By: Jonathan Martin | WV Sports Chat
Welcome to a special edition of Martin’s Mailbag, where I answer your questions about all things West Virginia sports.
This mailbag is a bit different, though. I brought in some help. With WVU football camp set to kick off this week, excitement is palpable among Mountaineer fans – so fellow WV Sports Chat writer James Gravely joins me to answer your camp questions.
Q: Who do you think will be the most underrated player on each side of the ball that fans should know about? – wvufan2023
Jonathan: Offense – WR, Rodney Gallagher. One of the players who decided to stay at West Virginia, I believe Gallagher can take the next step in Rich Rodriguezs’ offense. He’s shown flashes of taking the next step as a receiver and with his versatility and athleticism, I expect him to be a playmaker focusing solely on offense.
Defense – LB, Chase Wilson. It’s funny James and I both said a linebacker, just a different name. Wilson, a transfer from Colorado State, started all 13 games last season and is a two-time All-Mountain West Conference second-teamer. There have been some questions about the transition to the Big 12, but he plays fast and is always around the football. I expect him to be a leader on the defense.
James: Offense – WR, Cam Vaughn – I know he came in with lofty expectations, but I think this new era of WVU football will see the team use its QB/RB options a lot more. I expect Vaughn to have a big year though.
Defense – LB, Reid Carrico – I think Carrico is going to lead the linebackers with sacks and tackles and have a few INTs along the way as well.
Q: Are we in for any big surprises as far as the starting roster goes? With so many new players few things will surprise us, but does anyone stand out as a potential shocker? – chaneybrad
Jonathan: This is a tough question to answer since camp hasn’t even begun, but I’ll take a stab here. I’ll go with defensive lineman, Nate Gabriel. There should be competition on the defensive front and there are concerns about the eligibility of Jimmori Robinson. Gabriel is big – 6-foot-3, 300-pounds, and played in 12 games last season as a freshman. There has been talk inside the program that he is expected to take his game to the next level this season.
James: Really, no shockers for me. I think Cam Vaughn is going to be bright side on the offense if he touches the ball some. And on the defensive side of the ball, if Jimmori Robinson does in fact play this season, expect him to have a big impact on the defense and will ultimately lead the way in total sacks.
Q: Realistic expectations in the running back room after Jahiem? – BucNEers
Jonathan: This question gets tougher not knowing if the Mountaineers will have Northern Iowa transfer Tye Edwards. If he does become eligible, I think a combination of him and Jaylan Knighton are a solid 1-2 punch behind White. If there’s no Edwards, Knighton is elevated and likely Cyncir Bowers gets more reps.
The larger concern, for me, is Edwards provides a different style of back than the others. He’s more physical and much more of a north/south runner. If he’s deemed ineligible that leaves the Mountaineers without a power back.
James: That’s a tough one as the RB room is deep and honestly outside of Jahiem White, we don’t really know anything about the other guys. I do believe Jaylan Knighton, the transfer, to have a steady increase in touches as well.
Q: Do you think Rich Rodriguez will start the opener with a two-QB system like he did in 2005 until one of them is confident enough to be the full-time starter? – TonkaTruckGuy
Jonathan: A lot will depend on what Rodriguez and his coaching staff sees during camp. In fact, Rodriguez has said he’s likely to do more with his quarterbacks during camp than in recent years to try and find separation.
But I do think it’s likely you’ll see all three in the season opener against Robert Morris, and then maybe two against Ohio. In an ideal world, you’d like to have QB1 identified by the time Pitt rolls into Morgantown in week three for the Backyard Brawl.
James: I think we see 3 QBs in week one against Robert Morris and two QBs in Week two against Ohio. Does Nicco win the full-time job? That’s a question that will officially be answered after the Ohio game.
