In 2021, Brendan Farrell capably filled Virginia football’s placekicking void left by Brian Delaney, who departed Charlottesville following the 2020 season. Farrell, who had not played a game since walking on his first year in 2019, made 11-of-13 field goals, drilling all 10 tries from under 40 yards (4-4 from under 30, 6-6 from the 30-39-yard range).

Led by Farrell, who could have three years of eligibility remaining because of the COVID year, Virginia’s 2022 placekicking unit figures to be strong. Redshirt sophomore Justin Duenkel, who began 2021 as the starter but was sidelined for an extended period because of an early season injury, is also expected back. The unit may include Hunter Pearson, who came to UVA on a scholarship but has not played since his true freshman campaign in 2018. Rounding out the group is highly regarded placekicker prospect Will Bettridge, who signed with the Hoos last month.

“I wouldn’t say it’s nice or a bad thing,” Bettridge answered when asked about having experienced, proven players ahead of him as a first year. “Just can’t wait to get in the room and compete.”

The latest Gulliver Prep (Miami, FL) product to sign with Virginia, Bettridge helped the Raiders to a 9-2 record in his final high school season. According to MaxPreps, the Kornblue no. 1 placekicker in the 2022 Class made 11-of-16 field goals, including a 51-yarder, and was 35-of-40 on extra points. Bettridge was the team’s punter too, averaging 38.3 yards per punt in 24 tries with a long of 63. On kickoffs, the talented prospect booted 61 touchbacks in 70 attempts.

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