The Rob Breaux Show’s Big 12 Preview: West Virginia
West Virginia
HC: Neal Brown OC: Matt Moore, Chad Scott DC: Vic Koenning
2018 RECORD - 8-4
Most Likely 2019 RECORD - 5-7
2019 PREVIEW
The Mountaineers have a brand new look rolling into 2019. New HC, new asst coaches, new support staff, new QB. The Mountaineers only bring back 5 starters from 2018. To fill that QB spot they bring in OU transfer Austin Kendall, who will have to beat out Jack Allison for the starting gig. If he can and get comfortable Kendall brings a lot of talent to Morgantown.
Now who will be Kendall’s weapons? That is a big question mark for this WVU offense in 2019. Now, you will see continuity in the backfield with the return of leading rusher from 2018 Kennedy McCoy and fellow senior Martell Pettway but that’s about the extent of the returners at the skill positions for the Mountaineers. The WR group returns a couple of familiar faces in junior TJ Simmons and jitterbug slot Tevin Bush but that’s about it.
There are a couple names to watch out for as well, including RS freshman Sam James should contribute with his speed on the outside and as long as he’s healthy Jovani Haskins will be the starter at TE. The offensive line might be the thing WVU can actually not worry about going into 2019. While they need to add some depth up front 4 of the 5 guys that started the bowl game in 2018 are back. The big uglies will be lead by 6’7 312lb senior Colton McKivitz at one of the two tackle spots.
The D for the Mountaineers is going to be suspect at best here in 2019. Pretty much the whole secondary new DC Vic Koenning thought he had returning bounced from the program and now he’s left scrambling to find enough guys to fill positions. He will have to count on Jake Long and Sean Mahone to solidify the safety spots and at CB it should be a bit easier with Josh Norwood and Keith Washington returning. The DL and LB groups seem to be in a bit better position than the DB’s. Look for senior LB JoVanni Stewart and DL veteran Reese Donahue to have good years for the boys from Morgantown.
Best Offensive Returners
RB Kennedy McCoy, RB Martell Pettway, WR TJ Simmons, OT Colton McKivitz, TE Jovani Haskins
Best Defensive Returners
LB JoVanni Stewart, DL Reese Donahue, CB Josh Norwood, CB Keith Washington, LB Shea Campbell
Newcomers
QB Austin Kendall, DE Taijh Alston
Breakout Candidates
QB Austin Kendall, RB Kennedy McCoy, WR Tevin Bush