U.Va. Notes: Did Dowling damage his stock for draft?

Did Dowling damage his stock for draft?

Virginia cornerback Ras-I Dowling, a junior, struggled throughout the Cavaliers' 42-13 loss to the Hokies yesterday.

Dowling was burned on four passes totaling 131 yards for Virginia Tech. Three were caught by receiver Danny Coale.

During three years at Virginia, Dowling has received numerous accolades, including the all-ACC freshman team and second-team all-ACC last year. That has fueled speculation that he would leave U.Va. for the NFL after this season.

But he started and finished his year with his two worst performances, giving up touchdown passes against William and Mary and struggling against Coale yesterday. Combined with an up-and-down year, that could be enough for scouts to advise him to return for a senior season.

Dowling was unavailable for comment after the game.

As for Coale, U.Va. coach Al Groh remembered trying to recruit him -- with an unfortunate twist.

"We were planning on him coming to our camp and coming in and working for us one day," Groh said. "And the day he was supposed to be here, it rained. And so we couldn't go outside and do anything. And by that time camp was over, and before we could get him back the next time, he had committed over there."

Cavaliers wear white wristbands

A Virginia booster sent Groh a box of wristbands this week, in the style of the popular Livestrong bracelets. These were white, said Redemption in blue on one side, and Cavalier Quest in orange on the other.

"There's a nice fellow who sent us a very positive message of encouragement and support," Groh said. "We're very appreciative of the positive gesture and sorry we couldn't reward him for his enthusiasm."

Linebacker Aaron Clark and Groh wore their wristbands after the game, citing the fans who stuck with the team.

"We've had such an outpouring of fan support," Clark said.

30 seniors honored before the game

Before the game, Virginia's fourthand fifth-year players were honored on the field.

The group was recruited by Groh and completed careers with him, a rarity these days in college football.

Senior defensive lineman Nate Collins said he would keep in touch with the other players and his coach.

"It's a great contact for me and everybody else, being able to call him up and ask him questions, and tell you what you need to know to help you excel in life," he said.

Senior Jameel Sewell played his final game at quarterback, which will be the team's biggest question mark next year. Marc Verica will become a senior, but he will compete with current freshmen Riko Smalls and Ross Metheny.

This weekend, though, was about the seniors, and Sewell took the opportunity to show appreciation for his teammates.

"I love these guys with all of my heart," he said. "They know that, and I would do anything for them. I will never forget any of them, and I want to tell them thank you for everything they have done for me."

On Friday night, the seniors spoke to the team. Running back Rashawn Jackson spoke of his first recruiting visit, hanging out with Sewell and Vic Hall.

"I remember coming in here on a recruiting visit and seeing these guys around me and knowing I want to be a part of it -- it was almost an instantaneous feeling," he said. "Our relationship isn't going to end here. It's not just football."

Extra points:

• Freshman Tucker Windle had his first career start at linebacker, replacing injured senior Darren Childs.

• The poem Groh read to the team was one that former U.Va. star Chris Long kept on hand for motivation.

• Kicker Robert Randolph finished the season 17 for 19, the second-best season in team history.

• Freshman Javanti Sparrow was put in as kick returner for the first time.

• At halftime, Jim Bakhtiar's jersey was retired. He was an All-American in 1957 when he led the ACC in rushing.

• Virginia was 0 for 4 on replays. Groh was asked after the game why the conference had replays if they were so hesitant to overturn plays. "You certainly raise a good point," the coach said. "It's been on my mind here on a number of occasions."

• The Hokies dumped Gatorade on defensive coordinator Bud Foster as the game wound down. He is again rumored to be pursuing a head-coaching position elsewhere. -- Michael Phillips