For the first time in six years, Dana Holgorsen feels that West Virginia is a true member of the Big 12.
Now maybe some of that could be the fact that the Mountaineers are now receiving a full revenue share from the conference, but more of it has to do with the overall lack of surprises.
Inside the football facilities Holgorsen has pictures of the nine opposing venues spread across the Big 12 landscape which used to be a constant source of intrigue by the players getting a sneak peek at what they should expect.
Those meetings have become few and far between as players have become accustomed to the new league and the requirements of playing in the Big 12.
“There’s no surprises anymore,” he said.
Adding to Holgorsen's belief is that West Virginia has been competitive across the board in its sports and is coming off its best campaign on the football field after winning ten games last season. That resulted in a contract extension for the head man.
But with success there naturally comes greater expectations and this season is no different. West Virginia will be replacing its starting quarterback Skyler Howard, but Florida transfer Will Grier, now fully cleared by the NCAA, is tasked to step into that role. Holgorsen called the timing “critical,” of adding Grier to the program because of the need that was there and his ability to make all the throws from the pocket.
Holgorsen expects that with Grier as the starter West Virginia will alter the offense some to not run the quarterback as much as Howard did a season ago, but he opens up more from the pocket.
“It didn’t take long for us to figure out he’s a really good player,” Holgorsen said.
Grier is just one of a string of transfers that have found new homes at West Virginia both from four-year institutions and the junior college ranks. Considering the low number of in-state high school prospects, the Mountaineers have made a conscious effort to address needs through transfers.
It’s a formula that began five years ago following a 4-8 campaign where West Virginia was forced to use high school prospects in key roles. After that, the Mountaineers decided to get more top end talent that could contribute right away.
It’s a formula that has worked to the point that Holgorsen said he no longer fears missing out on high school prospects on signing day because they are able to find options later in the process.
For instance, this offseason the Mountaineers have added a half a dozen players to the roster via transfer since signing day concluded.
“We have to go everywhere,” he said.
This season also will bring about a change in play calling as Holgorsen will hand over the reins to offensive coordinator Jake Spavital after handling that role since arriving in Morgantown. Spavital has both a history, serving as his personal graduate assistant to Holgorsen, and the credentials for the role after stints at both Texas A&M and California after leaving the Mountaineers earlier in his career.
For Holgorsen the timing was simply right to allow him the opportunity to step into more of a CEO type role and focus on other aspects of the program.
Part of Spavital’s role since arriving in Morgantown has been to address the quarterback room and so far so good as he’s added three players for the future. Junior college prospect David Isreal, who will enroll in August, will be eligible this year, while Miami transfer Jack Allison will have to sit out this year. The final addition has come in the form of a commitment in the 2018 class to go along with Chris Chugunov.
“The room for the future is really healthy, as healthy as it’s ever been,” Holgorsen said.
