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West Virginia Football: 5 post-spring bold predictions for 2019 season

By Phil Poling

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 28: Jack Allison #11 of the West Virginia Mountaineers throws a pass in the first quarter of the Camping World Bowl against the Syracuse Orange at Camping World Stadium on December 28, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 28: Jack Allison #11 of the West Virginia Mountaineers throws a pass in the first quarter of the Camping World Bowl against the Syracuse Orange at Camping World Stadium on December 28, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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AUSTIN, TX – NOVEMBER 03: Martell Pettaway #32 of the West Virginia Mountaineers rushes for a touchdown in the fourth quarter defended by Anthony Wheeler #45 of the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX – NOVEMBER 03: Martell Pettaway #32 of the West Virginia Mountaineers rushes for a touchdown in the fourth quarter defended by Anthony Wheeler #45 of the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

4. Improved front-five

Like most of the West Virginia roster, the offensive line is undergoing construction. Replacing a player like Yodny Cajuste is never easy, but holdovers Colton McKivitz and Josh Sills will make the transition easier. Those two, along with center Chase Behrndt, will be expected to lead the offensive line.

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Taking over for Cajuste at left tackle is expected to be McKivitz, who’s started on the right side of the line for the past three seasons. He’s without a doubt the best ‘Eers lineman, and could play his way into the 2020 NFL Draft. Kelby Wickline, primarily used in a reserve role throughout his career, will enter fall camp with an opportunity to win the right tackle job. Flanking Behrndt at center will be Sills and junior Michael Brown.

An offensive line of McKivitz-Brown-Behrndt-Sills-Wickline could be a very formidable group, especially when leading the way for a good running back. Or in their case, a good group of running backs. West Virginia could use at least four backs this season, all of whom are worthy of every carry. But that puts a ton of pressure on the big guys up front, presenting them also with a great opportunity: lead the way and shine.

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