West Virginia’s defense is in the middle of a full-scale reset, and the front is where the Mountaineers have the most to build on.
That side of the ball is basically being turned over two-deep, which isn’t new information. What stands out is how much attention WVU put into the defensive front during the offseason. The Mountaineers added junior college and FBS help along the line and at bandit, but they may also be bringing back more experience up front than anywhere else on the defense.
Nate Gabriel and Corey McIntyre are the veterans in that group, and both have spent time as backups. Now they may be asked to step into starting roles. Behind them are redshirt freshmen Taylor Brown, Brandon Caesar and Wilnerson Telemaque, all of whom the staff kept in the fold.
There’s no returning player at bandit, but the carryover up front still looks stronger than what WVU has at linebacker or in the secondary. The Mountaineers also brought in junior college All-Americans Darius Wiley, Jaylen Thomas and KJ Henson to help on the line.
At bandit, the new faces include Ezekiel Durham-Campbell, David Afogho and Harper Holloman, each of whom started in the Sun Belt, MAC and Conference USA.
So yes, there’s plenty of work ahead as WVU rebuilds and replenishes a defense that will look mostly new. But the front gives the Mountaineers something to work with as preseason practice moves on and Saturday’s scrimmage approaches, with head coach Rich Rodriguez laying out the names and positions in the video above.
In Other News...
WVU Brings Back A Home Game Perk Fans Will Appreciate
Mountaineer fans heading back to Milan Puskar Stadium this fall will find a familiar perk waiting for them at the concession stands. WVU Athletics has announced the return of Fan First concession pricing on select items and stand locations for home football games, with popcorn, small bottled water, fountain drinks and pepperoni rolls among the offerings available at designated spots around the stadium.
The school is also bringing back the Coca-Cola Season Ticket Holder Deal of the Game, another game-day benefit aimed at rewarding the fans who have committed for the full home slate. The deal will again give season ticket holders discounts on concessions and at the WVU Team Shop, a small but welcome touch as the Mountaineers look to make the stadium experience a little easier on the wallet. [Read more 🡒]
WVUs Next Roster Decision Could Bring Back Two Familiar Veterans
West Virginias roster picture still has a little room to shift as fall approaches, and two familiar veterans are back in the mix. The program said tight end Jacob Barrick and cornerback Jason Chambers are taking part in team activities while WVU waits on a legal decision that could affect whether players from the 2022 class can claim a fifth year of eligibility.
For the Mountaineers, the timing matters because the staff is already managing roster space with an eye on possible additions. WVU has two open spots available, and the plan is not to clear room by cutting anyone loose, even as the team keeps one eye on the transfer portal and another on the outcome of the eligibility ruling. [Read more 🡒]