The excitement is building as West Virginia's football squad gears up for a thrilling clash against Arizona State – and diving into their latest depth chart uncovers some bold lineup choices that could make or break the game! Whether you're a die-hard fan tracking every play or just getting into college football, understanding a team's depth chart is like peeking behind the curtain of strategy. It shows who starts, who's ready to jump in, and how the coaches are stacking their options to tackle the Sun Devils. But here's where it gets controversial – some of these player rotations might surprise you, sparking debates on whether experience or youth should lead the charge. Let's break it down step by step, making it easy for everyone to follow, and I'll highlight the key spots that have fans buzzing.
Starting with the offense, where the Mountaineers aim to move the ball efficiently against a tough Arizona State defense. At quarterback, the depth chart features a mix of young talent and steady veterans. Leading off is freshman Scotty Fox, standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 213 pounds, who brings that raw energy to the field. If he's sidelined, look for redshirt sophomore Khalil Wilkins, a tall 6-foot-3, 204-pound option, or redshirt junior Max Brown, at 6-foot-2 and 223 pounds, who might provide more experience in clutch moments. This setup raises eyebrows – is betting on freshmen a risky gamble in a high-stakes game, or a fresh wave of innovation? And this is the part most people miss: the running backs offer a blend of speed and power, with redshirt freshman Diore Hubbard (5-foot-10, 190 pounds) as the primary, backed by sophomore Clay Ash (5-foot-9, 196 pounds) or sophomore Cyncir Bowers (5-foot-10, 191 pounds). Imagine Hubbard bursting through the line for those game-changing runs – it's a dynamic group that could wear down defenses over time.
Tight ends are crucial for both blocking and catching passes, and here West Virginia lists senior Grayson Barnes (6-foot-4, 222 pounds) as the starter, with senior Jacob Barrick (6-foot-3, 231 pounds) ready as a reliable alternative. For wide receivers, they've split it by position – the X receiver slot has redshirt sophomore Cam Vaughn (6-foot-2, 185 pounds) or redshirt senior Jeff Weimer (6-foot-1, 209 pounds), who could stretch the field with his size. The Y spot features junior Rodney Gallagher (5-foot-10, 180 pounds) or senior Jarod Bowie (5-foot-9, 162 pounds), adding versatility, while the Z receiver includes redshirt senior Justin Smith-Brown (5-foot-11, 190 pounds), redshirt senior Preston Fox (5-foot-10, 181 pounds), or redshirt sophomore Christian Hamilton (5-foot-11, 190 pounds). This depth suggests the Mountaineers are well-covered for aerial assaults, but could there be overlooked stars here that might shine brighter than expected?
Moving to the offensive line, where protection is paramount. Left tackle starts with redshirt sophomore Nick Krahe (6-foot-6, 305 pounds) or redshirt junior Xavier Bausley (6-foot-4, 305 pounds), both built to anchor the edge. Left guard sees redshirt senior Walter Young Bear (6-foot-3, 306 pounds) or redshirt junior Donovan Haslam (6-foot-3, 341 pounds), highlighting a mix of stability and heft. At center, redshirt junior Landen Livingston (6-foot-4, 294 pounds) takes the snap, with redshirt senior Carson Lee (6-foot-2, 327 pounds) as backup. Right guard features redshirt senior Kimo Makane’ole (6-foot-4, 300 pounds) or sophomore Josh Aisosa (6-foot-3, 321 pounds), and right tackle has redshirt senior Ty’Kieast Crawford (6-foot-5, 305 pounds) or redshirt junior Malik Agbo (6-foot-4, 280 pounds). For beginners, think of the line as the unsung heroes who make quarterbacks look good by clearing paths and blocking defenders – a strong unit here could be the difference against Arizona State's aggressive front.
Now, flipping to defense, where West Virginia needs to shut down the Sun Devils' offense. Defensive ends include redshirt senior Devin Grant (6-foot-2, 267 pounds) or senior Eddie Kelly (6-foot-5, 286 pounds), ready to apply pressure. Defensive tackles have redshirt senior Edward Vesterinen (6-foot-3, 284 pounds) and sophomore Nate Gabriel (6-foot-3, 315 pounds), while nose guards feature redshirt junior Asani Redwood (6-foot-3, 294 pounds), redshirt sophomore Corey McIntyre (6-foot-3, 281 pounds), or redshirt junior Elijah Simmons (6-foot-0, 278 pounds). The Bandit position – basically a hybrid linebacker for extra flexibility – lists redshirt senior Braden Siders (6-foot-2, 243 pounds) or redshirt senior Jimmori Robinson (6-foot-4, 248 pounds). But here's where it gets controversial: the linebacker spots might ruffle some feathers. Mike linebacker has redshirt senior Reid Carrico (6-foot-2, 229 pounds) or redshirt junior Ben Bogle (6-foot-1, 225 pounds), and Will linebacker includes redshirt senior Chase Wilson (6-foot-1, 230 pounds) or junior Ben Cutter (6-foot-0, 225 pounds). Is prioritizing seniors over rising juniors the right call for leadership, or does it ignore fresh talent?
Secondary players are key for covering receivers and preventing big plays. Nickel/Safety has senior Fred Perry (5-foot-9, 206 pounds) or sophomore Curtis Jones (6-foot-2, 230 pounds). Left cornerback features senior Michael Coats (5-foot-11, 183 pounds) or redshirt senior Jordan Scruggs (5-foot-10, 172 pounds). Free safety options are redshirt senior Derek Carter (5-foot-10, 182 pounds), senior Kekoura Tarnue (6-foot-0, 199 pounds), or sophomore Nick Taylor (6-foot-1, 192 pounds). Boundary safety includes redshirt senior Darrian Lewis (5-foot-9, 198 pounds) or sophomore Israel Boyce (5-foot-11, 192 pounds), and right cornerback has senior Jason Chambers (5-foot-11, 193 pounds) or senior Ty Crutcher (5-foot-8, 176 pounds). This group looks solid, but some might argue that height mismatches could be exploited – what do you think, fans?
Finally, special teams, where field position wins games. Kickers are redshirt senior Kade Hensley (5-foot-10, 190 pounds) or sophomore Ethan Head (6-foot-1, 185 pounds), with kick-off handled by redshirt sophomore Nate Flower (6-foot-2, 184 pounds) or Head again. Holders include senior Oliver Straw (6-foot-2, 215 pounds) or redshirt junior RJ Kocan (5-foot-10, 233 pounds). Punters are Straw or freshman Aidan Stire (6-foot-0, 198 pounds), and long snappers feature redshirt junior Macguire Moss (6-foot-1, 225 pounds) or redshirt freshman Kaden Seller (6-foot-2, 256 pounds). Kickoff returners could be redshirt senior Preston Fox (5-foot-10, 188 pounds), redshirt senior Jarod Bowie (5-foot-8, 164 pounds), or junior Rodney Gallagher (5-foot-10, 180 pounds), while punt returners are Fox or Gallagher. These roles might seem minor, but a booming punt or a game-saving return can shift momentum – and this is the part most people miss: how special teams often decide close contests.
There you have it – West Virginia's full depth chart for the Arizona State showdown, packed with talent and potential surprises. From the quarterback carousel to the defensive alignments, this lineup tells a story of strategy and depth. But is this the optimal setup, or are there hidden gems ready to emerge? What do you think about these player choices – do you agree with the rotations, or would you shake things up? Is prioritizing veterans a safe bet, or is it time to unleash the young guns? Share your opinions and predictions in the comments below; let's discuss what this means for the game! And remember, fall camp is in full swing – why not join us for insider WVU updates? Sign up today for just $1 for your first week, plus a free year of access to The Athletic. Head over to http://gowvu.us/Join to get started.
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