West Virginia Football: 5 most underrated Mountaineers in 2021
By Phil Poling
Scouting Report. Linebacker. 50. player. 877. Pick Analysis. Sophomore. Jared Bartlett
The 6-foot-2, 230-pound Jared Bartlett is the type of talent that could really help the Mountaineers when it comes to filling a void. Tony Fields, West Virginia’s leading tackler (88) from the 2020 season, has moved on to the NFL. And while Bartlett won’t take over the vacant Mike linebacker position, he will be expected to improve his own tackle totals to help make up for the loss of Fields.
RELATED: Big 12 Heisman Trophy front-runners
Bartlett is more potential than production at this point in his career, but the former three-star recruit is just a sophomore. And in a COVID-shortened 2020 season, Bartlett managed to tally 18 tackles, 4.5 tackles-for-loss, and 3.5 sacks.
An improved role in 2021 should see his production increase, and Bartlett’s one to take advantage of seemingly every opportunity. He’s recorded at least one tackle in every game he’s played for West Virginia football and two or more tackles in eight of 12 career games.
In other words, get this kid on the field and spot the ball; he’ll probably be around when the whistle gets blown.