Virginia’s linebacker room enters preseason camp with one obvious headline and a few unresolved questions behind it.
Kam Robinson is the player who changes everything. His speed, athleticism and relentlessness have him positioned as a likely all-Atlantic Coast Conference linebacker, and if he’s right, Virginia has a difference-maker.
But the Cavaliers are not walking into Aug. 28 against N.C. State with the position settled.
Robinson’s health and the lack of established depth are front-and-center concerns for defensive coordinator John Rudzinski.
Robinson’s recovery is the biggest issue on the board, not just for linebackers but for the entire team. He tore an ACL on the first series of Virginia’s Week 12 win over Duke and has spent the offseason rehabbing with the goal of being on the field against the Wolfpack.
At last week’s ACC Kickoff preseason media event, coach Tony Elliott sounded optimistic that Robinson would be ready. Robinson was more cautious, but did say,
Even if he’s not fully back, Robinson still brings rare production. SportsReference.com says he is the only FBS player in the past 20 years to block a punt, recover a fumble and score on an interception return in the same season. He has also taken three of his five career interceptions back for touchdowns.
If Robinson is available, Virginia will slot him back into the Will linebacker role he has held when healthy since his freshman year. The Cavaliers list only two true starting linebacker spots, though the Spur is a hybrid role that can move closer to the line of scrimmage when needed.
The other starting job is up for grabs. Landon Danley filled in for Robinson and made six tackles against Duke, then started the Gator Bowl win over Missouri.
Maddox Marcellus started Virginia’s final two regular-season games. Those two senior linebackers are the likeliest candidates to battle for the Mike spot once camp gets rolling.
Virginia did not add a linebacker through the transfer portal, which leaves the door open for several unproven former high school recruits. That makes the development of backup options even more important, especially if Robinson runs into another injury after a college career that has already been interrupted by health issues.
Freshman Dallas Brannon arrives with a frame that echoes Robinson’s, listed at 6-2 and 219 pounds. At Independence High School in Charlotte, N.C., he was a three-time all-conference player and put together a disruptive 2025 season with 108 tackles, a blocked punt, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Virginia also has senior Caleb Hardy, a converted safety who has made five starts over the last two seasons. Beyond that, linebackers coach Mike Adams is hoping one of the lesser-used upperclassmen - Myles Brown, Isaiah Reese or Justin Rowe - can take a real step forward.
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