West Virginia Football: 5 players who earned Blitz Stickers vs. Kansas State
By Phil Poling
West Virginia’s top-tackler against Kansas State was senior safety Toyous Avery, per ESPN’s track of defensive stats. He led the team with four tackles through the first quarter (including one tackle-for-loss), and finished with a team-high eight tackles, seven of which were solo.
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Much like Tonkery, Avery has been attacking the backfield with success that hasn’t been routine in Morgantown in recent years. Since losing Charlie Benton to injury after the Tennessee game, the Mountaineers have been shifting things around a bit, playing Avery closer to the line of scrimmage.
It’s worked for Gibson thus far, and should continue to do so as the ‘Eers face the Red Raiders next week. Although they seem to be more committed to running the football, Avery is a physical football player who invites contact.
Avery has upped his tackle count each game, according to ESPN. From four tackles in the opener, to six against YSU, then eight Saturday against the Wildcats. The defense is finally getting comfortable together, just in time for a Kliff Kingsbury offensive attack.