Last week, we began analyzing the depth charts of every Big 12 team coming out of the spring. We continue with West Virginia, which hasn't released a post-spring depth chart, making this a projection of the Mountaineers' two-deep.
OFFENSE (projected starters in bold)
QB: Skyler Howard (Sr.), Chris Chugunov (RFr.) OR William Crest Jr. (So.)
Howard is a veteran quarterback after starting throughout his junior season and he seems ready to build upon his strong showing in the Motel 6 Cactus Bowl. If he continues to play at a high level, he could catapult the Mountaineers into the Big 12 title race. Behind him, Crest and Chugunov continue to battle to be the backup with other options, including David Sills and Cody Saunders, showing promise as well.
RB: Rushel Shell (Sr.), Kennedy McKoy (Fr.)
FB: Elijah Wellman (Jr.), Michael Ferns (So.)
Shell elevates to the top of the depth chart with Wendell Smallwood’s departure to the NFL. He’s a tough veteran runner who should bring balance to the offense. McKoy was one of the stars of spring, playing his way out of redshirt contention and into the plans for the offense after enrolling early. Wellman is a quality fullback who can line up at multiple positions and be an impact contributor.
WR: Daikiel Shorts Jr. (Sr.), Devonte Mathis (Sr.)
WR: Shelton Gibson (Jr.), Gary Jennings (So.)
WR: Ka’Raun White (Jr.), Marcus Simms (Fr.)
Shorts, Gibson and White are the clear starters, but there is developing depth behind them with Jennings and Sims scoring touchdowns in the spring game. Shorts has been an impact performer since his freshman season while Gibson and White appear ready to take their game to another level after up-and-down sophomore showings.
T: Yodny Cajuste (So.), Rob Dowdy (RFr.)
G: Adam Pankey (Sr.), Tony Matteo (Jr.)
C: Tyler Orlosky (Sr.), Armanii Brown (So.)
G: Kyle Bosch (Jr.); Grant Lingafelter (Jr.)
T: Marcell Lazard (So.), Colton McKivitz (Jr.)
The Mountaineers have a lot of experienced offensive linemen along with good depth. And the pass protection is improving, which means West Virginia could have an improved offensive line in 2016. Orlosky is one of the Big 12’s best and provides an exceptional anchor to build around in the interior. There is still competition to play, but the Mountaineers should be able to send out five quality offensive linemen regardless of who wins the various jobs.
DEFENSE (projected starters in bold)
DE: Noble Nwachukwu (Jr.), Adam Shuler II (RFr.)
DE: Christian Brown (Sr.), Xavier Pegues (Jr.)
DT: Darrien Howard (Sr.), Jaleel Fields (So.)
Nwachukwu is a terrific building block as one of the Big 12’s top returning sack masters (8.5 sacks) and Brown is a returning starter. Howard steps in at defensive tackle to make this the most experienced group on the defensive side of the ball. Keep an eye on Shuler II, who is an intriguing prospect that could become an impact player as soon as the fall.
LB: Justin Arndt (Sr.), Xavier Preston (Jr.)
LB: Al-Rasheed Benton (Jr.), Hodari Christian (Jr.)
LB: Sean Walters (Sr.), David Long (RFr.)
The Mountaineers likely feel better about the linebacker position after Arndt and Benton were among the standouts during the spring. Benton in particular has emerged as a leader on the defense and a trustworthy building block. Long is another young defender to keep an eye on as he gets his feet wet on special teams with an eye on a bigger role on the defense.
CB: Nana Kyeremeh (Sr.), Antonio Crawford (Sr.)
CB: Rasul Douglas (Sr.), Jordan Adams (RFr.)
S: Dravon Askew-Henry (Jr.), Khairi Sharif (Sr.)
S: Jeremy Tyler (Sr.), Shane Commodore (Jr.)
Spur: Marvin Gross Jr. (Jr.), Deamonte Lindsay (RFr.)
Tyler and Askew-Henry are a solid, experienced duo with some questions at the other positions. Defensive coordinator Tony Gibson singled out Kyeremeh as one of the spring stars, so he should play a significant role. The secondary is full of upperclassmen but all of them aren’t experienced and this group could change, especially with Kyzir White set to arrive and battle to start at spur during the summer.