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West Virginia Football: 5 players with the most to prove in 2019

By Phil Poling

MORGANTOWN, WV - OCTOBER 06: Leddie Brown #4 of the West Virginia Mountaineers runs into the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown after catching a pass against the Kansas Jayhawks in the first quarter of the game at Mountaineer Field on October 6, 2018 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
MORGANTOWN, WV - OCTOBER 06: Leddie Brown #4 of the West Virginia Mountaineers runs into the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown after catching a pass against the Kansas Jayhawks in the first quarter of the game at Mountaineer Field on October 6, 2018 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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AMES, IA – OCTOBER 13: Cornerback Derrek Pitts Jr. #1 of the West Virginia Mountaineers returns a blocked field goal attempt by the Iowa State Cyclones in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA – OCTOBER 13: Cornerback Derrek Pitts Jr. #1 of the West Virginia Mountaineers returns a blocked field goal attempt by the Iowa State Cyclones in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

Derrek Pitts. Scouting Report. Safety. Junior. 5. player. 877. Pick Analysis

One Mountaineer with plenty to prove in 2019 is a home-grown product — Dunbar’s own Derrek Pitts. He played at South Charleston High School and won the Carl Lee Award, given to the state’s top defensive back. He was also the top player in the ‘Eers 2017 recruiting class.

MORE: WVU secondary to be an improved unit in 2019

While Pitts has added depth in the secondary since stepping foot on campus, it’s time for him to put it all together. He’s played in 19 career games, but has only two starts in a secondary that’s struggled mightily the past few seasons.

It’s not always about who starts the game, though, as Pitts has been a solid contributor when he touches the field. In his freshman and sophomore seasons combined, Pitts tallied 37 total tackles (29 solo), five tackles-for-loss, four pass deflections, an interception and a forced fumble. His biggest highlight came in the loss to Iowa State in 2018 when the ‘Eers blocked a field goal and Pitts returned it for a touchdown.

The Mountaineers have a number of battle-tested players in their secondary. But since moving to safety, Pitts should have a greater opportunity to affect the outcomes of games this fall.

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