It took six quarters, a big lead over William & Mary, and an injury to Wayne Taulapapa, but Virginia Cavaliers true freshman Mike Hollins shined in the first action of his collegiate career.
On his first collegiate carry, Hollins rushed for a nine-yard touchdown. He finished with 78 yards on 11 carries and two touchdowns in the 52-17 win over the Tribe last Friday night.
Bronco Mendenhall was asked this week about how many more opportunities Hollins would receive moving forward.
“A lot” said Mendenhall.
“Our plan for Mike is that we didn’t want necessarily for his unveiling to come against Pitt, which was on the road in the ACC. We wanted it to be more sequential, step-by-step and just build his progression as we go.
So we were hoping to use the William & Mary game as his starting point, which worked out exactly as we wanted it to.
He’s physical, he’s fast, he’s dynamic, and he’s tough and that’s what everyone saw and he will remain like that.”
UVA senior linebacker Jordan Mack saw it too, but he’s seen it first-hand in practice.
“He’s a strong guy” said Mack.
“A you [saw in the William & Mary game], he’s a very promising back. Strong, running the ball hard. A lot of upside and we’re looking forward to him producing.”
Fellow inside ‘backer Zane Zandier was also impressed with Hollins’ performance.
“All camp we saw that guy run really, really hard and I just feel that we have so many running backs that can so many great things, but getting [Hollins] as many touches as we can” said Zandier.
“Like you saw, he ran the ball really, really hard. It’s just encouraging.”
Encouraged is exactly what Mendenhall is, considering that UVA’s three top backs, Taulapapa, Hollins, and PK Kier are have collectively carried the ball 32 times for an average of 6.53 yards per carry.
“So as [Hollins] started to show in that game what he’s capable of, his role will continue to be built and expanded over time” said Mendenhall.
“It helped a little bit more in that game because Wayne Taulapapa was still injured, so we go to Mike a little bit faster than maybe we would’ve if Wayne was healthy, but ultimately that helps make that group even stronger. PK had a strong game. Wayne didn’t play but he had a strong opening game.
There’s a trio of ball carriers there, all with a different style that we like and Mike is — well, you saw what he is. We’re really excited he’s here.”
The lopsided win over William & Mary also gave a look into the future at quarterback with redshirt freshman Brennan Armstrong completing 9-of-10 passes for 103 yards.
“I had a lot of fun just seeing Brennan and Mike out there at the same time. The future looks very bright. Not only at quarterback, but also at running back. There’s young receivers that will be emerging as well. Their debuts are coming also.”