West Virginia Football: 5 players to watch this Spring

NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 25: Wide receiver Marcus Simms #8 of the West Virginia Mountaineers waits to return a punt against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated West Virginia 59-31. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

The West Virginia defensive line is one of those groups that needs an immediate boost, and it’s hard to tell where that could come from. A possible emergence could come from an experienced starter in rising junior defensive end Adam Shuler.

Both linebacker David Long and fellow defensive end Ezekiel Rose racked up more sacks than Shuler in 2017, and that might not happen again this year. Shuler did improve his overall stat line from 2016 to 2017. And, that’s a good trend for his outlook for 2018.

Considering the team leader in sacks for the Mountaineers’ defense was Rose with only five, something has to give this year. A solid pass rush can help make up for a lackluster secondary in the Big 12. Combine a good defensive line with a good secondary, and West Virginia becomes a very dangerous team.

The potential of West Virginia to make it past Big 12 contention and into the College Football Playoff picture actually starts on the defensive side of the ball. The offensive production will be there, but can players like Shuler spark something for the defense?

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