In a recent video call with reporters, Virginia special teams coordinator Keith Gaither mentioned the need to build depth at the specialist positions. The Hoos took a step in that direction on Wednesday when punter Elijah Slibeck pledged to the program as a late member of the incoming 2023 class.
The Indiana prospect announced his decision on Twitter.
Very proud to announce that I will be continuing my Academic and Athletic career at @UVA @UVAFootball ⚔️@WARRENCENTRALFB @WarriorNation_1 @mikekirschner1 @CoachWellmann44 @KohlsKicking @drewmeyer5 @Coach_Gaither @Coach_TElliott @_LD82 pic.twitter.com/k51k1kjaHe
— Elijah Slibeck (2023, K/P 5⭐️) (@ESlibeck) April 11, 2023
Slibeck chose UVA over reported offers from Air Force, Marshall, and Miami of Ohio. He averaged 41.3 yards per punt on 28 attempts for Warren Central High School in Indianapolis as a senior per his MaxPreps.com profile. He also handled kickoffs for the team and produced 40 touchbacks on 48 attempts.
The 6’5”, 220-pound prospect comes to UVA rated as a 4.5 star punter by Kohl’s Kicking, which notes in his profile that he “has yet to even see see his true potential.” That organization clocked Slibeck with 4.7 seconds of hang time on punts at a Kohl’s Midwest Spring Showcase.
The Indianapolis Star named him as its Mr. Football position award winner at kicker. The Indiana Football Coaches Association also named him as a top 50 All-State selection last season.
Slibeck gives the Wahoos additional options at punter, a position of need with only one player listed there on the 2023 spring football roster. Daniel Sparks returns as the starter for the Hoos after earning second-team All-ACC honors last season while averaging 45.9 yards per punt. Obviously, kickers on the roster like Will Bettridge could potentially provide back-up support but this addition gives some much needed flexibility and insurance to special teams.
Lord am humbled may you have continued success