Past at WVU has prepared Tyler for future

The road hasn’t always been a straight line for Jeremy Tyler.

Since arriving on campus in the fall of 2013, the senior has bounced around to all three safety spots in the West Virginia defense and while he has seen the field, with a spot start as a freshman, he has never been a regular contributor for the Mountaineers.

That changed this spring when Jarrod Harper was out with a shoulder injury and it was Tyler that was thrust into the starting bandit role. It was a role he succeeded in and has now put himself in position with fall camp opening as the potential starter at that spot.

“It’s been bumpy but I’m on track and I’m focused,” he said.

While he entered the program as a free safety he would see the field at another position altogether after the Georgia native arrived on campus.

The only start of Tyler’s career came as a true freshman when he was asked to fill in at the SPUR position in the season finale against Iowa State. He remembers getting on the field and while the speed of the game was different, it also wasn’t something he couldn’t quickly adjust to.

That was the beginning of what Tyler thought would lead to a larger role but he was stuck behind a trio of talented safeties at all three-spots. Instead of complaining he put his head down and started working to become well-rounded across the secondary so he could fill in wherever needed.

“I was moving around backing up KJ (Dillon), Karl Joseph and Dravon (Henry) and now I feel like I can play all three of them,” Tyler said.

It’s a far cry from that first start almost four years ago. Now sporting a new number and focus, Tyler is ready to showcase what he can do.

“I’m very comfortable in the scheme and in myself and abilities,” Tyler said. “And right now I’m just going to lay it out on the field.”

The bandit in the West Virginia scheme has defined responsibilities but like the rest of the positions is asked to do a variety of things at times. That transition is eased by the fact that he has touched the gamut of the three safety spots in the Mountaineers defense and is familiar with each.

While he can dip his feet into any of the three spots, the coaching staff has kept Tyler primarily focused on his responsibilities at bandit and have been providing reps for him there. He believes the upcoming competition with Harper, who started in the place of an injured Joseph last season, will be one that pushes both players to maximize their potential for their senior seasons.

“We both know what we can do on the field,” he said.

Tyler has also generated the trust of his teammates such as Henry, who has identified the senior as a potential breakout player in the defense for this fall.

It’s a long road for Tyler but one he is excited to travel this fall.

“I just have to read my keys. It’s a good fit,” he added.