Neal Brown reveals depth chart ahead of Saturday’s game against James Madison

West Virginia head coach Neal Brown released the first official depth chart of the 2019 season earlier today and, while a lot of it looks similar to what was released to the media during Big 12 Media Days in July, there are a few things that stick out as interesting.

• TJ Simmons moves inside to the slot receiver position, and Temple transfer Sean Ryan takes his previous spot as the starter in the X receiver role. Brown noted that Ryan maintained that spot as the starter through fall camp, despite his eligibility resting in the hands of the NCAA.
• Redshirt freshman Mike O’Laughlin moves up from third string to starter. Jovani Haskins was previously listed as the starter, but has been dealing with a minor injury through fall camp.
• Four of the five roles on the offensive line have been locked down with a starter, but the right guard spot is still a toss-up between Chase Behrndt and JUCO transfer John Hughes.
• At the defensive end position, we have a trio of Jeffrey Pooler, Taijh Alston and Michigan transfer Reuben Jones. We’re likely to see all three cycle through that position in a situational basis.
• JUCO transfer cornerback Dreshun Miller is absent from the depth chart and will not be available to play against the Dukes on Saturday due to an injury. Backing up veterans Hakeem Bailey and Keith Washington will be true freshmen Nicktroy Fortune and Tae Mayo.
• As expected, LSU transfer Josh Growden will serve as the starting punter for the Mountaineers in 2019, and will also serve as the holder on field goal attempts.