West Virginia football: 5 breakout candidates for 2021 season

By Phil Poling | Jun 22, 2021

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 31: Wide receiver Reese Smith #15 of the West Virginia Mountaineers runs the ball for a two-point conversion in the second half against the Army Black Knights at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium on December 31, 2020 in Memphis, Tennessee. The Mountaineers defeated the Black Knights 24-21. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

3 of 6

Oct 31, 2020; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Reese Smith (15) catches a pass during the second quarter against the Kansas State Wildcats at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /

Scouting Report. WR. 4. player. Pick Analysis. Sophomore. Reese Smith. 877

Sixteen different Mountaineers made a reception in 2020, including true freshman Reese Smith. And in just seven games, the three-star Kentucky product tallied 11 catches for 128 yards. Don’t be surprised if last year’s season totals become weekly outputs in 2021.

MORE Big 12 Football: 5 Dark Horse Heisman Trophy Candidates

He’ll need more consistency from his teammates, specifically Jarret Doege, but his quarterback should be well-protected. The offensive line is strong, and running back Leddie Brown will demand a seven or eight-man box after going over 1,000 rushing yards last year. This will create alleys for Smith and the wide receivers after catches, making any possible reception a chunk play.

That’s the type of wide receiver Smith could be, too, a chain-mover. He averaged 11.6 yards per catch last season, which ranks third among returning Mountaineers who had at least 10 catches. Smith will benefit from T.J. Simmons (23 receptions, 401 yards, four touchdowns) not returning, too.

Home/West Virginia Mountaineers