In 2016, the Mountaineers had a senior-laden defensive line that grew up in the Big 12 and knew what Tony Gibson wanted and expected. In 2017, the Mountaineers are expected to start two sophomores beside a rotating field of defensive tackles.
2016 Exodus
Justin Arndt epitomized the state of West Virginia and the West Virginia Mountaineers. He was tough, blue-collar, no-nonsense and hit like a Mack truck. Arndt went from walk-on to starting linebacker.
Sean Walters started the year starting but was eventually supplemented by do-it-all linebacker David Long. That didn’t stop Walters from taking down the ball carrier 23 times including twice behind the line of scrimmage.
2017 West Virginia Linebackers
Player | Year | 2016 Stats | Height / Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Player | Year | 2016 Stats | Height / Weight |
Al-Rasheed Benton | R-Sr | 80 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 Int | 6-1 / 238 |
Hodari Christian | R-Sr | 4 tackles, 2 TFL | 6-0 / 228 |
Xavier Preston | Sr | 11 tackles, 1 TFL | 6-2 / 240 |
Quondarius Qualls | Jr | 55 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 1 INT (NWMCC) | 6-1 / 222 |
David Long | R-So | 63 tackles, 4.5 TFL | 5-11 / 222 |
Shea Campbell | R-So | DNP | 6-0 / 228 |
Adam Hensley | So | 1 tackle | 6-3 / 228 |
Jonah Campbell | R-Fr | DNP (Redshirt) | 6-1 / 227 |
Zach Sandwisch | R-Fr | DNP (Redshirt) | 6-2 / 221 |
Brendan Ferns | R-Fr | DNP (Redshirt) | 6-2 / 230 |
Logan Thimons | R-Fr | DNP (Redshirt) | 6-1 / 228 |
Dylan Tonkery | R-Fr | DNP (Redshirt) | 6-0 / 222 |
Luke Williams | R-Fr | DNP (Redshirt) | 6-0 / 216 |
Jake Abbot | Fr | DNP (High School) | 6-0 / 220 |
Tyler Lawrentz | Fr | DNP (High School) | 6-0 / 212 |
Henry Cook | Fr | DNP (High School) | 6-3 / 228 |
Nunu Cunningham | Fr | DNP (High School) | 5-11 / 208 |
Al-Rasheed Benton
The leader of the ‘backers, Benton was all over the field last year on his way to finishing second on the team in tackles with 80, behind only tackling machine Justin Ardnt’s 84 tackles. Benton will man the Mike linebacker for Tony Gibson’s #DAWGS
Xavier Preston
Preston will help backup the Sam linebacker. Preston is invaluable on special teams where he collects most of his playing time.
Hodari Christian
Christian will also help backup the linebackers while adding experience on the special teams unit. Christian has the ability to play both the Mike and Sam position, giving Tony Gibson another experienced, versatile senior when the situation is needed.
Quondarius Qualls
The guy with the best name on the team will be a junior this season after spending the last two years at Northwest Mississippi Community College. Qualls will likely redshirt this year unless he forces the hands of the coaches. He has three seasons to play two.
David Long
Long suffered a minor knee injury during the offseason that required surgery. He is expected to miss the first month of the season, though head coach Dana Holgorsen has hinted he could be back sooner. Long forced the hand of the coaches last year and eventually took the starting job from Sean Walters.
Brendan Ferns
The prized recruit from 2015, Ferns was expected to start from Day One. A torn ACL put those plans on hold. With Long’s injury, Ferns was expected to slide over to the outside spot until Long returned but Tony Gibson has hinted that Ferns will be used to backup Al-Rasheed Benton.
Dylan Tonkery
Tonkery, the brother of Wes, has been praised by coaches all spring and summer. Tonkery’s name keeps coming up as “testing out elite” which is something that freshman just don’t do. Tonkery has been praised as putting “that W-V on his chest” and wearing it with pride.
Logan Thimons
Thimons is a stout MIKE ‘backer who will provide depth behind Benton and Ferns this season. Thimons will remain one of my favorite players on the team just because I will be able to use this gif.