As WVSports.com does leading up to the season, we take a look at what we project the West Virginia depth chart to look like in 2023.

With the early signing period, early enrollment, the late signing day, spring practice and the summer in the books we look at how the depth chart on defense projects heading into fall camp.

This is the third edition.

DEFENSIVE END:

NOSE TACKLE:

DEFENSIVE TACKLE:

West Virginia has some returning options up front but this position is going to need some help after losing the two best players up front from last season due to graduation and the transfer portal. That means that developing or identifying some additional help is going to be critical because this position is difficult to depend on freshmen. The coaches have done that by adding Hawkins, Durojaiye and Bradley, who could play several spots. Still, there are some exciting pieces back but they must show they're ready for it.

BANDIT:

This area has been up and down over the past few years but West Virginia has addressed the bandit spot through the transfer portal. Tyrin Bradley was brought in from Abilene Christian to help add pressure off the edge, while Jared Bartlett returns. Freshman James Heard is an exciting pass rushing option that is going to have every opportunity to make the most of his snaps in year one.

MIKE:

West Virginia returns last season's starter in Kpogba who experienced an up and down season although he did start to play his best football at the end. The Mountaineers also return Tirek-Austin Cave in his second year with the program.

WILL:

Tray Lathan and Jairo Faverus worked here the most in spring while Ben Cutter is another interesting option. This position is more open for the time being but there are a number of young players competing for the job.

SPEAR:

This could look a lot different by the time the fall camp ends but the Mountaineers do have some young talent at this spot. Each of these players saw action last season and bring talent and athleticism to the room.

CAT SAFETY:

West Virginia used the transfer market to add Anthony Wilson and his experience and production should place him on the field. The other two players return from last season but Floyd saw a lot more time on the field. The secondary is going to continue to experience some changes but this is just an early look at what it could look like at the cat spot.

FREE SAFETY:

Burks was one of the best players on the 2022 defense and returns in that role to lead the Mountaineers at the free safety spot. The program also was able to go out and add a talented versatile piece in Cobb that could move around.

CORNERBACK:

West Virginia was able to add a graduate transfers in Montre Miller and Beanie Bishop to the roster, but there are still issues with inexperience in the cornerback room. Talent is certainly there, but the program has to be able to develop the young talent to be ready to contribute or continue to add through means of the transfer portal. Another player in the mix will be Malachi Ruffin who had experience on the field last season.

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