Seventh commitment for UVA

The Virginia Cavaliers are off to one of the fastest starts for the 2005 recruiting year with their seventh verbal commitment in the books.

"Patrick committed to Virginia," said Steve Slebonick, the father of Patrick Slebonick, a 6-foot-5, 290-pound offensive tackle. "He loved the atmosphere, the school, the academics and the coaching staff. He also liked the other schools recruiting him like Virginia Tech and Maryland, but Virginia was his first choice and he wanted to make an early decision. He felt good with it."

Slebonick was also offered by Virginia Tech, NC State and West Virginia. He did some serious research on schools before committing according to his coach.

"Some guys are ready to make an early decision and others aren't," said head coach Eric Cooke. "Patrick did all the research. He checked out Rivals.com to see what recruits were brought it at the schools he liked last year, he checked out coaching changes and he looked into academics. I feel comfortable that he could make a smart decision this early."

Slebonick will play either tackle or center for Virginia and could top out at 6-foot-6 or so.

"He was recruited by Mike Groh and they said he could play a few line positions," Cooke said. "I think he'll end up as a tackle, but we'll see."