Will Grier could fit well with Mountaineers
In six games with Florida, Will Grier earned six wins as the team’s quarterback. Along the way, he compiled some impressive statistics.
The Gators started 6-0 in 2015 with Grier as the team’s starting quarterback. He completed 106 of 161 passes for 1,204 yards, 10 touchdowns and a long pass of 77 yards.
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All was well in Gainesville, Fla. and Grier quickly rose to nationwide fame.
But on Oct. 13, 2015, his superstar status came crashing down. He was suspended one year for violating NCAA rules. Grier tested positive for performance-enhacining drugs which automatically carries with it a one year suspension.
The Davidson, N.C. native came out of high school as four-star recruit and the No.3 quarterback in the country. Even before he set foot on campus, Grier had a lot going for him as he carried a dozen other scholarship offers. So, for him to throw away a year of playing team intentionally was a awfully stupid move.
Likely, Grier’s action was involuntary, as he expressed in a press conference.
"“I took an over-the-counter supplement that had something in it,” Grier said back in October. “I did not check with the medical staff before taking it. I hope that people can learn from this, learn from my mistake. I’m really sorry to everyone, just really sorry.”"
A few months after expressing remorse, Grier announced his intentions to transfer out of Florida. That leaves the Gators in a bit of a bind as Treon Harris was moved from quarterback to wide receiver.
But the Gators must move on, as Grier intends to do. Reportedly, Grier is already on the trail.
Former University of Florida quarterback Will Grier, seeking a new school after deciding to transfer in December, is on WVU's campus today.
— Mike Casazza (@mikecasazza) March 2, 2016
So, Grier has visited with WVU head coach Dana Holgorsen and has gotten to know the campus and football facilities in Morgantown. He has reportedly taken similar trips to Ohio State and Miami.
But how would Grier fit into the WVU football team’s future plans?
He would not be able to start right away in the 2016 season. His suspension is for a full year, which would end in Oct. 2016. Plus, the suspension, coupled with a transfer, seems to create a paperwork headache for Grier, the NCAA and his new college.
Then, the Mountaineers’ have their own predicament with Grier, or any new player.
As Mike Casazza reports again:
If the season began today and all the current players stayed and signed players arrive, WVU would be one over the scholarship limit.
— Mike Casazza (@mikecasazza) March 2, 2016
Holgorsen and West Virginia are committed to Skyler Howard at quarterback for 2016, anyway. Holgorsen showed immense loyalty to Howard last season. After Howard completes his senior season, the Mountaineers options at quarterback look to be David Sills, who stood out more as a wide receiver, William Crest, who could move to wide receiver, Chris Chugunov, Austin Hensley, James Whitaker and Cody Saunders.
Whoever the next quarterback is will need to be able to adjust to a new style of offense. It’s not totally clear if Holgorsen and the Mountaineers will stick to a more balanced attack on offense, or return to the days of the Geno Smith-style air raid.
Grier is a pro-style quarterback who would like to throw the ball. If the Mountaineers have the right receivers in place, Grier could make WVU football the pass-happy program it was back in 2013.