03 Sep 2023 501 Football Team 2023: Eli Weaver – Greenbrier

2022 was a season of trials for Eli Weaver. After earning All-State honors as a sophomore in 2021 and helping lead the Greenbrier Panthers to a conference title and 12-1 record, Weaver was injured in the 2022 benefit game and missed his entire junior season. 

“I’m ready to bounce back from my knee injury and show out this season,” said Weaver, who plays running back and linebacker for the Panthers. “I’ve been playing football since I was 7, and what drew me to football was just trying something new as a kid.”

“We expect Eli to be a great leader and to have a great season,” Greenbrier Head Coach Randy Tribble said. “Eli is so valuable because he makes more players valuable by his encouragement and leadership.” 

Just as Weaver contributes on both sides of the ball, he’s as much a contributor off the field as he is on the field for the Panthers. 

“His best qualities on the field are that he has an extremely high football IQ and great vision as a running back,” Tribble said. “He has great acceleration and hands. He makes defensive checks and is extremely helpful to young players. 

His best qualities off the field are that he is an encourager and makes everyone feel part of the team. He gives back to the community by representing so well on the football field, basketball court, track and in the classroom. Teachers have said having Eli in class just makes the class better.”