Chase Minnifield: U.Va.'s man on the run

CHARLOTTESVILLE - First, the calm.

As Chase Minnifield heads to the field to return a punt for the University of Virginia football team, everything is practiced and orderly. He's a superstitious guy, so the entire routine is the same as it was the previous time.

Then, the storm.

He watches the ball come off the punter's foot, trying to read the spin and anticipate where it will land. At the same time, he's bracing himself for 10 tacklers who want to end their 40-yard dash by violently colliding with him.

He might briefly give thought to a fair catch — but not often, as he'd rather make a play and help the team.

Finally, the day job.

Returning punts is just a small part of the sophomore's role for the Cavaliers. He's also a cornerback, and participates in other special teams units as well.

That sort of versatility is exactly what coach Al Groh wants to see in his players, and it also reflects this season's approach that the special teams players won't just be castoffs from other units.

"If we have to hold a player out for a first or second-down play, we'll do that to get the best players possible on special teams," Groh said.

Don't plan on Minnifield taking the breather, though. He's the kind of player who watches Vic Hall play both ways, then says that "Vic's living the life."

Minnifield wouldn't mind doing something similar, though he knows that first he'll have to develop and mature as an athlete.

His most memorable play this season remains a dropped interception that almost certainly would have been a touchdown in the season opener against William and Mary. Returning to the sidelines, his teammates started joking with him that he heard the SportsCenter theme song in his head before the ball arrived.

Talking about the play earlier this week, he said that he knew there would be more opportunities in the future. He's got aspirations of making it to the NFL — his father, Frank, was a Pro Bowl cornerback — which is why he ventured from Kentucky to play for the Cavs.

"My dad was real big on coach Groh," Minnifield said. "He said that if you want to play at the next level, coach Groh will be the guy to get you there."

Those aspirations got off to a rough start this spring when Minnifield broke his fibula during practice. He said that it took him until the end of fall practices to feel comfortable again.

Once he started practicing, he quickly worked his way back into the rotation, and then was moved from kick returner to punt returner. He hasn't run one back for a touchdown yet, but he's had several close calls dating back to last year.

"I've always wanted to be the person who makes the big play and turns the game around," he said. "Every week I try to set my mentality to that."

Contact Michael Phillips at (804) 649-6546 or mphillips@timesdispatch.com.