West Virginia Football: 2017 season preview and predictions
Offense
As discussed earlier, the quarterback situation is changing, but we will discuss that last. The running back position is the most set in stone of any on the offensive side of the ball, it seems, as Justin Crawford returns for his senior season.
Crawford had an outstanding junior year, racking up 1,184 yards and four touchdowns while averaging a sparkling 7.3 yards per carry. He really stood out for an improved West Virginia offense and took carries away from Rushel Shell. Sophomore Kennedy McCoy will be his likely backup this season after finishing with 472 yards and four scores on 6.5 yards per touch.
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At wide out, the only returning starter is Ka’Raun White, brother of Kevin White, who was third on the team in receiving last season with 48 catches for 583 yards and five touchdowns. Junior Gary Jennings (10 catches, 165 yards and two TDs in 2016) and sophomore Marcus Simms (six catches, 95 yards and one TD) will also get starting time at wide out.
Lastly, the offensive line returns just two starters in senior Kyle Bosch at left guard and sophomore Colton McKivitz at right tackle. This will be a rather inexperienced group.
Can Will Grier return to 2015 glory?
Skyler Howard had a strong season in 2016, passing for over 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns, but he’s since moved on. That leaves Florida transfer Will Grier to take over his duties exclusively.
Many remember Grier from his days with the Gators before getting punished for using performance-enhancing drugs. He was suspended for a year and his hot start with the Gators, leading them to a 6-0 record, was all for naught as he didn’t play another snap and the team went 4-4 in his absence.
Can he return to that glory or did he sit out too long to even remember what it took to be successful? The junior quarterback has the skillset to lead the Mountaineers’ offense to glory, but if he can’t find that confidence, it’ll be a long season.