The West Virginia Mountaineers have struggled significantly to get the job done on the defensive side of the ball. In fact, they are statistically one of the worst defenses in the country – they're dead last in FBS in passing defense, next-to-last in FBS in total defense, and also have the ninth-worst scoring defense in FBS.
So clearly, something has to change, right? Well, that's what head coach Rich Rodriguez has been screaming for weeks. And one player has been making the most of his limited snaps, with Rodriguez revealing on his radio show earlier this week that linebacker Jason Hall Jr. will see an increased role on defense this coming week.
"Right now, I couldn't point out anybody right now that's playing great football on defense," Rodriguez said. "But there's some potential. Jason Hall got on some special teams (snaps) and played towards the end of the game (on defense), and he's a guy that's probably going to get more reps this week."
"He's a physical guy. I'm sure he's been wanting an opportunity, and I always tell the guys on special teams, if you want to prove that you've got a shot, then do something on the special teams to show us, and Jason is the prime example of that."
WVU Rich Rodriguez said LB Malachi Hood is on the scout team right now. LB Jason Hall has been working on special teams, but Rodriguez said he'd get more reps at linebacker.
— Spencer Ripchik (@RipchikSpencer) October 19, 2026
"I couldn't point out anybody that's really playing great football on defense."
Jason Hall Jr.'s defensive number aren't great, but has impressed in special teams action for WVU football
Hall has managed to see just 88 defensive snaps across five games this year, posting a slightly below-average defensive grade of 62.6, according to Pro Football Focus. But he's found ways to impress on special teams as well.
If you flash back to the Iowa State game, you might remember the game opening with Hall Jr. delivering a bone-crushing tackle to pin the Cyclones deep in their own territory on kickoff coverage. Those are the types of plays that are typically able to earn you a look from the coaching staff.
.@mikecasazza has been talking all year long about Jason Hall running like a mad man on kickoff coverage. He opens today game with a great tackle at the 10-yard line, screaming so loud you can hear it on the TV coverage without a mic.
— Chris Anderson (@CMAnderson247) October 3, 2026
As he's continued to excel on special teams, he has seen increased defensive action as well – registering 31 snaps against Iowa State and nine snaps against Cincinnati. And during those nine snaps in the most recent game, he was on the field at the end of the game in critical moments.
He even posted his second-highest defensive PFF grade of the season against the Bearcats, and nearly made a massive play when he blitzed up the middle and bowled over a Cincinnati blocker, amaking JC French IV shift in the pocket and adjust his position to avoid a sack before delivering a throw.
You see the special teams demon in the middle of the defense, you check your co-pay. https://t.co/Q8zXlgC3Ti pic.twitter.com/xN8B9zg0wC
— Mike Casazza (@mikecasazza) October 21, 2026
So could Jason Hall Jr. be the team's next defensive breakout player? It's hard to tell for sure until he sees more action, but it's not unheard of for a player to come on later in the season. And if things do go well for him, he has one more season of eligibility remaining, so there's something to build on there.
So keep an eye on whether or not Hall is on the field for the Mountaineers a bit more on defense this week, and keep listening for his name. Because Rodriguez may have just revealed one of the players who could step up and help turn around West Virginia's defense in the latter half of the season.
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