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West Virginia Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

By Connor Muldowney

MORGANTOWN, WV - SEPTEMBER 03: Justin Crawford #25 of the West Virginia Mountaineers runs the ball against the Missouri Tigers in the first half of the game at Milan Puskar Stadium on September 3, 2016 in Morgantown, West Virginia. West Virginia defeated Missouri 26-11. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
MORGANTOWN, WV - SEPTEMBER 03: Justin Crawford #25 of the West Virginia Mountaineers runs the ball against the Missouri Tigers in the first half of the game at Milan Puskar Stadium on September 3, 2016 in Morgantown, West Virginia. West Virginia defeated Missouri 26-11. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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MORGANTOWN, WV – NOVEMBER 19: Marvin Gross #18 of the West Virginia Mountaineers reacts after roughing the punter in the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners on November 19, 2016 at Mountaineer Field in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
MORGANTOWN, WV – NOVEMBER 19: Marvin Gross #18 of the West Virginia Mountaineers reacts after roughing the punter in the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners on November 19, 2016 at Mountaineer Field in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Defensive Backs

Starting cornerbacks: Elijah Battle, Corey Winfield
Backups: Mike Daniels, Hakeem Bailey

The defensive backfield was a weak spot for the Mountaineers in 2016 as it ranked 104th in yards per game allowed through the air. That’s an area where this team really has to improve if it wants to get back to the 10-win mark. Unfortunately, this unit loses four starters in the defensive backfield, but that could mean a “tear it down and rebuild it” mindset will take place.

At cornerback, seniors Corey Winfield and Elijah Battle take over. Battle finished the 2016 season with 23 tackles and a pass deflection, but Winfield comes in as a grad transfer from Syracuse. He had 41 tackles, four pass deflections and a pick last season for the Orange, bringing some starting experience with him. Sophomore Hakeem Bailey is a name to watch as well as senior Mike Daniels.

Starting safeties: Dravon Askew-Henry, Toyous Avery
Backups: Shane Commodore, Derrek Pitts

Looking for an All-Big 12 candidate in the secondary? Well, the Mountaineers have two. The first is Dravon Askew-Henry. The junior, like multiple other starting Mountaineers, suffered an injury and missed the entire 2016 season. He had started 13 games at safety the year before, recording 59 tackles and an interception. He will be joined by first-year full-time starter Toyous Avery. He had 24 tackles and four pass deflections last year in 11 appearances. Senior Shane Commodore will be in the rotation and freshman Derrek Pitts could break out.

Starting Spur: Kyzir White
Backup: Marvin Gross

Remember when I said the Mountaineers had two all-conference caliber players? Well, Askew-Henry was the first and ‘Spur’ starter Kyzir White is the other. The fifth defensive back, and younger brother of Chicago Bear Kevin White, had a strong junior season. He had 58 tackles, seven for loss and three sacks in 2016. Senior Marvin Gross will back him up.

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