How WVU Alumni Fared in Week 15 of the NFL Season
As Week 15 of the NFL season wraps, a group of former West Virginia Mountaineers continues to make their mark across the league. From steady starters to special teams contributors, nine WVU alumni suited up on active 53-man rosters this past weekend. Here's a breakdown of how each performed - and where they’re making an impact.
Dante Stills, DE - Arizona Cardinals
Stills continues to carve out a role on the Cardinals’ defensive front.
In Arizona’s loss to the Texans, he logged 27 defensive snaps and registered a quarterback pressure. His 61.4 Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade reflects a solid, if unspectacular, outing - the kind of performance that keeps a young lineman in the rotation and building trust with the coaching staff.
David Sills V, WR - Atlanta Falcons
This was Sills’ busiest game of the season.
Targeted 10 times by Kirk Cousins, he hauled in six receptions for 78 yards - a season-best in both categories. His 68.6 PFF grade backs up what the box score already shows: Sills is earning looks and making the most of them.
For a player who’s worked hard to stay in the league, this kind of performance could signal more opportunities down the stretch.
Rex Sunahara, LS - Cleveland Browns
Sunahara stayed steady in his role as the Browns’ starting long snapper, playing eight snaps on special teams. It’s a position that rarely draws headlines unless something goes wrong - and for Sunahara, no news is good news.
Austin Brinkman, LS - Houston Texans
Brinkman continues to hold down the long snapping duties in Houston. He saw action on 10 special teams snaps, helping the Texans maintain consistency in the kicking game - a crucial but often overlooked part of any playoff push.
Wyatt Milum, OL - Jacksonville Jaguars
Milum saw action on 11 offensive snaps and contributed on special teams as well.
While he’s not yet a full-time starter, the Jaguars are clearly finding ways to get the rookie involved. These reps are valuable - especially for a young offensive lineman adjusting to the speed and complexity of the pro game.
Geno Smith, QB - Las Vegas Raiders
Smith was sidelined this week due to injury and did not play in the Raiders’ Week 15 matchup. His status will be something to monitor moving forward, especially with the Raiders fighting to stay competitive late in the season.
Rasul Douglas, CB - Miami Dolphins
Douglas was active in Monday night’s loss to the Steelers, recording five total tackles.
While Miami’s defense struggled to contain Pittsburgh’s offense, Douglas continues to be a physical presence in the secondary. His ability to contribute in both coverage and run support remains a key part of the Dolphins’ defensive identity.
Zach Frazier, C - Pittsburgh Steelers
Frazier got the start at center once again, anchoring the Steelers’ offensive line in their win over the Dolphins.
For a young player, starting in prime time and helping lead a victory speaks volumes. He’s becoming a reliable piece in Pittsburgh’s interior line, and his development is something Steelers fans - and Mountaineer faithful - should be excited about.
Colton McKivitz, RT - San Francisco 49ers
McKivitz had a busy day up front, playing 74 snaps at right tackle in the 49ers’ matchup against the Titans.
He allowed just one pressure and earned a strong 71.1 PFF grade - a performance that reinforces his role as a dependable piece of one of the league’s most physical offensive lines. That kind of consistency is exactly what San Francisco needs as they gear up for the postseason.
Final Thoughts
From trench warriors to special teams specialists, these former Mountaineers are grinding out roles and making their presence felt across the NFL.
Whether it’s a breakout game like David Sills’ or the steady hand of veterans like McKivitz and Douglas, it’s clear that WVU’s pipeline to the pros is alive and well. With just a few weeks left in the regular season, expect a few more of these names to make headlines as the playoff picture comes into focus.