West Virginia Football Spring Game 2017: 5 things to watch for
By John Buhler
2. Who replaces Rasul Douglas?
The most noticeable absence from the Mountaineers this season from last is former junior college transfer cornerback Rasul Douglas. After a strong showing at the 2017 Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile and a solid 2017 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, it’s safe to say that Douglas will be a top-100 pick in the upcoming 2017 NFL Draft.
With Douglas beginning his professional career at the end of the month, who will end up replacing Douglas? In all fairness, his great cover skills won’t be replicated by one person. They will have to be made up in the aggregate. Does West Virginia have the player to do that?
The Mountaineers do return senior Elijah Battle as the star player in their secondary for 2017. Well, he’ll have to be, as he is the only returning starter in the West Virginia defensive backfield. However, West Virginia will get a former ACC starter in Syracuse Orange transfer Corey Winfield in time for fall training camp.
Not being able to defend the pass in the Big 12 is a recipe for disaster. The Air Raid that is commonplace across the conference loves to pick on undersized linebackers and undisciplined defensive backs. Battle will need to have a big senior season if the Mountaineers want to hang tough in Big 12 play. A strong spring game could show if he is up for the challenge.