University of Virginia football notes.(Daily Press)

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. _ Coming to the University of Virginia, Darryl Blackstock wanted his jersey number to be 11 _ the same digits he wore at Heritage High and, later, at Fork Union Military Academy.

Instead, Cavalier coach Al Groh made Blackstock wear No. 56. As in, the number worn by Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor, arguably the best outside linebacker ever. Groh worked with LT as a New York Giant assistant from 1989-91.

"He wouldn't let me wear any number but that," Blackstock said. "He gave me a call one day and said, `56.' My number was 11, and as soon as (senior wideout) Billy McMullen left I was going to get 11. But he's like, `No, you're 56,' so " …