As the West Virginia University (WVU) Mountaineers gear up for the new football season, it’s time to take a closer look at the team’s position groups. Let’s dive into the WVU Football Position Group Power Rankings and see how each unit stacks up after spring.
This rundown offers some honest thoughts on the team’s depth and potential. Fans might find a few surprises along the way.
Quarterbacks: Potential for Growth
The quarterback room at WVU feels loaded with upside. Rich Rodriguez has shared optimism about Michael Hawkins and Scotty Fox.
The coaching staff seems pretty excited about the younger QBs, hinting at a bright future for the position.
Pre-Spring Ranking and Expectations
Quarterbacks landed at third in the pre-spring rankings. The worst-case scenario? A slightly improved Scotty Fox, who was the main guy last year.
With some blue-chip recruits and the addition of Michael Hawkins, the ceiling here looks pretty high.
Post-Spring Analysis
Throughout the spring, the quarterbacks have shown improvement. Scotty Fox, in particular, seems more confident under center.
He’s made mistakes, sure, but he also broke a freshman passing record that stood for over ten years. There’s a solid foundation here, even if it’s not perfect yet.
Running Backs: Depth and Talent
Running back is still a major strength, especially with Cam Cook leading the way. He’s been the most productive player on the roster in recent memory.
There’s also some real depth here, and the future looks promising.
Pre-Spring Ranking and Expectations
This group was ranked first before spring. Talented newcomers like Cheeks, Talley, Autry, and Latimer made the room deeper.
Boswell, a junior college standout, added another layer of competition.
Post-Spring Analysis
Injuries have tested the running backs, but they’ve held up well. Cyncir Bowers turned a tough spot into a 90-yard touchdown, which says a lot about this unit’s playmaking ability.
Wide Receivers: Promising Performances
The wide receivers have been a pleasant surprise, especially with Jarod Bowie and Jeff Weimer making big plays. There’s a real chance for explosive moments here.
Consistency, though, is still something to work on.
Pre-Spring Ranking and Expectations
They started out ranked sixth, mostly because last year’s production was gone. But Jaden Bray’s return and the arrival of Prince Strachan and TaRon Francis gave folks reason to hope.
Post-Spring Analysis
Bowie and Weimer have stepped up, pushing the group higher in the rankings. If they can keep it up, this could be a fun bunch to watch.
Offensive Line: A Surprising Turnaround
The offensive line has made a huge leap, rocketing from last to second in the rankings. New faces and Rick Trickett’s coaching have made a difference.
Pre-Spring Ranking and Expectations
They were fourth before spring, and not many expected much. Trickett’s presence and fresh talent, though, changed the outlook.
Post-Spring Analysis
This group now has real depth. Even the third-stringers are outperforming last year’s starters, which is something nobody saw coming.
Defensive Line: Consistent Concerns
The defensive line is still a bit of a worry. Depth and performance issues haven’t really gone away.
There have been some promising additions, but the group hasn’t quite lived up to hopes yet.
Pre-Spring Ranking and Expectations
Fifth place before spring, mostly due to losing experienced guys. Junior college transfers were supposed to help out.
Post-Spring Analysis
It’s been a mixed bag. Edward Vesterinen has done well, but others are struggling, and the unit just isn’t consistent enough right now.
Linebackers: Seeking Improvement
The linebackers haven’t really moved the needle. Depth and standout plays are still missing.
Pre-Spring Ranking and Expectations
They were seventh heading into spring. Ben Cutter’s return gave a sliver of hope, but overall, there were a lot of question marks.
Post-Spring Analysis
Some flashes from Reid Carrico and Chase Wilson, but not enough to change the story. This group needs to find another gear.
Cornerbacks: High Expectations
The corners have been better than expected, with Michael Coats standing out. Coaches seem genuinely confident in this group now.
Pre-Spring Ranking and Expectations
Ninth before spring, mostly due to losing key players. Newcomers like Chams Diagne and Jaire Rawlison brought some intrigue.
Post-Spring Analysis
This unit has really stepped up, limiting completions and making plays. Coats and company have been fun to watch.
Safeties: Room for Growth
Safeties are a work in progress. New faces have added hope, but it’s still a bit shaky.
Pre-Spring Ranking and Expectations
Ranked eighth before spring, with all previous starters gone. Kamar Wilson and Jacob Bradford were brought in for help.
Post-Spring Analysis
Fred Perry has had his moments, but penalties and inconsistency are hurting the group. They’ll need to settle in if they want to climb the rankings.
Tight Ends: Uncertainty Prevails
Tight end is still a big question mark. There just hasn’t been much to get excited about from this group.
Pre-Spring Ranking and Expectations
Tenth before spring, so expectations were low. Ryan Ward’s return and a couple of new faces brought a little hope, but depth is still an issue.
Post-Spring Analysis
Not much has changed. The tight ends are struggling in both blocking and catching, and the group is still stuck at the bottom.
Special Teams: Inconsistency Issues
Special teams have been hit or miss. There have been some highlight plays, but inconsistency is a real problem.
Pre-Spring Ranking and Expectations
They were ranked second before spring, thanks to standouts like Bryan Hansen and Peter Notaro. Expectations were high, but the results haven’t always matched.
Post-Spring Analysis
The special teams have had a tough time finding their groove. Punting’s been shaky, penalties keep popping up, and honestly, there’s just not much happening in the kick return game.
They really need to settle down and find some rhythm if they want to climb the rankings.
If you want to dig into the full WVU Football Position Group Power Rankings, check out the article on 247Sports.
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