The Shotgun/Throwdown (8/20/18): West Virginia’s 2019 Recruits Already Making Waves

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Football

WVU football class of 2019 commits already making waves in regular season | Charleston Gazette-Mail
While the month of August typically means fall camp is in full swing for prep football teams across the country, some already have begun regular season play. That includes members of the West Virginia University football team’s 2019 recruiting class, four of which started their respective senior seasons over the weekend.

In the end, could WVU's RB buzz be about Kennedy McKoy? | Charleston Gazette-Mail
The season is nearing, and when defensive leader David Long was asked to name an eye-catching Mountaineer offensive player, he pointed to No. 4.

Spavital finding situations for Bush to hit ‘home-run shot’ | WV MetroNews
Because West Virginia has stocked up on big receivers, with six of them measuring 6-2 or taller, Tevin Bush sticks out even more at 5-foot-6.Now offensive coordinator Jake Spavital is searching for situations when the dynamic sophomore might be overlooked by defenses.

Tight Ends Now Part of the Conversation For Mountaineer Offense | West Virginia Athletics
Five years ago, asking West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen to talk about his fullbacks and tight ends was about like asking Barry Bonds to discuss his bunting skills.But things can change.

Lack of height? No problem for WVU safety JoVanni Stewart | Charleston Gazette-Mail
Dig deep into West Virginia University safety JoVanni Stewart’s bio and one would probably expect success from the junior.

When other recruiters wandered off, Gibson gave Stewart his chance | WV MetroNews
Two years into his West Virginia career, safety Jovanni Stewart hasn’t forgotten the sting of letdowns that led him here.Being a high-impact player on one of the stingiest high school defenses in America earned him some looks.Just not many second looks.

Bailey a 'different guy' entering 2018 season | WV News
It is fair to say that West Virginia’s football team will be as good as its defense allows it to be this year and, it is equally fair to say in the wide-open Big 12 Conference, West Virginia’s defense will be as good as its cornerbacks.

For the most part, Caponi pleased with safety play | WV News
West Virginia’s secondary lost an outstanding player to the NFL this past spring, as safety Kyzir White was a fourth-round draft choice by the Los Angeles Chargers.But despite White’s departure, the Mountaineer coaches aren’t dealing with a bare cupboard when it comes to the safety position.

Wickline believes O-line is deeper | WV News
West Virginia’s offensive line did some things really well in 2017, but it also struggled in other areas.Joe Wickline is seeking more consistency this season.

When will WVU stop scheduling FCS schools? | The DA
On Sept. 9, 2015, WVU head coach Dana Holgorsen made a statement about football scheduling that initially sent minor shockwaves throughout the college football landscape.

WVU Hall of Famer Bobby Moss dies at age 84 | Charleston Gazette-Mail
Robert “Bobby” Moss, a Huntington native who is in the West Virginia University Sports Hall of Fame, passed away Thursday in Pensacola, Florida at age 84.

West Virginia Athletics

No. 9 Mountaineers Battle for Draw | West Virginia Athletics
The No. 9-ranked West Virginia University women’s soccer team proved its grit just two games into the 2018 season, battling back from an early deficit and holding off a pesky Arkansas side while playing with 10 players for nearly 24 minutes to settle for a 1-1 (2OT) draw in its final match of the Penn State Invitational Sunday afternoon at Jeffrey Field.

WVU Closes Preseason with Win | West Virginia Athletics
The West Virginia University men's soccer team beat Mount St. Mary's, 3-0, in an exhibition match on Sunday afternoon.

Around the Big 12

Shawn Robinson named starting QB for TCU | Frogs O' War
Gary Patterson named Shawn Robinson the starting quarterback, during his media availability on Saturday morning. Robinson won the job over Penn transfer Michael Collins, but Patterson noted that Collins will play in TCU’s first game on September 1, against Southern.

Texas TE Rob Cummins injured in Saturday’s scrimmage | Burnt Orange Nation
The second scrimmage of preseason camp featured fewer announced injuries than the first scrimmage.

Report: Texas WR Davion Curtis to transfer from the program | Burnt Orange Nation
The redshirt sophomore wide receiver becomes the third Texas player to transfer within the past week.

Around the NCAA

Nick Saban: Alabama doesn’t ‘just s**t another player’ whenever it needs one | SBNation
Maybe not literally.

How *SEC Quarterback Name* are the names of 2018’s SEC QBs? | SBNation
You know a truly Southeastern Conference QB name when you see it.

Ohio State has an update on the Urban Meyer investigation and also how practice is going | SBNation
The Buckeyes announced a two-week deadline for the investigation’s close. They’re on track to meet it.

Coaches have terrible sports takes too, just like the rest of us! | SBNation
Lol, no, James Franklin is not the most overrated coach.

TODAY’S FBS TEAM PREVIEW BY BILL C

As always, SB Nation’s Bill Connelly is working his way through every Division I FBS football team, from Georgia State to Alabama. Check out the teams Bill has already previewed by clicking HERE.

After previewing every SEC team for 2018, here’s how I think the conference stacks up | SBNation
It’s time for Bill Connelly’s SEC power rankings.

The big winners and losers in Week 2 of the 2018 NFL preseason | SBNation
Patrick Mahomes launched a nice touchdown pass, and Josh Allen just might end up as the Bills’ Week 1 starter.

How to (maybe) convince Kevin Durant to leave the Warriors | SBNation
The path forward isn’t to make him feel bad about 2016. Those who want him to leave need to make him feel insecure about his legacy.

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