WVU lost not only a lot of talent but a lot of leadership. The Mountaineers hit a high-water mark in terms of talent a year ago, led by quarterback Will Grier and wide receiver David Sills V. In fact the Mountaineers lost 26 players from last season, including wide receiver Gary Jennings Jr., wide receiver Marcus Simms, linebacker David Long Jr. and safety Kenny Robinson Jr.
There are 40 returning players, but some of that talent is untested. There aren’t many seniors at the top of the WVU depth chart in its media guide, either — tackle Colton McKivitz, tackle, Kelby Wickline, running back Kennedy McKoy, running back Martell Pettway, defensive tackle Reese Donahue, linebacker JoVanni Stewart, cornerback Keith Washington Jr. and cornerback Hakeem Bailey. One significant transfer in former Oklahoma quarterback Austin Kendall.
Playing 11 Power-5 games with an untested QB. Mountaineers aren’t rebuilding, but they aren’t exactly reloading, either. But everything is rosy, at least for right now.
I say be patient, very patient. This year could turn into a team on life support. Could also be a team that recovers from life support and surprising everyone with it's miracle rise from the bottom.
There are 40 returning players, but some of that talent is untested. There aren’t many seniors at the top of the WVU depth chart in its media guide, either — tackle Colton McKivitz, tackle, Kelby Wickline, running back Kennedy McKoy, running back Martell Pettway, defensive tackle Reese Donahue, linebacker JoVanni Stewart, cornerback Keith Washington Jr. and cornerback Hakeem Bailey. One significant transfer in former Oklahoma quarterback Austin Kendall.
Playing 11 Power-5 games with an untested QB. Mountaineers aren’t rebuilding, but they aren’t exactly reloading, either. But everything is rosy, at least for right now.
I say be patient, very patient. This year could turn into a team on life support. Could also be a team that recovers from life support and surprising everyone with it's miracle rise from the bottom.
