Hoos in the Pros: Tracking UVA Stars in the Pros and Beyond

I would define the 4-yr HOOS fan as a student who attends some combination of football, basketball, baseball, occasional minor sports, and maybe even women’s sports before the final walk down the Lawn. The majority, I’m guessing, dismiss images of Scott Stadium, JPJ, Davenport, and Klockner after graduation as they seek employment, get married, buy homes, have kids, and perhaps live far away from Grounds.

I would define the HOOS SUPER fan as one who enjoys all the above but carries it forward into adulthood. The names of players, their statistics, injury reports, and analysis of our next opponent. (This all includes time spent on the facts and figures now for the favorite adopted pro teams.) Every attempt would be made to attend regular season contests, bowl games, playoffs, and those in which HOOs Super Fans can reconnect with their HOOs Super fans on Grounds.

The sport, the players, and the present teams of our ex-HOOS at the pro level are listed below for HOOS Super fans only. I believe the list of football, basketball, and baseball graduates to be updated but I’m happy to learn of other athlete’s updates. This article is also not meant to ignore our other 27 NCAA sports that are entertaining and very competitive. Many of our “minor” teams have contributed a substantial number to our 36 team trophies. (VA Tech still wipes cobwebs from their empty trophy case.)

BASEBALL:

• Andrew Abbot – LP Reds

• Ernie Clement – 3B Blue Jays

• Connelly Early – LP, Bosox

• Zach Gelof – 2B As

• Daniel Lynch – P Royals

• Jake McCarthy – OF Diamondbacks

• Josh Sborz – RP Rangers

• Pavin Smith – Diamondbacks

• Chris Taylor – SS, OF Angels

• Kyle Teel – C, OF White Sox

• Matt Thaiss – C, 3B Rays

• Mike Vasil – LP, White Sox

• Bennett Sousa – LP Astros

• Henry Godbout – 2B Bosox*

• Chris Arroyo – 1B Marlins*

• Jack O’Connor- RP Dodgers*

• Jay Woolfolk – RP Braves*

• Luke Hansen – 3B Rangers*

• Matt Lazendorfer – LP Dodgers*

• Ryan Osinski – RP Yankees*

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FOOTBALL:

• Joey Blount – S Cardinals

• Bryce Hall – CB Bucs

• Jonas Sanker – S Saints

• Charles Snowden – DE Raiders

• Juan Thornhill – CB Steelers

• Brent Urban – DE Ravens

• Malik Washington – WR Dolphins

• Jelani Woods – TE Jets

• Olamide Zaccheaus-WR Bears

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BASKETBALL:

• Reece Beekman – PG Magic

• Malcolm Brogdon – PG Knicks

• Sam Hauser – SG Celtics

• Jay Huff – C Pacers

• Deandre Hunter – SF Cavaliers

• Ty Jerome – SG Grizzlies

• Trey Murphy – SG Pelicans

Finally, we are 6 1/2-pt dogs to the Seminoles tonight. If 45,000+ Hoos and Super Hoos appear in Scott Stadium with blue shirts, the betting may change enough to pull a big upset that will give us respect in the polls. (Your seat will be waiting for you rain or shine!) If you are a student watching the action from the “hill”, please don’t leave at halftime. We need your voices for the nail-biting ending!