The West Virginia Mountaineerswent quite heavywhen it came to recruiting their 2026 freshmen class, with well over 40 signees joining the roster. And while some have since decided to pursue other avenues, most are still on the team and in the middle of their first preseason with the program.
Now, the training camp portion of fall practices is done, classes are underway, and there is just over two weeks remaining before the Mountaineers welcome Coastal Carolina to open the season. And as Week 1 rapidly approaches, several members of the freshmen class are making waves.
Rich Rodriguez discusses freshmen who could make an impact for the West Virginia Mountaineers
When the question of impact freshmen was broached in a recent press conference, Rodriguez confirmed some of the rising young talents in the programwho are garnering buzzand could find their way onto the field this fall.
"You didn't hear me say Vincent Smith," Rodriguez said. "But Vincent is going to have a great career here. You know, Matt Sieg is playing well, he's in the rotation. Amari Latimer, we thought he'd be able to play as a freshman and he'll play as a freshman. "
"Kevin Brown, we thought play as a freshman. He'll play as a freshman. Uh those young secondary guys are all going to be really good players. Some of them may play this year. I don't know. you know that that's all the secondary positions are kind of up for grabs. Um so it's not just Vincent. There's a couple other young guys freshman too."
Other names that were mentioned as players that could see the field early were offensive linemen LaMarcus Dillard and Aidan Woods on the offensive line, and Kade Bush at tight end.
Before Rodriguez was asked about him, Smith alsowas mentioned as someone who could see the fieldon special teams and possibly even defense by cornerbacks coach Rod West. And wideout Landon Drumm has also been praised this preseason by veteran receiver Jaden Bray, inside receivers coach Logan Bradley, and head coach Rich Rodriguez.
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