Expectations are high for Virginia football defensive ends coach Chris Slade as he enters his second season with the Wahoos in 2023. After joining UVA from Pace Academy in Atlanta, Slade, in partnership with fellow new coach and defensive coordinator John Rudzinski, helped UVA rank No. 5 in the ACC and No. 13 nationally with 3.0 sacks per game in 2022. Even though spring practice has only just begun, Slade expressed strong optimism that his group will be able to build upon a successful first year under the new defensive scheme.

When asked about what might change in the approach from last season to this season, Slade said everyone is more familiar with everything this spring and can dial in deeper as a result.

“I think the big thing, for coaches included, myself in that category, is just having one year of experience in this new defensive system we’re running under Coach Rud, and having the experience of those guys back, [especially] the older guys,” Slade said. “I can tell you we’re lightyears ahead of where we were last year at this time. Last year at this time we were just trying to get guys lined up. Now, it’s about guys lining up in the right place, about working on techniques and the small details, but it’s been a great first couple days of practice, and we’re looking forward to continuing to keep trying to get better each day.”

One player Slade is particularly excited about is fifth year lineman Ben Smiley III. Slade believes that although he may not get much attention coming into the season, Smiley has the potential to be one of the best edge rushers in the ACC. Smiley played in 8 games each of the last two seasons, but saw his production increase in tackles (13) and sacks (1.5) in the new scheme last season while playing inside.

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