Region/state roundup: Running backs from James Madison, Virginia Tech enter transfer portal

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James Madison running back Kaelon Black entered the transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining. The Salem High graduate has rushed for 927 yards and four touchdowns on 200 carries in 21 games in the last two seasons. He also has 40 catches for 397 yards and five scores.

Virginia Tech running back Chance Black (no relation to Kaelon), who grew up in Spartanburg, South Carolina, also entered the portal with two years of eligibility. He had 48 carries for 141 yards and three catches for 23 yards in 25 games over three seasons with the Hokies. He returned 21 kickoffs for 432 yards.

Old Dominion offensive lineman Chris Chernak entered the portal as a graduate transfer with one year of eligibility left. The 6-foot-7, 290-pounder from Brooklyn, New York, played for Stony Brook for four years.

UVA shares academic award

Virginia was one of 13 FBS schools to share the AFCA Academic Achievement Award presented by the Memphis Touchdown Club. All 13 schools shared the highest graduation rate for members of their 2016 freshman football student-athlete classes.

Cavs’ Robinson named Freshman All-American

The Athletic’s Freshman All-America Team featured Virginia linebacker Kam Robinson as a second-team honoree. Robinson has been named to three Freshman All-America teams.

He played in all 12 games for UVA, starting eight. He led all ACC true freshmen and ranked third among FBS true freshmen in tackles with 71. Robinson added 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions and four quarterback hurries.

Chadwell, Cignetti among semifinalists for top honor

Liberty’s Jamey Chadwell and Curt Cignetti, who guided James Madison before taking the Indiana job, are among 14 semifinalists for the George Munger College Coach of the Year Award. Finalists will be announced Dec. 21, and the winner will be announced Jan. 10.

ECU hires offensive line coach

Matt Mattox, who was on Conference USA-winning Texas San Antonio’s staff in 2021 and ’22, was named the offensive line coach on Mike Houston’s East Carolina staff. The Pirates are making some staff changes after a 2-10 season.

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UVA freshman gains All-America honor

Virginia’s Stephen Annor was a third-team All-America selection by the United Soccer Coaches. Of the 37 players combined on three teams, Annor was the only freshman.

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ODU reveals schedule

Old Dominion announced its 2024 schedule, which will begin March 16 against Saint Joseph’s and Monmouth in Norfolk on the Lafayette River.

After several regattas away from Norfolk, ODU will wrap up its season May 12 at the American Athletic Conference regatta in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, on Melton Lake. If the Monarchs win the team title, they will qualify for the NCAA Championships from May 31-June 2 in Bethel, Ohio.

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Cavaliers have 20 home games

Virginia coach Joanna Hardin announced a schedule that features 20 home games, including the Rawlings Classic at Palmer Park and four home series in ACC play.

UVA is on the road for back-to-back weekends top open the season, making appearances at tournaments hosted by South Carolina (Feb. 9-11) and Alabama (Feb. 16-18).

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CNU coaching staff achieves region honor

Christopher Newport was named the Division III National Field Hockey Coaches Association Region VI Coaching Staff of the Year. Head coach Carrie Moura and assistants Marlene Lichty, Yaphet Melendez and Jessica Wiggins guided the Captains to a 17-1 record, including six victories against nationally ranked Division III foes.