West Virginia Football: 3 most important newcomers for 2021 season

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – NOVEMBER 29: Luke Tenuta #69, Doug Nester #74 and Bryan Hudson #61 of the Virginia Tech Hokies in the second half during a game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium on November 29, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

Guard. 3. Scouting Report. Sophomore. Doug Nester. player. 877. Pick Analysis

Doug Nester, the No. 2 prospect out of Spring Valley (W. Va.) High School during the 2019 recruiting cycle, is returning to his home state following two seasons with Virginia Tech. The Kenova, W. Va.,-native will provide an immediate boost to an offensive line that’s been up-and-down since Neal Brown’s arrival. At the very least, though, Nester’s availability alone should make him a star for the Mountaineers.

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He started 17 career games at right guard for the Hokies, including seven in 2020 for the fourth-best rushing attack (240.1 yards per game) among Power Five teams. Add Nester into the mix for WVU, and the Mountaineers are suddenly sneaky contenders in the upcoming Big 12 title race.

Nester, who’s already enrolled at WVU, will slide seamlessly into the vacant right guard slot. He’ll be flanked by a handful of guys with experience, but Nester could blossom into a leader, not only among his position group, but the team as a whole.

At 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, Nester’s future certainly has the letters “NFL” in it. Before he can get there, though, dominance in Morgantown and college football must happen first. He’ll have an entire state in his corner rooting for him. Honestly, is there any player for WVU that’s easier to root for than a home-grown kid?

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