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West Virginia football season preview 2020: Record predictions, depth chart analysis, breakout players

By Nick Villano

MANHATTAN, KS - NOVEMBER 16: Quarterback Jarret Doege #2 of the West Virginia Mountaineers throws a pass down field against the Kansas State Wildcats during the second half at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
MANHATTAN, KS - NOVEMBER 16: Quarterback Jarret Doege #2 of the West Virginia Mountaineers throws a pass down field against the Kansas State Wildcats during the second half at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /
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Jarret Doege #2 of the West Virginia Mountaineers (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Jarret Doege #2 of the West Virginia Mountaineers (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

West Virginia football depth chart analysis

The WVU depth chart is as in flux as any in college football towards the end of August. Only three players on the roster started all 12 games last season. Three others played in some capacity in all 12 games. Besides that, it’s a lot of experiments throughout the depth chart in 2019.

Quarterback:

  • Jarret Doege
  • Austin Kendall

At quarterback, this is where most of the eyes will be. Jarret Doege was electric starting the last three games of the season. Austin Kendall was a highly-touted transfer out of Oklahoma, but he just never got things going. Well, he’s still there, and they are both once again vying for the starting job. Will Kendall learn from his mistakes and take back the job, or is the future of the Mountaineers in the hands of Doege?

Running Back:

  • Leddie Brown
  • Alex Sinkfield
  • Tony Mathis

At running back, the Mountaineers need some help. Kennedy McKoy and Martell Pettaway are gone, but WVU had one of the worst running games in the country so it’s not like these were huge losses. This season, they have Leddie Brown looking to be a workhorse. He’s the only back with real experience, and he definitely has some ability. There’s just not a lot of history (two 100 yard games in his career). Behind him is Alec Sinkfield, who coaches really like early in camp. Tony Mathis will also get some looks, but he’s more of a future play.

Wide Receiver:

  • Sam James
  • T.J. Simmons
  • Sean Ryan
  • Winston Wright Jr.

Wide receiver might be their best position. Sam James returns after a 677-yard season despite the flux under center. T.J. Simmons is looking to be a big-play maker in his senior season. Winston Wright Jr. and Sean Ryan could also be in for major improvements as WVU will look to use spread offense as much as possible.

Tight End:

  • Mike O’Laughlin
  • T.J. Banks

Mike O’Laughlin is an interesting x-factor at tight end. Brown has raved about how good he thinks he will become in the past. When does that start? With so much talent catching passes, is there enough for O’Laughlin to make an impact? If they figure out the tight end, this could make WVU a scary team for the powerhouses in the conference.

Offensive Line:

  • Brandon Yates
  • Mike Brown
  • Chase Behrndt
  • James Gmiter
  • John Hughes

The offensive line is a major question mark. They return much of the inside, which was a weakness last year but should be better with experience. Brandon Yates is a bright, young talent at left tackle. This unit can go either way but expect it to at least improve. Across the board, the big men are expected to go from one of the team’s issues to possibly a strength.

Defensive Line:

  • Darius Stills
  • Dante Stills
  • Jeffery Pooler Jr.
  • Taijh Alston
  • Jordan Jefferson

Linebacker:

  • VanDarius Cowan
  • Josh Chandler
  • Dylan Tonkery
  • Jared Bartlett

The front seven expects to provide a nice first line of defense. Darius Stills returned for one more season to play next to his brother Dante, who were monsters on the line at times. If Jeffery Pooler Jr. improves, this could be one of the better defensive lines in the Big 12. Linebacker has a ton of talent with a lot to prove. Jared Bartlett played sparingly in his freshman season. VanDarius Cowan transferred from Alabama, which has worked out well in the past for Big 12 schools. He’s expected to easily take one of those linebacker positions. Josh Chandler is coming off a knee injury, but his impact was well known last season. If he’s 100 percent, his ceiling is high.

Cornerback:

  • Nicktroy Fortune
  • Jackie Matthews
  • Dreshun Miller
  • Tae Mayo

The cornerbacks are a mess. Both Keith Washington II and Hakeem Bailey graduated, leaving two starting spots. Nicktroy Fortune is bound to take one of those spots after impressive stretches in his freshman year. Jackie Matthews and Dreshun Miller are fighting for the other position, and Miller’s return from injury means the world to this camp battle.

Safety:

  • Tykee Smith
  • Sean Mahone
  • Kerry Martin Jr.
  • Noah Guzman

At safety, the Mountaineers have Tykee Smith. He’s could end up being the best player on the defense this season. Sean Mahone will start alongside Smith, bringing some necessary experience to the position. Kerry Martin Jr. will get a ton of time on the field depending on the scheme their running at that moment. He proved he’s worthy of playing time when he was called upon as a freshman last season.