1. Shawn Moore (1988-90)*
U.Va.’s leader in career total yardage (7,987) and second in passing (6,629 yards), Shawn Moore led the Cavaliers to a No. 1 ranking for a three-week period in 1990. That same season, Moore became the first ACC quarterback to lead the nation in passing efficiency, finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy balloting, and was named ACC Player of the Year and first-team All-American. He is the only Virginia quarterback to have his number retired. Besides, was there anything more unstoppable than the Moore to (Herman) Moore connection?
2. Matt Schaub (2001-03)
>A close call between Moore and Schaub for the top spot, but Moore’s versatility and ability to lead the Cavaliers to heights not seen before or since give him a slight edge over Schaub’s overall dominance of the Virginia record books. By the time he finished his career in 2003, Schaub held 23 school records, including yards passing (7,502), touchdown passes (56), completions (716), attempts (1,069), completion percentage (.670), 300-yard games (8), and 200-yard games (20). The 2002 ACC Player of the Year, he still holds the ACC record for career completion percentage.
3. Don Majkowski (1984-86)
Although the “Majic Man” does not have the gaudy statistics of others on this list (he ranks eighth on U.Va.’s career passing list), Majkowski was the quarterback who helped Coach George Welsh reverse the fortunes of a struggling football program. Majkowski guided the Cavaliers to a 27-24 victory over Purdue in the 1984 Peach Bowl, Virginia’s first bowl game (the Cavaliers have now been to 17 bowls).
4. Mike Groh (1994-95)
Groh is the only U.Va. quarterback to guide his teams to nine wins and bowl victories in consecutive seasons. He led the ACC in passing in 1994 and was behind center for the monumental victory over Florida State in 1995, ending the Seminoles’ 29-game ACC win streak.His 2,510-yard passing total during the 1995 season is the school’s third highest.
5. Scott Gardner (1973-75)
The Cavaliers won only nine games in the three seasons that Scott Gardner played quarterback. But don’t blame Gardner—he led the ACC in passing two of those years and still ranks third on Virginia’s career passing list. He might’ve ranked higher on this list if not for his school-record 59 career interceptions.
Honorable mention
Aaron Brooks (1997-98)
Third in Virginia career passing yardage and touchdown passes, fifth in total offense.
Matt Blundin (1991)
Threw 19 touchdown passes and zero interceptions on his way to ACC Player of the Year honors.
List compiled by Virginia Magazine staff
*Dates indicate seasons as starting quarterback
Comments
Taking nothing away from Scott Gardiner, Aaron Brooks and Matt Blundin,perhaps Gary Cuozzo and Bob Davis deserve consideration for their accomplishments in the 60’s.
Bob Davis was one of the most exciting UVA quarterbacks. Bill Elias once said that Davis was the kind of player that you had to be careful not to over coach. Subsequently, after Elias went to Navy, Davis was moved to other positions reducing the possiblilty that his overall record would reflect his talent.
No argument regarding Shawn Moore as its not even close.Virginia very lucky to get this Martinsville guy away from N.C.State.I feel Gene Arnette should get some mention as he was a dynamic QB&leader; for George Blackburn,great arm,could really run the option.led Cavs to a 7-3 season and some big wins w/ Frank Quayle.Also led Lane HS Black Knights to several State Titles.Ended up a Navy Pilot as the Naval Academy was his second choice.Took Navy ROTC at Virginia.Know affectionately as “Clyde”
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