West Virginia football: Way-too-early 2-deep depth chart projection for 2019
By Phil Poling
Offensive Line
Coach Brown said on Wednesday the spring is an important time to identify personnel and get people in the right spot. It’ll be an interesting storyline to keep in mind, too, as they’re stuck not only replacing Yodny Cajuste on the offensive line, but also figuring out who fits best where. Four of the five projected starters played at multiple positions last season, save for Colton McKivitz who’s been a staple at right tackle for the past three years, starting 35 career games there. And that’s where we’ll begin.
Starting tackles: Colton McKivitz, Kelby Wickline
Reserve tackles: Tyler Thurmond, Junior Uzebu
McKivitz is far-and-away the most experienced starter up front for the ‘Eers, but senior Kelby Wickline has added depth for the past two seasons and could finally land a starting role in 2019. There were murmurs of him leaving the program when his father and offensive line coach, Joe Wickline, wasn’t retained by the Brown regime. However, nothing of the sort has been announced and as of March 8, Wickline is still listed on WVU’s 2019 roster. Tyler Thurmond (6-foot-5, 296 pounds) and Junior Uzebu (6-foot-5, 308 pounds) are a pair of young tackles who could see playing time.
Starting guards: Chase Behrndt, Josh Sills
Reserve guards: Michael Brown, James Gmiter
Moving inside to the guards, juniors Chase Behrndt and Josh Sills are expected to win those jobs. The former has three starts under his belt in 13 games, while the latter is a two-year starter and was an All-Big 12 Second Team Selection by the league’s coaches in 2018. Sills played five games at left guard in 2017 before moving to right and carving out his spot for the next three years, and Behrndt adds depth at tackle in addition to his ability to play guard. James Gmiter, who recently changed sides of the ball, could see reps as a backup, as well as redshirt senior Michael Brown.
Starting center: Briason Mays
Reserve center: Jacob Buccigrossi
What’s the most important position in football, that’s also the easiest to overlook? If you guessed the player who literally starts every play — center — you’re right. And the Mountaineers aren’t exactly sure who will be making that first snap in 2019. This is good, though, in the sense that it’ll breed competition.
Redshirt freshman Briason Mays, who Brown claims has, “had a great winter,” is a 6-foot-3 Tennessee native with plenty to prove. Jacob Buccigrossi will also compete for the starting job after adding depth at both center and guard in 2018. While former ‘Eer center Tyler Orlosky doesn’t have any remaining eligibility, he will continue to be around the team as a graduate assistant.