Virginia Center Brian Stevens Returning for Final Year of Eligibility
In addition to signing a combined 18 high school recruits and transfers on Early National Signing Day on Wednesday, the Virginia football program got some great news as one of its best and most experienced offensive linemen has decided to return for the 2024 season. Graduate offensive lineman Brian Stevens will return to UVA for his final year of eligibility, he announced Wednesday morning.
"Virginia! I am forever grateful for the opportunity to play for this great university the past year. I can't say thank you enough," Stevens said in a social media post, drumming up the suspense. "After thoughtful consideration with my family, I have decided I will be returning to the University of Virginia for my final year of eligibility. Unfinished business!"
A graduate student who transferred to UVA from Dayton last year, Stevens proved to be an extremely valuable and impactful pickup as he brought stability and consistency to Virginia's offensive line. Stevens started all 12 games this season, the first two games at right guard and then the next 10 at center.
According to Pro Football Focus, Stevens had the fourth-highest grade among centers in the country and was the top run-blocking center in the conference. Stevens allowed just one sack in the entire season on 476 pass-block snaps (per PFF) and was named an All-ACC honorable mention at the end of the season.
"When he took over at center, it kind of just had a calming effect on the offense and kind of stabilized it," Tony Elliott said of Stevens on Wednesday. "That's huge. He brings a ton of leadership, ton of experience... that was a huge get for us as a program."
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