The West Virginia Mountaineers are entering the second year of the Rich Rodriguez experiment, and for the second consecutive year, they are facing a major roster rebuild.
Recently, at Big 12 Media Days, Rodriguez made it clear that he felt as if the Mountaineers had a more talented group entering this coming season than they did last year, and things almost always go better the second time around than they do the first. So there are plenty of reasons to think that Rodriguez will have the Mountaineers getting back on track this fall.
But for that to happen, there are certain players who have been added to the mix that Rodriguez really does need to make waves this season. Let's take a look at some of the additions made this offseason that must hit the ground running when camp starts next month.
DJ Epps, WR
Epps was previously at Troy, where his production was good enough, though not quite elite, last season – he hauled in 512 receiving yards and five touchdowns. But by all accounts, he seems to be developing well in Morgantown, and it appears he will be the go-to option in the slot this season.
Rodriguez's offensive system partially relieson having dynamic, speedy receivers in the slot who can make plays in multiple ways, and that's one piece that the Mountaineers didn't have last season. Epps will need to continue to step up and inherit that role this fall.
Andrew Powdrell, N/S
Powdrell is another player who seems to have risen into the role of 'coach's darling' this offseason underneath Rodriguez and his staff, earning heavy praise for what he's shown since arriving in Morgantown.
Last year, Powdrell recorded 63 tackles and five pass breakups while making 14 starts for UNLV, after beginning his career at FCS program Montana State. His nickel/safety position seems to be one of the most important roles in Zac Alley's defense, and it's a position which was heavily depleted this offseason due to a combination of the portal and graduation. Powdrell seems the most likely to fill that starting slot right now.
Cam Cook, RB
The Mountaineers have no other proven running backs on the roster beyond Cam Cook, and injuries played a significant role in wearing down the team at this position last year. Cook is clearly a talented back, leading the FBS is rushing last year while at Jacksonville State.
And if the Mountaineers want to unlock the run game which Rodriguez is famous for, they'll need Cook to handle a heavy load, and not to regress to where he was during his stint at TCU. If he can't do that, it's unclear who will handle the carries for West Virginia.
Amare Grayson/Cameron Griffin/Carsten Casaday/Kevin Brown/Devin Vass/Deshawn Woods/Wes King, OL
You could pick any 2-3 of these guys, who consist of the transfer portal (and one 4-star freshman) additions along the offensive line. Two consistent starters, Landen Livingston and Nick Krahe, return from last season's group – which was about as bad of an offensive line as the Mountaineers have seen in years. It's not clear both will start.
If they do, and Malik Agbo develops into a full-time starter as well, you still need two starters. It's possible you need as many as four of these additions to step up. If the offensive line doesn't get better, nothing will change with this team.
Zeke Durham-Campbell/Harper Holloman, EDGE
The Mountaineers had very little pass rush threats last season, which served as a detriment to their pass defense – which left a lot to be desired. Zac Alley has what it takes to put forth a deadly defense, but it's going to require getting a little more pressure on quarterbacks, especially in the Big 12. That means one of these two transfer pass rushers must get to opposing quarterbacks this season.
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