UVA intends to ‘influence people’ in 2023, coach states

Andrea Adelson, ESPN

• Senior Citizen WriterJul 26, 2023, 12:51 PM ET Close ACC reporter.
• Joined ESPN.com in 2010.
• Graduate of the University of Florida.CHARLOTTE, N.C.– Virginia coach Tony Elliott knows that as the season gets closer, his group will have lots of reminders about just how much they have sustained given that 3 players were shot and killed in November 2022. However he likewise understands they are betting a greater purpose, as Elliott and his players wish to honor the legacies of Lavel Davis Jr., D’Sean Perry and Devin Chandler.As the season opens against Tennessee in September, Elliott stated he thinks his group will

be prepared to reveal a unity in function and spirit.Editor’s Picks “That’s what my hope is, that this football team plays in a way that inspires people, and I think a lot of individuals are trying to find that too,”Elliott told ESPN.”They wish to see this football group be an inspiration.”Everybody is going to judge the outcome, however what I’m going to be judging is the quality of their heart and the effort they put in– to reveal individuals the positives of what the human spirit is capable of.”Elliott said the Cavaliers have actually responded well throughout spring practice and offseason workouts: “You see a lot more unity, a lot more friendship, more sense of function, great energy.”

But sorrow is not the same for everyone, so Elliott has ensured to allow the appropriate time and area for players and coaches to heal.Chandler, Davis and Perry were shot and eliminated Nov. 13, 2022, after returning to school from a class journey to Washington. Running back Mike Hollins, who was shot and injured, returned to school, made his degree and is set to play this season.Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., a Virginia trainee and previous member of the football team who was on the journey, has actually been charged with 3 counts of second-degree murder and using a firearm in the commission of a felony. Prosecutors likewise charged him with two counts of harmful wounding and additional gun-related charges linked to the shooting of Hollins and another student, Marlee Morgan.Elliott said Virginia has strategies to honor and acknowledge the households of Chandler, Perry and Davis throughout the season, however no information have been announced.Running back Perris Jones said he has actually been influenced to”carry Devin’s smile, carry D’Sean’s consideration, carry Lavel’s humor.””I believe that’s a part of our obligation is to continue who those people were and ensure that does not die out due to the fact that they had presents to use

the world,”Jones stated.” There’s a different sense of urgency and various energy, a various sense of purpose, and it’s driving

us,”Jones included. “You can sense that standing in the locker room, standing in our exercises and our practices. We’re simply pleased to be there, and I think that happiness which gratitude is originating from those guys. That was the energy that they possessed. That’s what we attempt to continue in everything that we do.” Elliott said the players who chose to remain at Virginia have motivated him headed into the season.” Unless you’re in it, it’s difficult to have an appreciation for it,”Elliott said.”But all of the men that came back to the University of Virginia, they chose to come back. They chose to embrace what it was, knowing that it’s going to be a tough road ahead. I’m excited to see them react. “