<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=39L49O_0w3hlYfL00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=39L49O_0w3hlYfL00" width="620" height="320" >CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.-- In college football depth matters. Last week <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/andre-greene-jr-46099973/">Andre Greene Jr.</a> had some key catches, including a two point conversion reception in the second half for the Cavaliers, while <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/kendren-smith-46055017/">Kendren Smith</a> had a key pass break up and an interception and Anthony Britton tipped a pass into Chico Bennett's hands for a <a href="https://247sports.com/college/virginia/">Virginia</a> interception. Weeks earlier? Trey McDonald stepped in for the injured Kam Robinson for the crucial sack against <a href="https://247sports.com/college/wake-forest/">Wake Forest</a>; and <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/jack-witmer-46080092/">Jack Witmer</a> stepped in at left tackle for the injured <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/mckale-boley-46118247/">McKale Boley</a>. Each of these players stepping up for the Cavaliers this season when starters were down. Depth matters. "I think it was critical for us but we're still in that building stage because not every position is at that competitive depth stage yet," Virginia head coach <a href="https://247sports.com/Coach/tony-elliott-1265/">Tony Elliott</a> said on Tuesday. "We know where we are as a program. You've got some older guys. You've still got some freshmen you're trying to grow up. So I think collectively we're better than we've been in the three years that we've been here as a staff, but still not where we desire to be because you want to have competitive depth at all positions." The Cavaliers are still trying to balance the roster but what they have done through high school and portal recruiting has already started to make an impact. "It [the depth] helps the guys to improve," said Elliott. "That's really the only way you get better, to be honest with you, is to have competitive practices. And because we have more depth we're able to be more competitive on the practice field which I think translates to more results on the field." Guys like Greene, Smith, McDonald, Britton and Witmer - all say the same thing - their mindset is always to be ready to step in and take advantage of each and every rep. "I was gonna prepare like a starter," said Greene. "The preparation never stops...just treating every day like it's my last day out there, just just practicing as hard as I can, trying to be the first person here, trying to be the last person to leave." For Greene, who has dealt with so much adversity in his college career with injury, enjoyed his moment last weekend. "It's been a lot of adversity throughout this journey, and I don't expect it going away," he said. "And, man, it just made it that much sweeter - just just going through that adversity, it just made the ups that much more higher." "He he has some injured stuff that he fought through early on and just in the weight room and the nutrition piece has helped him," said offensive coordinator <a href="https://247sports.com/Coach/des-kitchings-319/">Des Kitchings</a>. "The bye week was awesome for him, and I saw his growth from the Monday practice after Coastal until the Friday prep before <a href="https://247sports.com/college/boston-college/">Boston College</a> - and with that growth, we said, as staff like, we felt like he would have a good game." On the other side, it was Britton and Smith to make an impact. Britton starting for the injured <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/jason-hammond-46103747/">Jason Hammond</a> and Smith coming in for the injured <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/kempton-shine-46056486/">Kempton Shine</a>. "Previous stop, he was a team captain, was an all-league corner, and is a guy that is as sharp as it gets when it comes to his football IQ," said defensive coordinator <a href="https://247sports.com/Coach/john-rudzinski-1535/">John Rudzinski</a> about Smith. " You just look at his weight room numbers, you look at who he is as a young man, he can do a lot of different things.. He'll do whatever we need of them." "It was a weight off the shoulders," said Smith about his performance against Boston College, which included his first pick as a Cavalier. "Just to finish that game, getting a groove.. and getting a feel for the game and not just coming in and out.. but just to see that groove happen and just get my hands on the ball, get a feel for it was great." Smith has been used by Virginia at both corner and safety - which means he has been learning/practicing at both positions for the 'Hoos. "I think it can seem difficult at first, but just when you're during the spring and during the summer, you realize it's not as hard as it seems, because a lot of these positions and techniques are a lot similar," Smith said. "So corner position and a lot of the other high safety positions are essentially the same just from different depths on the field. Coach knew I could handle it, so just being ready at all times too to fit in. I'm just excited to help in any way I can." One of the biggest challenges for this guys on the sidelines? Staying focused and not running out on the field cold. "Just always staying warm too, and also mentally, we take pride in mental reps, even in practice too, even when you're not in, when the younger guys are in and imagine yourself in the game," Smith explained. "It just helps you stay ready too."And also in preparation throughout the week, if you're not prepared, just because you know you're not getting in immediately, then you won't be prepared when you get in the game." With a few injuries at receiver, tight end and in the secondary the Cavaliers will look to its depth again, with players like <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/caleb-hardy-46131301/">Caleb Hardy</a> and <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/john-rogers-46141017/">John Rogers</a> expected to receiver more snaps. So with Virginia just two games away from bowl eligibility: depth matters. Want the latest news on Virginia delivered right to your email? <a href="https://247sports.com/college/virginia/distribution/signup/">Subscribe to the Wahoos247 newsletter here</a>. It is free and a great way to get daily updates on Virginia football, basketball, baseball, recruiting, and more delivered straight to your inbox.</div></body>

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Focus on building competitive depth bearing fruit for Virginia

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.-- In college football depth matters. Last week Andre Greene Jr. had some key catches, including a two point conversion reception in the second half for the Cavaliers, while Kendren Smith had a key pass break up and an interception and Anthony Britton tipped a pass into Chico Bennett's hands for a Virginia interception.

Focus on building competitive depth bearing fruit for Virginia

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