the Virginia running attack of Arlen Harris, Tyree Foreman and Antwoine Womack.
Much has been made of this year's backfield and not just because of the loss of Thomas Jones. All three tailbacks have the ability to start, which might be as troublesome to the Cavalier coaching staff as it will be to other teams.
"I think we can win with all of them, no matter who's in the game, so it's nice to have more than one or two," Virginia coach George Welsh said.
Much hype surrounds the return of Womack, who took a leave of absence from the team last year following his role in an on-Grounds assault in February 1999. It was his first year out of football since he was 10 years old, but Womack has returned stronger and hungrier than ever before.
Sitting out "was like putting a bear in a cage and starving him for a year," Womack said. "That's basically what they did and right now I'm just starving."
Waiting to leap out of the starting gates with Womack is Harris, a redshirt sophomore. Harris has the ability to cut and slash his way through defenses, as illustrated by the first preseason scrimmage. During the scrimmage he had 10 carries for 101 yards, including a 53-yard burst. Harris is expected to be the opening day starter after an impressive showing this summer.
Foreman, a junior from Sandy Spring, Md., brings a power game to the backfield, using his strength and speed to exploit holes in the defense. Though Foreman recently suffered a bad ankle sprain in practice and may miss the opener, the injury does not appear serious.
Senior captain and starting fullback Patrick Washington will clear a path for the running assault. Washington replaces the graduated Anthony Southern with all the tools to create gaping holes in defensive lines. The former tight end played in 10 regular season games, including four starts, demonstrating his outstanding blocking ability. Washington carried the ball only once, but he had a touchdown reception against Buffalo and should continue to be a reliable option for quarterback Dan Ellis.
Even after losing All-Americans John St. Clair and Noel LaMontagne to the NFL, the offensive line looks surprisingly strong and deep. Senior right tackle and captain Brad Barnes will provide leadership and look to pick up where he left off last fall as the team's most improved player. Also returning to their starting jobs are junior guards Josh Lawson and Evan Routzahn.
Lawson moved to guard to make room for the return of Jermese Jones, who suffered a knee injury last year and missed the whole season, but is expected to make a big showing as the starting left tackle this season - and not just because he is 6-6 and 320 pounds. After losing 25 pounds in the offseason, Jones is in great condition and will help open some big holes for the entire rushing ensemble.
The only big gap remaining on this line is the one at center left by St. Clair, a third-round NFL draft pick. Senior Dustin Keith is the projected starter, with junior Jared Woodson close on his heels. Both were strong in the offseason, making the decision tough for Welsh and offensive line coach Paul Schudel.
"Competition always brings out the best in everybody," Schudel said. "We're going to try and move guys around and have the best guys at each position and then develop some depth around them."
Both the offensive line and the corps of running backs stressed the cohesiveness of each group and the offense as a whole. The running backs have been working out and hanging together during the offseason, while the offensive line barbecued and played horseshoes every Thursday to build unity.
The Cavalier running game may not boast names like Jones, St. Clair and LaMontagne this season but it could be almost as solid as a whole.
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