[Sly Fox]

Gooch is joined at quarterback — for now, at least — by fifth-year senior Marc Verica, redshirt freshman Ross Metheny and true freshmen Michael Strauss and Michael Rocco.

It has been Rocco — the nephew of Liberty coach Danny Rocco, a former UVa assistant — who has created a buzz in training camp, pushing for increased reps with accurate passes and a great understanding of the game.

Click Here for Full Story


And here's another from the UVa SIDs ...

White: Rocco Upholds Family Tradition
Courtesy: VirginiaSports.com
Release: 08/13/2010

By Jeff White
jwhite@virginia.edu



CHARLOTTESVILLE -- After being named UVa's football coach in early December, Mike London was bombarded with congratulatory e-mails, phone calls and texts.

One such message came from former colleague Danny Rocco, Liberty University's coach. Congrats and good luck, Rocco told London, and if you're interested in my nephew, let me know.

Liberty Christian Academy quarterback Michael Rocco, whose father, Frank, is Danny's brother, was committed to Louisville at the time. But the Big East school was going through a coaching change, too, and Danny knew that his nephew -- and the Cardinals -- might want to explore other options.

Click Here for Full Story

[Chris Lang]

UVa moved Jake McGee, another freshman QB from Collegiate who played against Mike in the state championship game last year, to tight end. FYI.

[LUconn]

Danny sabotaged our chances!

[LUnpretty11]

"This is the perfect place for me: the offense, the coaching staff, Coach London, Coach Lazor. I couldn't ask for a better place to come -- in-state, close to home. It's a perfect fit."

Be real Mike! Liberty. Helllooo??

[bigsmooth]

another freshman qb for UVA miles gooch appears to be moving to another position according to the daily progress, which continues to bode well for mike. he needed to get away and kudos to him. he appears to be making a name for himself already in c-ville.

[jenkins]

That's all well and good but London got the man he wanted coming in next year in Watford from the ol Hampton Crabbers. Mike may win the backup job this year but it's common knowledge that Watford is the guy London envisions running his program in the future unless Mike flat out beats him undeniably.

[Sly Fox]

At least based on news reports and banter on the Sabre, Mike is beating out all the other young QBs. Obviously there has only been a couple weeks of camp but it would appear he may not redshirt this fall after all if he proves to be the heir apparent. They'll want to see him in game action to know for sure he's their man in 2011.

[bigsmooth]

its not common knowledge.... if rocco shows better than watford he will QB. watford can be used as an athlete, but so could rocco. just because he is a 757 product does not hand him the job.all of my contacts are telling me that mike is doing better than anyone expected. we will see though...it should be an interesting battle.

[Sly Fox]

Michael Rocco making rapid gains in UVA backup QB race

By Charlottesville Daily Progress
Published: August 17, 2010

CHARLOTTESVILLE — Of all the signs that have been given about Michael Rocco’s future at Virginia, perhaps none is as strong as this: His roommate during training camp is Marc Verica.

The two, along with the other quarterbacks, spend late nights in the film room at the McCue Center, hustling back to the Cavalier Inn to beat the 11 p.m. curfew.

Back in the room, the learning continues.

“It’s just good to have a veteran like him available,” Rocco said. “Anytime I’ve got a question I’m able to shoot it at him and get an answer.”

Click Here for Full Story

[LCA&LU Mom]

Congrats Mike!!

By: Jay Jenkins
Published: August 30, 2011

CHARLOTTESVILLE — It is finally official — as expected — that Virginia sophomore Michael Rocco will take the first snap against William & Mary on Saturday at Scott Stadium in the season opener for both teams.

for full story: http://www2.newsadvance.com/sports/2011 ... r-1272905/

[jenkins]

i just hope he gets to keep the job, the whole way london is wording it (watford will not redshirt and will play as well) still doesn't soudn exactly right. I really hope Mike wins the full time job and keeps it but it still seems he's paving the way smoothly for watford.

[jcmanson]

If he ends up getting beat out, he'll be at LU.

[TDDance234]

If he ends up getting beat out, he'll be at LU.

Has he used his redshirt year already?

[jcmanson]

If he ends up getting beat out, he'll be at LU.

Has he used his redshirt year already?

No. He's a true sophomore.

[jenkins]

heard London on Greg Roberts local radio show today. If you listened to that interview and you dont think London is paving the way for Watford then i dont know what to say. Rocco will only keep the job if he comes in and flat out takes the reign, which is goign to be difficult to do as a true sophomore with decent but young skill position help and a mediocore O line. He's easing Watford in with some wildcat plays while he learns the rest of the playbook, he said it himself. You dont blow the kids redshirt unless you plan on playing him a lot, especially since he is a former hampton player and London wants desperately to get back in good graces there after all the damage Al did.

[jcmanson]

He'll enroll @ LU for spring ball.

[Purple Haize]

He'll enroll @ LU for spring ball.

I don't know if you know that as fact but can't say it would surprise me. IMO he has made good progress and has been effective. But on the other hand he hasn't been the second coming of......Matt Schaub...so London has to look to the long term. It won't help him recruiting in the Hampton area if he doesn't play the one stud he foes have from there. MR might end up being a casualty of recruiting politics, which is too bad. But could be good news for LU!

[ToTheLeft]

Would be great to have him. He'd carve up the Big South. Well, if he gets the right plays called for him.

[TDDance234]

He's unstoppable in NCAA 2012.

[jinxy]

yep, i said it a month ago and it all remains true. Mike would had to absolutely dominate to be able to win that job. No way he burns Watfords redshirt if he doesnt think he's the Qb of the future. In fairness, mike has played pretty darn well, he's been victimized by some tipped balls and had a few bad throws. His overall yardage numbers have been very respectable for a first time starter.

[ToTheLeft]

Or Mike Brown to throw to...

Would probably have Gabe to throw to, which wouldn't be so bad.

[WinterIsComing]

I love Liberty Football. But WHY would he come to LU? Based on O-Line, Receivers, etc...I can think of quite a few teams in the FCS that he would be much better off at next year. And let's just be honest, if we have issues this year or next, Barber/Falwell could decide we'd be better off with a different head coach. Too many "if's" for me unless we win the BSC (preferably outright) and make the FCS Tournament.

[WinterIsComing]

I think we will win the Big South, and go pretty deep in the playoffs. Our o line will be better next yr. WR will still be a good position for us.

Hmmm, I'd love to believe that. But what are you basing that on? Particularly the O-Line and receivers... I'd love to see what you're seeing buuuuuutttttt considering what I've seen from our junior and below boys at all our home games so far...I'm seeing less than not much. Heck we would NEED Mike Rocco to even compete in the BSC next year!

[thepostman]

the only real reason is the family connection, other then that I can't think of a reason

[From the class of 09]

Heck we would NEED Mike Rocco to even compete in the BSC next year!