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By TAFT COGHILL JR.

CHARLOTTESVILLE--Even though he's been through more adversity than the average person, not playing football still bothers University of Virginia senior running back Wali Lundy.

Lundy's mother, Joann, died of breast cancer when he was 6. His father, Brian, died at 30 after suffering a stroke when Lundy was 4. Lundy barely survived at 13 before he had surgery to remove scar tissues that were blocking his intestines. Lundy was raised by his grandmother, Etta Davis.

Knowing that background, one might think a sprained left foot is a piece of cake. But it isn't.

Lundy, a New Brunswick, N.J., native, worked hard in the offseason to shed a few pounds in an effort to increase his breakaway speed. He was a candidate for the Doak Walker Award, which is given to the nation's best running back before he was injured in a season opening win over Western Michigan.

So far this season, he's rushed just 18 times for 67 yards and no touchdowns. Virginia coach Al Groh said he sympathizes with the senior.

"Wali's got a very good perspective on life, but [football] is very important to him," Groh said. "I think he's dealt with those things in the past, and it's given him perspective, but that's the past. This is the present. He's got a lot invested in the present and the future. He's put a lot into getting ready for the season, and I feel for him."

Lundy said he can't afford to stay down about being injured for too long. While his playing time has decreased dramatically, he's expected to start on Saturday when the Cavaliers (3-1, 1-1 in the Atlantic Coast Conference) visit No. 18 Boston College (4-1, 1-1).

"I just have to stay encouraged," he said. "Things happen. It could be a lot worse. God will bring me out of it."

After Virginia fell to Fresno State in the MPC Computers Bowl last season, Lundy began working hard to get ready for a big senior campaign. Groh said Lundy has always been a hard worker, but his sense of urgency increased.

"He was one of the most diligent players on the team for three years," Groh said. "But he took it to another level this year. So I feel for him in this circumstance. The best he can hope for is half a season."