McKivitz makes most of opportunity against Mizzou

Redshirt freshman offensive tackle Colton McKivitz knew he was going to get in the game for West Virginia, he just didn’t expect it to be so early and so often.

After starting left tackle Yodny Cajuste was removed from the game due to a knee injury, it was McKivitz that was thrown into the game and opposite one of the elite pass rushers in the nation in Charles Harris. Quite the introduction to college football for the Ohio native but one he was ready for because of his prep work beforehand.

Prior to entering the game, McKivitz was on the sidelines picking the brains of the offensive tackles trying to get an idea of what to expect when he would get his opportunity. It’s an opportunity that has come quickly for McKivitz who arrived on campus as a 260-pound, long-haired basketball player.

The transformation has come quickly for McKivitz, who now pushes over 300-pounds on the scale and has greatly improved his strength numbers in the weight room to put himself in position to see the field. During the off-season, McKivitz cut his hair and focused on becoming a better offensive lineman.

“The weight room really got me right for the season and coach (Ron) Crook just teaching me all of his techniques and coach (Joe) Wickline with all the stuff he’s brought has helped my game,” he said.

While he ultimately fell short of the bid to earn a starting position in fall camp, McKivitz earned time and was going to be used in game situations as the third tackle.

He just didn’t expect it to come against a potential first-round draft pick. But once Cajuste was out with an injury, the rest of the offensive line came to the freshman to let him know that his time had come. A battle cry for the West Virginia team this season, it was next man up and he was that guy.

“They told me it’s time to step up and play,” he said.

McKivitz held his own and the West Virginia offense rushed for a total of 241 yards, while Harris did not record either a sack or tackle for loss. An impressive feat for somebody seeing their first action especially with that first taste coming against a revered defensive front.

“He’s a really good player. Really fast edge rusher and a really mean spin move,” McKivitz said. “What I can take from that is to work on my game.”

McKivitz relied on the knowledge he had gained in the preparation leading up the game as well as work in the film room. While it’s different actually executing on the field, McKivitz was prepared for the stunts and what Missouri brought with their defensive front.

The redshirt freshman is a natural offensive tackle with the length and feet required to play the position while he also has some of things that can’t be taught.

“He got his feet wet and the biggest thing is he didn’t lose focus,” Crook said.

The prognosis for Cajuste is that he will be out for the remainder of the season, but McKivitz proved that he is ready to hold his own on the line moving forward.

However, developing another option behind him will be key if that injury is long term because the freshman played every single snap for the remainder of the game.

It’s another adjustment to the college level as McKivitz admitted to being sore but he understands that comes with the territory if he’s going to be on the field.

“You have to have the right mindset. I want to improve and be that guy,” he said.