Dayton Offensive Lineman Brian Stevens Transfers to Virginia Football

New Virginia offensive line coach Terry Heffernan has secured his first big win on the recruiting trail. Brian Stevens, an offensive line transfer from Dayton, announced his commitment to UVA on Tuesday afternoon. 

"I'm hyped to be announcing I am committing to the University of Virginia!" Stevens said in a Twitter post. "This opportunity is indescribable, and can't wait to get to work!"

A 6'2", 290-pound guard from Milford, Ohio, Stevens transfers to Virginia with two years of eligibility remaining. Over the last four years at Dayton, Stevens appeared in 20 total games, including 19 starts. Stevens started eight games at tackle in 2021, but most recently started all 11 games at guard for the Flyers in 2022 and garnered a First-Team All-Pioneer Football League selection. According to Pro Football Focus, Stevens had the highest performance grade of any offensive guard at the FCS level in 2022. 

Like Stevens, Virginia's new offensive line coach Terry Heffernan also played four years of football at Dayton and graduated in 2003. That Dayton connection between Heffernan and Stevens undoubtedly played a big factor in Stevens coming to Virginia, where he will supply much-needed reinforcement for UVA's offensive line. 

For the second year in a row, the Cavaliers are facing significant attrition on the offensive line with five rotational offensive linemen, including four who logged at least five starts for Virginia in the 2022 season, departing from the program this offseason, not to mention offensive line coach Garett Tujague, who left after seven years to take the same job at NC State. Just five UVA offensive linemen who appeared in games last season are set to return in 2023. 

Virginia has now secured commitments from two offensive line transfers this offseason: Dayton's Brian Stevens and Houston's Ugonna Nnanna, who enrolled at UVA in January and is participating with the Cavaliers in spring practice. Stevens is the seventh player to transfer to Virginia this offseason:

Former Monmouth quarterback Tony Muskett
Former Northwestern wide receiver Malik Washington
Former Clemson running back Kobe Pace
Former North Carolina safety Cam'Ron Kelly
Former Houston offensive tackle Ugonna Nnanna
Former Iowa State cornerback Tayvonn Kyle
Former Dayton offensive guard Brian Stevens

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