UVa running game takes a hit: Wallace out for year

Just two days after switching to an offense that is more dependent on running backs, Virginia was dealt a blow Monday when the team learned that freshman running back Dominique Wallace will miss the rest of the season with an injury.

The news stretches an already thin backfield. Junior Keith Payne left before the season because of a logjam of players at the position, senior Mikell Simpson missed most of Saturday’s game with a shin injury, and freshman Torrey Mack has taken on more of a pass-catching role, though that could change. Vic Hall, who was the starting quarterback when the season began, has also been hampered by an injury.

Wallace sprained his foot during the team’s 37-34 loss to Southern Mississippi and will undergo surgery. The true freshman will qualify for a "medical hardship," allowing him to redshirt this season because he played in three or fewer of the team’s games.

He finishes the season with 14 carries for 49 yards, and was the leading rusher Saturday. The timing of the injury is unfortunate, as coach Al Groh praised him after the game as somebody who made plays, and said that Wallace “has a real good career in front of him.”

For most of the game Wallace rotated with fifth-year senior Rashawn Jackson, who is officially listed as a fullback. Not immune to the injury bug himself, Jackson missed the first game of the season with knee problems before jumping into a regular role.

Also getting snaps was Mack, a true freshman who briefly rose to No. 1 on the depth chart alongside Simpson during training camp. Groh has confidence in the two freshmen, and didn’t hesitate to use them when Simpson went down during Wednesday’s practice.

“Mikell was kicked in the shin — it required stitches and there was a little swelling,” the coach said. “At the same time, we’re enthusiastic about these two young backs, so we decided that in this circumstance it was time to play them.”

A successful running game provides a boost to quarterback Jameel Sewell, but he also relies on them as part of the pass-blocking game.

For the first time this season, instead of going with the five-receiver spread formation the team kept one or two running backs in the backfield to help out Sewell — a change that drew strong reviews.

"It just made me feel a lot more comfortable, because we kept a couple backs in for protection most of the time," Sewell said.

As for Payne, the junior is finishing out the year academically at UVa before transferring to another school that would offer more playing time.

Assuming Simpson can return healthy, he, Mack and Jackson will carry the load for the Cavs the rest of the way, and would provide enough depth if they can remain healthy.

In addition to the Wallace news, Virginia also reported that junior safety Matt Leemhuis has a fractured clavicle and will miss the season. Leemhuis has already redshirted, so he cannot receive a medical hardship.

Leemhuis has been a participating member of the special teams this season.