COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Lovett Looks To Shine In Primetime

Count wide receiver Jason Lovett among the players pumped about the University of Virginia’s College at Wise’s game tonight against rival Pikeville (Ky.) College, scheduled for 7 p.m. at Carl Smith Stadium.

“It’s pretty cool,” Lovett said of playing a night game. “It brings us back to our high school days – the Friday night lights. We enjoy it and all. We’ll have a lot of fans out there and it’s
a great environment. It’s fun to go underneath the lights and play.”

Primetime will be a fitting showcase for Lovett.

The Spotsylvania, Va. native has been the Highland Cavaliers’ most dynamic player the last two seasons.

He was tabbed as a preseason NAIA All-American by The Sporting News and has already amassed 795 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns this season.

“He’s a very fine athlete,” said UVa.-Wise coach Bruce Wasem.

After record-setting quarterback Randy Hippeard graduated many people wondered if Lovett would be able to put up the gaudy numbers he had achieved in 2007 and 2008. He hasn’t missed a beat.

First-year starting QB Brad Robbins has thrown for 2,226 yards and 19 scores and is among the NAIA’s national passing leaders. He’s found a reliable target in Lovett.

“Brad’s done a great job,” said Lovett. “He’s a true leader and he really goes out there and gives it his all. He spends time in the film room and prepares as well as anybody in the country. He just sends off these positive vibes and that’s what you want from a QB.”

While his statistics haven’t fallen, the season has produced some tough moments for Lovett. He suffered a concussion in the season-opener against Seton Hill (Pa.) and was forced to miss a game.

“From an individual standpoint, I’m not exactly pleased with my numbers,” Lovett said. “More so, just my production and helping the team out, I don’t feel like I’ve done what I should
have. It kind of irritates me.”

Meanwhile, UVa.-Wise (4-4) is coming off a tough 27-20 loss to Cumberland (Tenn.) University. The fiery Lovett was visibly upset on the sidelines during the closing moments of that game.

“He’s a tremendous competitor; almost too much sometimes,” Wasem said. “There’s times during the game where he’s just out of control, where he’s so competitive and wants to win so badly.”

However, Lovett will look to get UVa.-Wise back on track tonight in front of a packed house and the lights shining down on him.
“It’ s really been an up and down season,” said Lovett. “The team, as one, has not gotten too high or too low. When things were going good, we didn’t get too high and when things
were not going so good, we didn’t get too low. We’re keeping our heads and the [Mid-South Conference East Division title] is still in front of us.”

| (276) 645-2570