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West Virginia Football: Top 5 breakout candidates for 2017

By Andrew Miller

MORGANTOWN, WV - DECEMBER 03: Daikiel Shorts
MORGANTOWN, WV - DECEMBER 03: Daikiel Shorts /
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MORGANTOWN, WV – OCTOBER 22: Head coach Dana Holgorsen of the West Virginia Mountaineers looks on during warmups prior to the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Mountaineer Field on October 22, 2016 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
MORGANTOWN, WV – OCTOBER 22: Head coach Dana Holgorsen of the West Virginia Mountaineers looks on during warmups prior to the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Mountaineer Field on October 22, 2016 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Due to an unfortunate ACL tear, Dravon Askew-Henry missed the entire 2016 season. He returns as the starting free safety. West Virginia has not had good luck with starting safeties staying healthy.

Askew-Henry tore his left ACL last year and former star Karl Joseph was knocked out for the year in 2015. The secondary should be one of the strongest part of the defense. Elijah Battle and Kyzir White contribute to the strength of the secondary.

Potential to bring in three interceptions is there for Askew-Henry. He’s a ball-hawking safety that does a great job locking down receivers in coverage. West Virginia needs more guys like Askew-Henry against teams like Oklahoma State and Oklahoma that air it out.

Askew-Henry could contribute toward getting West Virginia’s turnover numbers up higher. He’ll establish himself in a big way after missing an entire season.

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