West Virginia football: 5 surprise contributors who’ll boost Mountaineers in 2018

MORGANTOWN, WV - SEPTEMBER 03: West Virginia Mountaineers players celebrate after the game against the Missouri Tigers 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: West Virginia Mountaineers players celebrate after the game against the Missouri Tigers 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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West Virginia football is getting lots of attention thanks to players like Will Grier and David Sills V. But it’s the “other guys” who will propel the Mountaineers in 2018.

Even if you’re not familiar with the West Virginia Mountaineers, you’ve likely heard of star wide receiver David Sills. If not him, then surely you’re familiar with Heisman Trophy-hopeful Will Grier. Those players, among others, are great, which in turn helps West Virginia establish their position within the college football ranks.

But the best football teams aren’t measured solely by their top-tier talent, although few actually reach that status without the Griers and Sills of the world. Rather, it’s the surprise contributors, the guys you don’t hear much about, who truly make teams special.

Some of the players on this list have actual game experience in a Mountaineer uniform, but most were simply scout team standouts or junior college players a season ago.

With the release of the WVU Football Media Guide on Monday, a preseason depth chart was included. It’s the furthest thing from being the depth chart for Game 1, but it’s also the closest look we’ve had yet. Only one player on our list is a projected starter, while the rest are backups/expected special teams contributors.