Might Virginia's defense play spy games against NC State QB CJ Bailey?

Robinson might be asked to shadow N.C. State's mobile quarterback all over the field Saturday.

Nov 1, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; Virginia Cavaliers linebacker Kam Robinson (5) reacts after sacking California Golden Bears quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (not pictured) during the second quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

In last year's matchup, Virginia's defense had few answers for N.C. State's C.J. Bailey. The mobile quarterback ran for two touchdowns and threw for another in the Wolfpack's 35-31 victory over the Cavaliers in Raleigh.

Notably absent that day was Kam Robinson. Virginia's dynamic linebacker was still recovering from a fractured collarbone he had suffered during training camp, an injury that would force him to miss the first three games of the season.

Robinson eventually returned, only to see his season end prematurely with a torn ACL during a November victory over Duke. He spent the offseason diligently rehabbing and is expected to play against the Wolfpack in Saturday's season-opening rematch, although his snaps may be limited.

Even a limited version of Robinson should give Virginia's defense a boost. The Cavaliers failed to sack Bailey even once in last year's meeting and watched him amass 200 yards passing and 44 on the ground.

Even if he's not at full speed, though, Robinson could be a major factor in the rematch. His athleticism and football IQ could make him effective as a spy against Bailey, at least in certain circumstances, if defensive coordinator John Rudzinski chooses to use him in that role.

At last month's ACC Kickoff, Robinson was very complimentary of the 6-foot-6, 218-pound Bailey.

"He's tall, he's got a great arm, he can move," Robinson said. "Being that tall and that fast, that's what makes him so dangerous."

Defenses often use an athletic player like Robinson to ignore his usual coverage assignments and essentially shadow the movement of an opposing quarterback to prevent him from escaping the pocket and picking up chunks of yardage with his legs.

"If I had that role, and that's what they wanted me to do, I'd do it, if they trust me that much to be that spy guy," Robinson said.

Robinson said Rudzinski has assigned him to spy the similarly athletic Tommy Castellanos when he played quarterback for Boston College and Florida State, with some effectiveness. The Cavaliers held Castellanos to an 18-for-32 passing night and intercepted him twice in last year's double-overtime victory over the Seminoles, although he did throw for 254 yards and run for 78 yards and a touchdown.

There may be some opportunities for Robinson to reprise that spy role on Saturday, especially on third downs or on expected run-pass option plays. It would convey trust not only in Robinson's abilities but also in the capabilities of the veteran defense that surrounds him.

Of course, if Virginia can limit the Wolfpack's run game and generate an effective pass rush from its veteran front four, it won't need any gimmicks. It's always nice to have an ace in the hole, though.