In past Virginia football seasons, special teams play has been viewed as merely a transition between offense and defense -- a time to use the restroom or get a hot dog. Not anymore.
With new special teams coach Mark D'Onofrio running the show, Virginia's special teams unit has evolved into an explosive not-to-be-missed play-making machine.
The excitement surrounding the special teams' play has been noticeable, so much so that when Alvin Pearman receives a punt or Marquis Weeks a kickoff, fans expect them to end up in the opposing team's end zone.
In his first season as special teams coach, D'Onofrio already has made a visible impact. Last season, Virginia didn't return a single kickoff or punt for a touchdown. Through four games this season, using much of the same personnel, Cavalier special teams already have accounted for two touchdowns.
The first was on a punt return by Alvin Pearman in the opener at Temple, and the second came on a 100-yard kickoff return by Marquis Weeks against North Carolina. While officially Virginia only has been credited for two touchdowns, Alvin Pearman came up one yard short of making it three when he took back a kickoff 93 yards before being tripped up at the one against the Tar Heels.
"We got some different schemes we put in," kickoff return specialist Marquis Weeks said. "They're really working out for us right now. We've become a better return team with the punting."
While D'Onofrio doesn't have an extensive background in coaching special teams, serving as Rutgers' linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator for the past three seasons, he has a player's understanding for what it takes to execute. D'Onfrio started at linebacker at Penn State, where he was a teammate of fellow assistant coach Al Golden, and went on to play two seasons in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers before suffering a career-ending injury in 1994.
"He played [special teams] when he was in Green Bay," Virginia head coach Al Groh said. "So he's got practical experience with what actually goes on out there."
While the return game has performed far above anyone's expectations, one aspect of special teams that hasn't performed up to par through the first four games is the kicking game. While coaches and fans alike have anticipated growing pains in the punting department after starter Tom Hagan left the team, no one could have foreseen the trouble place kicker Connor Hughes has endured.
Hughes, 23 for 25 only a year ago, is 3 for 6 this season, already surpassing his missed total from last season. Fortunately for Virginia, the team has not yet had to rely on the foot of Hughes to deliver a victory, but the time might not be too far off.
Kicking problems aside, though, it's becoming apparent that everyone has enjoyed the presence of D'Onofrio.
"He's done a wonderful job for us so far," senior center Zac Yarbrough said. "We've really helped the offense with field position, and that's a big thing for us when we get the ball on their side of the field with only 45 or 40 yards to go."
While special teams may no longer be a transition for the fans, it remains one for the Cavaliers' offense. Once the ball is kicked into the hands of a Virginia player, it becomes their job to turn it into seven points. And whether it's the special teams or the offense that has to do it, they're happy to oblige.
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