The Smoking Musket - 2016 West Virginia Football Position PreviewsChanging The Culture Of West Virginia Sportshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52574/tsm_fav.png2016-09-02T09:35:18-04:00http://www.smokingmusket.com/rss/stream/124856532016-09-02T09:35:18-04:002016-09-02T09:35:18-04:00Will Rushel Shell Finally Have His Breakout Season?
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<figcaption>Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>After leading the Big 12 in rushing in 2015, the Mountaineer running backs feature a familiar face along with two newcomers.</p> <p id="6jFQfP">Dana Holgorsen has been known for his team’s passing yardage throughout his career but he has shown a willingness and desire to run the ball. That was no more evident than last year. After losing four straight games, Dana regrouped and leaned on his junior running backs Rushel Shell and Wendell Smallwood. The result was Wendell Smallwood rushing for over 100 yards in 5 of the last 6 games of the regular season, on his way to the Big 12 Rushing Title. </p>
<p id="YZgBVq">Wendell chose to take his talents to Philadelphia, being drafted by the Eagles in the 5th round of the 2016 NFL Draft. That leaves the Mountaineers with only one returning running back from last year. </p>
<h3 id="heDaph">The Starter</h3>
<p id="FZxcgi">Rushel Shell has been an enigma in his time in college. Despite setting the Pennsylvania High School rushing record, Shell has never broken even 800 yards in a year in college. After a promising freshman year at Pitt, Shell transferred to West Virginia and sat out the 2013 season. In two seasons with the Mountaineers, Shell has rushed for 1,496 yards or 23 yards fewer than Smallwood last year. </p>
<p id="MkTOzP">Shell is best suited as a power back in a power run game and straight ahead lanes. If he can make one cut and get upfield, Shell is an effective and punishing running back. When the offensive line fails to open up large holes for Shell, he tends to dance and run sideways, resulting in small gains or negative plays. Shell does offer some ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, having caught 37 passes the last two years. </p>
<h3 id="JbjcdQ">The Newcomers</h3>
<p id="n4JSP4">Wendell Smallwood’s contributions to the Mountaineers will continue this year. Thanks in part to the blend of speed, agility and ability to line up all over, Smallwood confirmed what the coaches have always known: This offense functions best with a do-it-all running back who can catch the ball. Last recruiting cycle, the Mountaineer coaches brought in two running backs who can do just that. </p>
<p id="cKXxXA">Former JUCO National Player of the Year Justin Crawford will compete immediately with Shell for starting time. Crawford rushed for over 1,500 yards last year in only 9 games while adding another 306 yards receiving on just 12 catches, over 25 yards per catch. That YPC average is higher than Shelton Gibson, who led the Big 12 in YPC with 24. </p>
<p id="yrdpoJ">The other newcomer is freshman Kennedy McCoy. McCoy is very similar to Crawford, bringing an explosiveness out of the backfield while showing he can catch the ball. Runningbacks coach JaJuan Seider was gushing over McCoy during the spring. </p>
<blockquote id="88S59j"><p>“It’s refreshing to have a kid that’s so smart. He’s just an old country kid that loves football and is a 4.0 student. You can tell him one time and he doesn’t even have to write it down, because his memory bank is so big. He remembers stuff and he can out and transition it on the field.” - <a href="http://wvmetronews.com/2016/03/24/mccoy-makes-fast-impression-with-smarts-moves/">WVU RB Coach JaJuan Seider</a></p></blockquote>
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<h3 id="8vLokb">The Fullbacks</h3>
<p id="HjlPRw">Lost some times when talking about running backs are the guys who get no love, the fullbacks. Dana Holgorsen has shown a preference for hybrid players who can block, run and catch. Redshirt junior Elijah Wellman offers those abilities. He has shown a willingness to stick his nose into the run game and block linebackers, safeties and even defensive lineman to help pave the way for running backs. Wellman has also shown a knack for catching the ball with three career receiving touchdowns. Wellman is a solid specimen at 6’-1” and 240 pounds. He has been reliable for the Mountaineers. </p>
<p id="uBvp4q">Backing up Wellman will be Michael Ferns, a four star prospect from Ohio. Ferns originally enrolled at Michigan and redshirted in 2014. Ferns opted to transfer to West Virginia after the 2014 season and sat out last season to complete the NCAA Transfer Eligibility requirements. Ferns originally was expected to be a linebacker but switched positions this spring. </p>
<h3 id="TKCSfq">Conclusion</h3>
<p id="IOdpHN">Shell will be the starter tomorrow but both McCoy and Crawford will get their opportunities to make plays. Given the struggles of Shell in his first two years here in Morgantown, don’t be surprised if Crawford is the guy getting 20+ carries by November. Crawford’s blend of speed, size, agility and hands will make him someone to watch. He could garner Newcomer of the Year in the Big 12 and be in line for an even better 2017. </p>
https://www.smokingmusket.com/2016/9/2/12768120/west-virginia-wvu-2016-mountaineer-football-position-previews-running-backs-rushel-shellWVUNite2016-09-01T18:00:08-04:002016-09-01T18:00:08-04:00The Mountaineers Are Stacked At Wide Receiver
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<p>We're two days away from seeing one of the best wide receiver units in the Big 12.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Much like the other units, the Mountaineer wide receivers are stacked with amazing starters but overall may lack depth. Let’s all keep our fingers crossed during the season and hope nothing bad happens.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Leading the Mountaineers out wide is Shelton Gibson. Gibson had 37 receptions for 887 yards last season for WVU. In case you’re a freshman at WVU and didn’t really watch us or if you were living under a rock last year, our man DougityDog has some of Gibson’s highlights.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XYuHTdcEpSI" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Also, <span>Odell Beckham Jr</span>. seem's to approve of Gibson's play making.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Yea and a 15yrd penalty ... U dont wanna get those fam <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrussMe?src=hash">#TrussMe</a> <a href="https://t.co/DK7FedMmI6">https://t.co/DK7FedMmI6</a></p>
— Odell Beckham Jr (@OBJ_3) <a href="https://twitter.com/OBJ_3/status/716375512843563008">April 2, 2016</a>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Opposite Gibson out wide is Ka'Ruan White. White, who saw limited action last year, still managed to get 275 receiving yard for the season. White didn't really get his opportunity to shine until the Cactus Bowl, where he had four receptions for 116 yards including this 53-yard gem early in the game.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mip8EIiyhr8" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p class='MsoNormal"'><span>Gary Jennings</span>, another player out wide for the Mountaineers this season, is coming off an impressive freshman season. Jennings, between receptions and punt returns, totaled 233 all-purpose yards. His most impressive game, much like most of WVU's receivers came in the Cactus Bowl when he caught this 64-yard TD catch.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X1eR52ckYwU" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p class='MsoNormal"'>On the inside, WVU's got <span>Jovon Durante</span> and Dakiel Shorts Jr. Durante, following in the footsteps of other Miramar Patriots Geno Smith and <span>Stedman Bailey</span>, became, <a href="http://www.thedaonline.com/sports/article_262267be-52b2-11e5-b9fe-832b86755a11.html">as someone predicted</a>, another big play maker for WVU. Durante proved this four minutes into the Georgia Southern game last year.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u5COj0R3cdU" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Shorts, another one of WVU's solid receivers, had 45 receptions for 528 yards last season including this unforgettable recovery off of Gibson in the Cactus Bowl.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DtqhUgl6EmQ" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Starting at tight end is freshman and Morgantown-native Stone Wolfley. Wolfley was redshirted last season, but has plenty of highlights from his time at Morgantown High including this gem from his junior season.</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/36822/5721b25e0dcb0d12f8465944" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It is pretty clear. As long as WVU's starters stay healthy, they should be very dominant through the air.</p>
https://www.smokingmusket.com/2016/9/1/12758882/west-virginia-wvu-2016-mountaineer-football-position-previews-wide-receiversJohnLowe242016-09-01T12:00:06-04:002016-09-01T12:00:06-04:00WVU Safeties Look To Intimidate Opponents
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<figcaption>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Mountaineer safeties look to keep a hard-hitting reputation after the departure of Karl Joseph to the NFL, and the loss of Dravon Askew-Henry to a knee injury. </p> <p>The Mountaineers boast a total of 18 safeties on its 2016 roster. That might come in handy knowing what West Virginia had to suffer through with the injury of its cornerstone safety, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INOG00WUbkg">Karl Joseph</a>, early last season. Things didn't get any better earlier this month when <a href="http://www.wvusports.com/profile.cfm?id=103003&sport=football">Dravon Askew-Henry</a> fell to an ACL injury.</p>
<p>Mountaineer nation just holds it's breath it doesn't get worse.</p>
<h5>Starters</h5>
<p>The starters are going to be led by two guys that have a lot of potential. One is the 6-3, 221-pound brother of former WVU wide receiver <span>Kevin White</span>, Kyzir <span>White</span>. If we're judging by his JUCO highlights, Kyzir loves to hit. Maybe not to the level of which <span>Joseph</span> could lay the boom, but, he might be someone who could keep the Mountaineers' hard-hitting reputation alive and well.</p>
<p>Starting partner, <span>Jarrod Harper</span> has a wealth of experience having played in 38 games as a Mountaineer. Nine of his 13 appearances in 2015 were starts after having to fill in for an injured <span>Karl Joseph</span>. A tough task that he took and ran with.</p>
<p>The starters are topped off by <a href="http://www.wvusports.com/profile.cfm?id=102796&sport=football">Jeremy Tyler</a>, a 5-11, 207 pound Senior who appeared in 12 games in 2015 as a depth safety.</p>
<h5>Backups</h5>
<p>Kyzir <span>White</span> will be backed up by Marvin Gross Jr. who is more experienced as a Mountaineer than <span>White</span> with 24 appearances. Not bad for reasons of depth.</p>
<p>Another JUCO transfer, <a href="http://www.wvusports.com/profile.cfm?id=103460&sport=football">Toyous Avery</a>, will back up <span>Jeremy Tyler</span> and <a href="http://www.wvusports.com/profile.cfm?id=103012&sport=football">Khairi Shariff</a> will be backing up <span>Jarrod Harper</span>.</p>
<p>Eight other safeties on the roster are either freshman or redshirt freshman. Morgantown, West Viriginia's own <span>Shane Commodore</span> is the only other Mountaineer safety with playing experience making five appearances as a redshirt sophomore last season.</p>
<h5>Conclusion</h5>
<p>Much like the cornerback position, which I wrote about <a href="http://www.smokingmusket.com/2016/8/31/12725504/west-virginia-wvu-2016-mountaineer-football-position-previews-cornerbacks-antonio-crawford/in/12485653">here</a>, the West Virginia Safeties have some uncertainties with some of its starters and backups having none or very limited experience playing as a Mountaineer. It's hard to imagine a 6-3, 221 pound hard-hitting safety who comes from an extremely athletically talented family disappoints. However, there are more pieces to the puzzle than just Kyzir White. Having Marvin Gross Jr. be a backup is promising with his experience level.</p>
<p>There's plenty room for the safeties to thrive under defensive coordinator Tony Gibsons defense. Believe me, there will be a fair share of awe-inspiring hits.</p>
https://www.smokingmusket.com/2016/9/1/12746312/west-virginia-wvu-2016-mountaineer-football-position-previews-safeties-kyzir-whitewhirsch_wvu20142016-09-01T10:05:12-04:002016-09-01T10:05:12-04:00West Virginia’s Special Teams Need To Not Be A Problem
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<figcaption>Josh Lambert will miss three games of the 2016 West Virginia football season. | Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The West Virginia kicking game should be fine, but can the return game continue to not lose games?</p> <p id="CXFmhN">We have come to the fans’ seemingly last thought of many college football positions: Special teams.</p>
<p id="AyvWsO">Luckily, through most of our recent memory, West Virginia football has enjoyed relative success, if anything, reliability, in kickers. That reliability, however, has been missing on the return side of things. </p>
<p id="6rHkWH">In 2016, WVU football hopes to be able to use the kick and punt return games as ways to maintain field position while dealing with some transition in the punting game.</p>
<h2 id="IjaA3t">Punters</h2>
<p id="ySH8gb">Firstly, Mark Scott, the assistant coach in charge of special teams, will have to replace a very consistent punter in Nick “Boomstache” O’Toole.</p>
<p id="SVe0jZ">From the looks of things, Billy Kinney will be that guy. The redshirt sophomore is a Morgantown native, averaging just more than 41 yards per punt for University High School. Honestly, that’s not a bad average—four yards less than O’Toole in 2015, but two years to improve leg strength should see that number tick up.</p>
<p id="rbrbCy">Backing him up will be John Young, who is a freshman from Advance, North Carolina, and played for the much-beloved Davie High School. He’s the most likely to take over the team’s facial hair prowess.</p>
<h2 id="urrX8M">Kickers</h2>
<p id="mPpFWR">The seemingly sure-thing heading into the 2016 season became unsure in the offseason. Back in April, it was reported that senior kicker Josh Lambert would be out for three games for breaking Big 12 eligibility rules. We still don’t really know what all this means. In his stead, Mike Molina will kick field goals and kickoffs. He has yet to kick a field goal in a college game, but is 2-2 on PATs and had three touchbacks in 2015 and 31 in 2014.</p>
<p id="fN2nag">This is concerning because WVU plays two games in that stretch that could come down to field goals. With Missouri’s stingy defense and BYU’s talented offense, points will be at a premium in both games and a missed field goal could prove costly. Is Molina as reliable as Lambert has been?</p>
<h2 id="KK3x0l">Kick and Punt Returners</h2>
<p id="IuFgw2">The most frustrating part of WVU’s special teams the past two seasons has been the horrific return gaffes. In fact, I can remember a game in 2014 where a no-returner set was the most brilliant coaching move Dana Holgorsen pulled ever.</p>
<p id="q9vPI7">In 2015, the WVU returners were at least…fielding the ball cleanly? Hard to be excited about 5 yards per return, but keeping the ball after stopping the opposition is a positive. Luckily, WVU is returning all but KJ Dillon as kick returners.</p>
<p id="KbR32h">Gary Jennings appears to be the man who will be most trusted to field punts and kickoffs, with both Shelton Gibson also sharing responsibility. We’ll also most likely see Jovan Durante get a try at returning as well. </p>
<h2 id="NZaVZJ">Conclusion</h2>
<p id="JlUIEj">The request for WVU’s special teamers this season is pretty simple: be reliable. With an offense that should improve and a defense that might take a while to gel. If the kicking game can keep the field position battle in our favor or if the returners can break a big return a game, that can really help out a team that will need that magic to push itself over the 7-win hill.</p>
<p id="GjvaMU"><strong>Grade: C-</strong></p>
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<p id="1xPZrh">All stats from WVUsports.com</p>
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https://www.smokingmusket.com/2016/9/1/12749114/2016-wvu-special-teamsBartimusPrime2016-08-31T18:00:03-04:002016-08-31T18:00:03-04:00West Virginia’s Veteran Offensive Line Will Be A Major Key To Success
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<figcaption>Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>This is where offensive football starts. The “big uglies” as they are called are the key to a successful 2016 offensive campaign for the Mountaineers. </p> <p id="bYSMr8">The Mountaineers return a lot of experience among their offensive line. The 2015 version helped pave the way for Wendell Smallwood to lead the Big 12 in rushing. Overall the Mountaineers return players with 81 starts under the belt, second in the Big 12 to Oklahoma (97). </p>
<h3 id="BQ95AO">Center</h3>
<p id="WYziys">Tyler Orlosky is a strong man. Named the Iron Mountaineer this spring, Orlosky was once again named to the Rimington Trophy Watch List for the second straight year. Orlosky is the most experienced lineman with 29 starts under his belt. No other Big 12 lineman has more experience. He is the leader of the offensive line and a technician with his form and technique. Tyler is one of two returning linemen who were all-conference last year and the only returning lineman who graded out in the Top 25 by the Schneider Scale. Here is what Mike Cassazza <a href="http://blogs.wvgazettemail.com/wvu/2015/08/17/your-2015-all-camp-team/#more-18523">wrote last year</a> about Orlosky and really it hasn’t changed. </p>
<blockquote><p id="pmTzls"><em>This started over the summer when I first heard stories about how Orlosky was the strongest guy on the team and might leave here in two years as the best center the school has seen. Those are some serious plaudits. You’d spend more time convincing me either is wrong than you would convincing me either is right. He’s an ideal fit at center, a strong, stout technician who is firm with is feet and sound with his hands, and I was stunned fellow Big 12 centers were so eager to praise Orlosky. What people closer to him say and marvel about most is how he doesn’t mess up despite all the things he has to know and anticipate as the central nervous system of the offense. He’s in line for a big season and some major honors at the end.</em></p></blockquote>
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<h3 id="AbJwJ5">Guards</h3>
<p id="JRGaBF">Kyle Bosch and Tony Matteo will help anchor the interior of the offensive line. Bosch is a Michigan transfer who started 3 games for the Wolverines before starting 13 for the Mountaineers. Adam Pankey’s suspension opened the door for Matteo to start this week but according to Dana, Tony was maybe in line to start <a href="http://www.wvgazettemail.com/sports-mitch-vingle/20160830/mitch-vingle-matteo-new-guardian-of-wvus-galaxy">before he was hurt</a> in the first week of preseason camp. The redshirt senior who stands 6’-4” and 300 pounds has only started two games but has seen lots of game experience. </p>
<p id="Kh8Hqf">Kyle Bosch, another 300 pound guard, was named a <a href="http://athlonsports.com/college-football/college-footballs-top-20-offensive-linemen-rise-2016">Top 20 Offensive Lineman</a> to Watch by Athlon Sports. Bosch started all 13 games for the Mountaineers and worked with Orlosky all of last year to maintain the necessary chemistry between offensive linemen. </p>
<h3 id="aYXwA1">Tackles</h3>
<p id="YOoTD5">Before going down with an injury halfway through the season, redshirt freshman Yodny Cajuste was adjusting to life in the Big 12. He earned praised from head coach Dana Holgorsen early in 2015 but struggled with speed rushers. A toe injury sidelined him after the loss to Baylor and he would not return until the Cactus Bowl, where he switched numbers to be a tight end. Now healthy, Cajuste will help anchor the blind side of quarterback Skyler Howard. </p>
<p id="buiCBp">Marcell Lazard stepped in for Yodny when he was hurt last year and looks to line up on the right side of the line. He was entrenched in a summer battle with Colton McKivitz, who like Cajuste was a basketball player in high school, giving him an athleticism needed for the tackle position. The competition was ultimately won by Lazard who took major strides forward during camp, thanks in part to the competition with McKivitz. </p>
<h3 id="5l2I9t">Backups</h3>
<p id="NE32hu">The previously mentioned Colton McKivitz will be the primary swing tackle for the Mountaineers. Suspended guard Adam Pankey could possibly return if he completes all the necessary requirements set forth by Dana Holgorsen. Grant Lingafelter will be used as the backup guard. Lingafelter has seen action in 14 games over his redshirt freshman and sophomore years, including playing in 9 games last year. </p>
<h3 id="Wz3tXR">Conclusions</h3>
<p id="3cVxKl">This is a very experienced unit who will need to set the tone in the Big 12 if the Mountaineers want to control games. They will get an early test against the Missouri Tigers, who feature an active and disruptive defensive line. If the Mountaineers are able to control the defensive lines and allow Dana Holgorsen to churn out first downs with his running backs, this could be a special year. Senior Tyler Orlosky will be anchored by experienced guards and talented tackles. If the Mountaineers are going to make noise in the Big 12, it will start up front with the “Big Uglies”. </p>
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https://www.smokingmusket.com/2016/8/31/12736036/west-virginia-wvu-2016-mountaineer-football-position-previews-offensive-line-tyler-orloskyWVUNite2016-08-31T14:10:48-04:002016-08-31T14:10:48-04:00Mountaineers Filled With Unknowns At The Corners
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<p>The West Virginia University Mountaineers cornerbacks are mostly unknowns to the Big 12 and the program.</p> <p>The 2016 cornerbacks corps is led by transfer players and a career non-starter. There is definitely a lot left to be desired at the position but there is certainly a possibility of being pleasantly surprised.</p>
<h5>Starters</h5>
<p>The Mountaineers are led at cornerback by transfer <span>Antonio Crawford</span>, who transferred to West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. <span>Crawford</span> started three years at Miami where he played in all 38 games the Hurricanes scheduled from his Freshman to Junior years. His three years at Miami were highlighted by a career-high seven tackles (all solo) against the Pitt Panthers in 2013, a feat all Mountaineer fans can appreciate.</p>
<p>Crawford is certainly an impact player and his presence will likely be immediately felt. The biggest concern is his past was in the ACC and Big 12 Football can be a whole different beast. Some players succeed in one conference and then may not translate to another.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.wvusports.com/profile.cfm?id=103325&sport=football" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Rasul Douglas</a> will start opposite Crawford. <span>Douglas</span> played in 11 games for the Mountaineers last season which was his first with West Virginia University after transferring from Nassau Community College.</p>
<h5><span>Backups</span></h5>
<p>The Mountaineers have their fair share of depth at the position.</p>
<p><span>Nana Kyeremeh</span> will back up Crawford. <span>Kyeremeh</span> has played in 30 games in his career despite his one career start. A promising aspect to Nana is his performance in the Cactus Bowl against Arizona State where he made four tackles, including three solo stops. He seems to play better when given more opportunities to show what he's got. Beyond that, he has a love-hate relationship with injuries a he sat out the 2013 season with a shoulder injury.</p>
<p>Douglas will be backed up by yet another transfer, <a href="http://www.wvusports.com/profile.cfm?id=103472&sport=football" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Maurice Flemming</a>, who transferred to the Mountaineers from Iowa.</p>
<p>The Adams twins are also highly touted recruits coming out of neighboring Maryland. Jordan, a Redshirt Freshman, won a class 3A state title before redshirting at West Virginia. Jacquez, a true Freshman, went to a community college in New York while Jordan redshirted. Jacquez was a two-time Maryland Class 3A All-State performer. He also won a state title with Jordan.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.wvusports.com/profile.cfm?id=103461&sport=football">Elijah Battle</a> finishes out the cornerbacks as a JUCO transfer.</p>
<h5>Conclusions</h5>
<p>The position is filled with a lot of unknowns. Having the inexperience the Mountaineers have at the position when it comes to Big 12 ball is a bit concerning. Then again, the transfers have impressive records at their previous schools, whether it be at a JUCO or at another Division I program. It's safe to say the cornerbacks will certainly get better as the season progresses.</p>
https://www.smokingmusket.com/2016/8/31/12725504/west-virginia-wvu-2016-mountaineer-football-position-previews-cornerbacks-antonio-crawfordwhirsch_wvu20142016-08-30T21:31:39-04:002016-08-30T21:31:39-04:00What’s Life Like In A Post-Nick Kwiatkoski World?
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<figcaption>Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We’re moving on with our 2016 West Virginia football unit previews with a look at the linebackers, and what we’re working with in a post-Nick Kwiatkoski world.</p> <p id="I5Ascj">Perhaps the weakest unit on the West Virginia defense, at least on paper, the Mountaineer linebackers will have long road ahead of them as defensive coordinator Tony Gibson tries to replace three starters and two backups from last year’s defense.</p>
<h3 id="c8AeOB">The 2016 Linebacker Corps</h3>
<div id="ImFdrE"><table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Name</td>
<td>Class</td>
<td>Ht</td>
<td>Wt</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Justin Arndt</td>
<td>r-Sr.</td>
<td>5-11</td>
<td>215</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sean Walters</td>
<td>r-Sr.</td>
<td>6-2</td>
<td>227</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Al-Rasheed Benton</td>
<td>r-Jr.</td>
<td>6-1</td>
<td>237</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hodari Christian</td>
<td>r-Jr.</td>
<td>6-0</td>
<td>225</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Xavier Preston</td>
<td>Jr.</td>
<td>6-2</td>
<td>240</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Long</td>
<td>r-Fr.</td>
<td>5-11</td>
<td>223</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shea Campbell</td>
<td>r-Fr.</td>
<td>6-0</td>
<td>226</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Troy Lilly</td>
<td>r-Fr.</td>
<td>6-0</td>
<td>220</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Max Chefren</td>
<td>r-Fr.</td>
<td>6-1</td>
<td>215</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Logan Thimons</td>
<td>Fr.</td>
<td>6-1</td>
<td>235</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Zach Sandwisch</td>
<td>Fr.</td>
<td>6-2</td>
<td>222</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Adam Hensley</td>
<td>Fr.</td>
<td>6-2</td>
<td>225</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brendan Ferns</td>
<td>Fr.</td>
<td>6-2</td>
<td>228</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jonah Campbell</td>
<td>Fr.</td>
<td>6-0</td>
<td>235</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Carter Walburn</td>
<td>Fr.</td>
<td>6-1</td>
<td>217</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Luke WIlliams</td>
<td>Fr.</td>
<td>6-0</td>
<td>222</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<h3 id="F47sSp">Key Losses</h3>
<p id="V3rBcT">The <strong><a href="https://www.smokingmusket.com/">Mountaineers</a></strong> lost first team All-Big 12 Conference linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski, Jared Barber and Shaq Petteway, all three of whom are currently on NFL rosters. West Virginia will also be without Edward Muldrow III and Isaiah Bruce, who both saw action in 2015 and graduated this past Spring.</p>
<p id="3PNd6F">West Virginia also lost a potential starter during training camp when true freshman Brendan Ferns went down with a knee injury, sidelining him for the season. Ferns has since underwent surgery, and is expected to recover in time for the 2017 season.</p>
<h3 id="i8vddA">The Breakdown</h3>
<h4 id="ur4tYP">SAM Linebacker</h4>
<p id="Jbaepl">At least for the Missouri game, former walk-on Justin Arndt will get the nod at SAM. Arndt has impressed the West Virginia coaching staff enough to get the start in Xavier Preston’s absence while he is serving a one-game suspension. Arndt and Preston were locked in a position battle through camp, so it’s up in the air who will get the start after Preston rejoins the team.</p>
<p id="MYvNS4">Behind Arndt, and eventually Preston, is true freshman Zach Sandwisch. Sandwisch was the Ohio Defensive Player of the Year in 2015, and has put in enough work since he arrived in Morgantown to forgo a redshirt for his freshman season. </p>
<h4 id="C0CLEc">MIKE Linebacker</h4>
<p id="y6MhTX">Al-Rasheed Benton steps into the middle linebacker role, and should be the most well-rounded player in the Mountaineer linebacking corps. Benton saw a decent amount of time last season, and looked solid. West Virginia will need Benton to use his experience and become a leader among the linebackers.</p>
<p id="h6iv7X">Spelling Al-Rasheed will be fellow junior Hodari Christian. Christian looked good during the annual Gold-Blue Spring Game at The Greenbrier in April, and should fill in nicely when Benton needs a rest.</p>
<h4 id="aPRvG0">WILL Linebacker</h4>
<p id="68dr4C">Redshirt senior Sean Walters is currently listed as the starter at WILL, which came as a surprise to most as the Mountaineer coaching staff have really been talking up David Long, who is listed as the backup. Walters saw some action at linebacker last season but was mostly used on special teams, where he really stood out.</p>
<p id="eF4LDF">In Long’s case, it may be a situation where the coaching staff is trying to motivate a player by pushing him to fight for a starting job. Last season, Tony Gibson noted that he was ready to burn Long’s redshirt because he had made such a great impression during practice as a true freshman. I believe by the time Big 12 Conference play kicks off Long will have claimed the starting job, but Walters will still be seeing a good amount of playing time.</p>
<h3 id="WqeOuX">Player To Watch</h3>
<p id="lswuUs">I’m going to go ahead with my gut feeling and name David Long as the player to watch this season. Dana Holgorsen and Tony Gibson couldn’t stop talking him up during the spring and summer camps, and I believe the cream will rise to the top, as they say.</p>
https://www.smokingmusket.com/2016/8/30/12717684/west-virginia-wvu-2016-mountaineer-football-position-previews-linebackers-al-rasheed-bentonMichael Miller2016-08-29T14:00:04-04:002016-08-29T14:00:04-04:00Breaking Down The Defensive Line
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Oklahoma at West Virginia" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/J8DHhMx9yag2A7GGqQ8LwT1iGXQ=/6x0:3900x2596/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50567277/usa-today-8096605.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Mountaineer defensive line is by far the strongest unit on Tony Gibson’s rebuilt defense.</p> <p id="04Zx1m">We’ve got nothing to worry about here. Our defensive line is experienced, stacked and just down-right good. West Virginia has arguably the best d-line in the conference and, honestly, there are only two or three teams that could give them trouble every snap. Baylor, despite losing four of their five starters on o-line, still look like they’ll have another great front five and TCU who lost a couple of starting guards, but all of their front five have major game experience.</p>
<h4 id="JwxvZB">STARTERS</h4>
<p id="qmrJYl">WVU’s defensive line will be centered around defensive end Noble Nwachukwu. Nwachukwu, a redshirt senior, started all 13 games for the Mountaineers last season. He saw 785 defensive snaps and finished with 47 tackles which includes 8.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. Nwachukwu’s average of 0.65 sacks per game was 5 th in the Big 12. His impressive stats and build make him a shoo-in for getting picked in the second or third round next April.</p>
<p id="xGuFX5">Opposite Nwachukwu at defensive end will be another returning starter and redshirt senior in Christian Brown. In his 13 games last season, saw 571 defensive snaps and 33 tackles which included two sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss.</p>
<p id="tfkvtq">The one big question for the defensive line this offseason had been who would replace Kyle Rose at nose tackle. Rose was just about as productive as Nwachukwu and had 46 tackles for the season.</p>
<p id="Vn8mim">Replacing Rose will be senior Darrien Howard. Howard saw considerable playing time at TCU last year and had a couple of tackles in the Georgia Southern, Oklahoma State and Iowa State games. He was also dubbed an “Iron Mountaineer” at the Gold-Blue Game at The Greenbrier this past spring.</p>
<h4 id="kivhbB">BACKUPS</h4>
<p id="T3J2QW">The depth of WVU’s d-line has somewhat depleted. One of the factors is that redshirt junior and Morgantown-native Jon Lewis moved from defensive end to tight end over the offseason. However, looking to possible get some playing time are Florida recruits Alec Shriner and Adam Shuler II. Shriner, a redshirt freshman, finished his high school career with 104 tackles and five sacks over his three years playing for Oviedo High. Shuler, also a redshirt freshman, is a little more unproven. He missed the majority of his senior season at Lyman High due to injuries. Despite this, in his brief time at Lyman he recorded 45 tackles and six sacks. If called upon, we’ll see if a three season layoff is what he needed to get back in the game.</p>
<h4 id="by5Xm1">CONCLUSION</h4>
<p id="VSVdjh">With Nwachukwu and Brown back, I see no reason why WVU can’t keep most of the Big 12 contained on the ground game. The only thing that there is to fear is the lack of depth. If we lose any of the starting three, it could be trouble.</p>
<p id="jByNaM">Grade: B+</p>
https://www.smokingmusket.com/2016/8/29/12695762/west-virginia-wvu-2016-mountaineer-football-position-previews-defensive-line-noble-nwachukwuJohnLowe24