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Monroe gives Cavaliers a strong line of credit COLLEGE FOOTBALL

August 27, 2008 12:15 am

CHARLOTTESVILLE--

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.

"He's lost a few pounds and he's in tremendous shape right now," Borbely said of the preseason all-ACC selection. "He's probably in the best shape of his life, literally."

That could help Monroe put together the type of season that will make him the Cavaliers' latest offensive lineman to earn a spot in the NFL draft's first round. The Web site footballsfuture.com projects him as the No. 13 pick for 2009.

Albert lined up next to Monroe at left guard last year, but the Kansas City Chiefs made Albert the No. 15 overall selection in April because of his ability to move to left tackle.

Ferguson thrived at left tackle for four seasons and he was rewarded when the New York Jets used the No. 4 overall selection on him in the 2006 draft.

Monroe's style of play is different from Albert, who was light on his feet and very athletic, but it also varies from Ferguson, a more lean, upright pass protector.

Borbely said Monroe is smart, strong and very athletic.

"We're all different types of players," Monroe said. "I can borrow things from both Branden and D'Brickashaw's games. They're both excellent players."

Virginia coaches said Monroe is excellent, too.

He and junior right tackle Will Barker provide solid bookends to the Cavaliers' offensive line, but they must replace Albert, center Jordy Lipsey and right guard Ian-Yates Cunningham.

Still, the Cavaliers know the quarterback's blind side should be well-guarded.

"The big thing with Gene is he's an experienced football player and he's got excellent leadership skills," Borbely said. "I'm really looking forward to him becoming the kind of player who makes other players around him better."

Taft Coghill Jr.: 540/374-5526
Email: tcoghill@freelancestar.com