Review of the 2010-2011 West Virginia Mountaineer Football Team

The 2010-2011 West Virginia University football season will be one of question with a lot of newcomers competing for playing time. One thing that is consistent with Mountaineer tradition is that the Mountaineers backfield will be filled with quick-speedy playmakers.

Offensive Side

Quarterback Position

As of right now, sophomore Geno Smith will be the starter and has been impressive in fall camp. He's improved on reading defenses and distributing the ball to his playmakers. Players looking for playing time will be redshirt sophomore Coley White (brother of WV superstar-Pat White) along with freshman Barry Brunetti and Jeremy Johnson. All the potential backups to Smith are talented, but lack the experience of the college game.

Running back Position

Noel Devine the senior sensation who can take the ball the distance on one carry will lead the way for the Mountaineers this year. Devine along with sophomore Tavon Austin, redshirt-freshman Daquan Hargrett, sophomore Shawne Alston and freshman Trey Johnson comprise of a speedy and elusive backfield.

Fullback Position

Projected starter redshirt-sophomore Ryan Clarke leads a powerful alternative to the West Virginia speedy offense by pounding the ball up the middle and in short goal line distance. Senior Will Johnson will also contribute to this position by bringing speed and power to the run game. Other potential players that will contribute to the power game are junior Ricky Kovatch and redshirt-sophomore Matt Lindamood.

Wide Receiver Position

The wide receiver corp will be led by senior Jock Sanders and junior Bradley Starks. Also, contributing to the mix will be redshirt-sophomore J.D. Woods, redshirt-freshman Stedman Bailey and freshman Ivan McCartney. Also, backup quarterback Coley White will contribute to this position bring his athleticism to the open field.

Tight End Position

The tight end position will be handled by junior starter Tyler Urban. He has great hands and speed to get down the field as well as block off the line. Backing up the tight end position will be Will Johnson and Tyler Rader.

Offensive Line

The West Virginia Mountaineers offensive line will be another young set of players who at times last year couldn't push the defense or open up holes as needed. However, this year the group will be more experienced with a lot more depth. Players projected to start on the offensive line are redshirt-senior Eric Jobe. Juniors Donny Barclay and Josh Jenkins along with redshirt-sophomore's Jeff Braun and Joe Madsen. Freshman Cole Bowers is also projected to start on the offensive line. The Mountaineers will have adequate backup with redshirt-senior Matt Timmerman, redshirt-sophomore Joe Bassler, redshirt-sophomore's Pat Eger, Nick Kindler and Joe Weingart along with freshman Marquis Wallace and mammoth freshman Quinton Spain.

The Mountaineers will move the ball down field with all the running backs in the arsenal. Geno Smith will be looked upon to control the game and pass the ball down field. The offensive side of the ball has a lot of talent, but a few key positions such as the offensive line is still questionable. Noel Devine wants to go out his senior season with a bang. If the Mountaineers get going on offense they are protected by a stout defense that returns just about everyone from last year.

Defensive Side

Defensive Line Position

The defensive line will consist of redshirt-senior Scooter Berry, redshirt-junior Josh Taylor contributing to the Mountaineers upfront.

Defensive End Position

The West Virginia Mountaineers will depend on redshirt-senior Larry Ford, redshirt-junior Julian Miller, redshirt-sophomore Will Clarke to help the defensive line to apply pressure to the opposing team's offense.

Nose Guard Position

Redshirt-senior Chris Neild will lead the way for the Mountaineers. He has a motor that doesn't stop and will require a double-team from the opposing team most of the time.

Linebacker Position

The linebacker corp is talented and deep with redshirt-junior Najee Goode leading the way with redshirt-freshman Branko Busick competing for playing time. Freshman Troy Gloster, Doug Rigg and Jewone Snow may contribute as well to the stout defense.

Outside Linebacker Position

Redshirt-senior's J. T Thomas and Anthony Leonard will anchor the defense on the outside along with junior college transfer Bruce Irvin looking to have a big season for the Mountaineers.

Middle Linebacker Position

Senior Pat Lazear will anchor the middle position of the field for the West Virginia Mountaineers.

Safety Positions

The Mountaineers safety position is deep with talent with senior Sidney Glover, Tripp Hale and Derek Knight, juniors Eain Smith and Robert Sands, sophomore Travis Garvin looking to provide support down field for the Mountaineers.

Cornerback Position

The Mountaineers are loaded at cornerback position with Eddie Davis, Brandon Hogan, Keith Tandy, Brodrick Jenkins and Pat Miller providing coverage down the field.

Kicker Position

Kicking duties will be spread between Tyler Bitancurt, Corey Smith and Greg Pugnetti.

Source:
www.msnsportsnet.net

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