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As the Hurricanes prepare to take on the Virginia Cavaliers this Saturday, one intriguing player on UVA is junior wide receiver, Billy Kemp IV. So with this, one of the matchups that’ll be interesting to watch will be Kemp going up against the Miami secondary.
Lindell Stone to Billy Kemp for the TD! Stone's first career passing TD.
— Virginia Football (@UVAFootball) October 10, 2020
Watch LIVE on ACCN: https://t.co/ZtexHqmLwm#GoHoos | #TheStandard pic.twitter.com/rZwiLEx6UD
Kemp is one of the more dangerous weapons on this UVA squad. Through four games, Kemp leads the Cavaliers in receptions (36) and receiving yards (316), and is averaging 8,8 yards per catch. Kemp is one of the leaders in the ACC when it comes to receptions per game, so you know he’s going to be a main target when Virginia plays Miami.
Highland Springs product Billy Kemp had the 2nd-most receptions in 2019 among returning players for @UVAFootball. 2020 could see a breakout year for the Cavalier receiver. @NBC12 @gohshsfootball pic.twitter.com/k0bDjyL4lB
— Marc Davis (@marcdavissports) August 15, 2020
In their biggest game so far in 2020 against Clemson, Kemp totaled 10 receptions for 96 yards. Of the 68 receiving yards he had last week against Wake Forest, 39 of them came after the catch. Throughout the season, Kemp has 152 yards after the catch, and has broken 10 tackles, which has been an issue for the Miami defense so far in 2020.
Top Performer@billykemp_4
— Virginia Football (@UVAFootball) October 4, 2020
Career-Highs⤵️
10 catches for 96 yards
☑️In two career games against Clemson, Kemp has 19 career receptions for 162 yards against the Tigers.#GoHoos | #THEStandard pic.twitter.com/eVofb92OYA
Kemp will be lining up in the slot, which means we’ll probably see lots of Te’Cory Couch on Saturday trying to guard him. Couch has established himself as one of the better, even best, cover-corner on Miami’s roster. Last week against Pitt, Couch had 3 pass-breakups. So it would make sense that our best player in coverage, would go up against Virginia’s best receiver. Right?
Te'cory Couch displayed some nice coverage skills Vs Pitt.
— Arturo (@CaneFilms) October 18, 2020
Finished with 1 tackle & 3 pass breakups. Solid day for Couch. pic.twitter.com/mOvuIPoSgI
Another option in covering Kemp is striker Gilbert Frierson, who has improved in pass coverage as well. Having a bigger defended like Frierson on Kemp will help after the catch, with Gil being a sure-tackler.
Gilbert Frierson Vs. FSU
— Arturo (@CaneFilms) September 28, 2020
Our highest graded player against the Noles per Pro Football Focus. 5 tkls, 2 tkfl, & 1 pass breakup. No missed tackles. pic.twitter.com/KeuLQbE2fz
Miami’s primary cornerbacks, Al Blades Jr. and DJ Ivey, will most likely be paired up against UVA’s bigger receivers, Terrell Jana and Lavel Davis Jr. At 6-7, Davis has been solid so far for Virginia, and was named to the Freshman All-American watchlist, so he’s definitely a name to remember.
What a catch by Lavel Davis Jr. to put @UVAFootball back on top in the fourth!#ACCFootball
— ACC Football (@ACCFootball) September 26, 2020
https://t.co/SxnzRTO4Gc pic.twitter.com/g2LWJvXxkt
If the Canes can limit Kemp’s production, especially after the catch, the Miami defense shouldn’t have a problem in shutting down the entire Virginia offense.