West Virginia Football: Andrew Buie Redshirt Leaves Ground Attack to Charles Sims

December 1, 2012; Morgantown, WV, USA; The Andrew Buie redshirt opens the door for Charles Sims to take over at West Virginia. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The West Virginia Mountaineers already had a distinctive different offensive look from a year ago, with 2012 leaders Geno Smith, Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey gone for the NFL. But Tuesday, head coach Dana Holgorsen revealed during another major facelift his offense is undergoing, heading into its Week 1 tilt vs. William & Mary. Leading rusher Andrew Buie is redshirting.

West Virginia Illustrated first reported Holgorsen’s decision, quoting the third-year Mountaineer head coach was not “mentally and physically” prepared for the 2013 season.

Holgorsen added that Buie was not mandated to redshirt.

Buie rushed for 851 yards and seven touchdowns last season, and was also a reliable asset in Holgorsen’s pass-happy scheme. The running back caught 28 passes for 318 yards.

Buie’s redshirt means Houston transfer Charles Sims takes center stage in the Mountaineer backfield. Sims is a seemingly perfect fit for Holgorsen’s offense, operating as both a dynamic ball carrier and receiver. Playing alongside former Holgorsen pupil Case Keenum, Sims caught for over 1300 yards in the 2009 and 2011 seasons.

Dustin Garrison, Wendell Smallwood and Dreamius Smith will also compete for time at running back, giving Holgorsen options at the position.

“Our depth is better than what it was last year, so it’s going to be able to allow us to redshirt some guys,” Holgorsen said during his press conference on Tuesday.

He added that he anticipates Buie will be “ready to roll” for spring practices in 2014.