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Monroe gives Cavaliers a strong line of credit COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Monroe gives Cavaliers a building blockDate published: 8/27/2008 BY TAFT COGHILL JR. CHARLOTTESVILLE-- The University of Virginia has produced its share of highly touted offensive linemen in the past five years, including first-round NFL draft picks D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Branden Albert.The next in line is left tackle Eugene Monroe, a 6-foot-6, 315-pound senior. Monroe is the most experienced member of Virginia's offensive line and one of just two returning starters. He has carried over lessons learned from Ferguson and Albert as well as beatings taken in practice from another first-round pick, defensive end Chris Long. Monroe is working to put all that knowledge to use this season. He wants to build on 2007 when he didn't allow a sack in the 11 games he started. "Gene is a player that really caught people's attention here early," Cavaliers head coach Al Groh said. "He finished at a high level last year and it looks like he's already beyond that level. He had an awesome summer and it's looking right now like he can have a season comparable to any of those who preceded him." That's high praise considering who Monroe's following, but he'll find out just how far he has come when the Cavaliers open their season against No. 3 Southern California on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in Scott Stadium. Groh has good reason to be confident in Monroe, who is one of 16 children and was the consensus No. 1-ranked offensive lineman in the country coming out of Plainfield (N.J.) High School in 2005. Monroe went on to play in every game as a true freshman, splitting time at left tackle and right guard, but playing primarily on the field goal unit. He said that season wasn't a waste. He doesn't wish he was redshirted. He said he has come a long way since then, as he has started 17 games the past two seasons, earning all-Atlantic Coast Conference honorable mention last year. "Every year I feel confident, but progressively each year, even more confident," Monroe said. "I'm just trying to elevate my game this year and improve on what I did last year." Cavaliers offensive line coach Dave Borbely said the most noticeable difference in Monroe this season is improved conditioning. He said that should help Monroe fend off athletic defensive ends later into the game this season.
Date published: 8/27/2008
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