Sky is the limit in the future for WVU freshmen DE

It’s no easy feat to play as a freshman on the defensive line just ask redshirt senior Christian Brown.

“It’s hard,” the defensive end said.

What makes it such a difficult transition is the combination of the strength required to play the position at the college level and how quickly they must react and process what is unfolding in front of them. Especially in a league like the Big 12 Conference where plays are run in quick succession.

But against Texas, West Virginia had to rely on a pair after redshirt senior Noble Nwachukwu did not play due to a leg injury. That put redshirt freshman defensive end Adam Shuler from a rotational regular, to the starter and true freshman Reese Donahue with a larger role than he had seen in the past.

Not only did the two fill their roles, they stood out according to the coaching staff. Shuler played a total of 76 snaps during the game and Donahue saw his fair share as well.

What stood out to the veteran assistant Tall is that while both made mistakes, the effort was exceptional as both played with high energy though out.

“How they were running to the ball and the way they hustled. You can fix technique stuff but you can’t make guys play full speed. That’s exciting,” he said.

The pair also did a good job shedding blockers and being disruptive in the backfield which is a sign that they have taken to the coaching provided by the Mountaineers.

“They’re using their hands well and they are playing stronger,” he said.

It’s something that the coaches had to do out of necessity, but because they were able to bring each of them along slowly and get them snaps they were able to enter into a larger role when pressed into action. It’s an old fashioned game of building blocks and both were ready when called upon.

“I just told them that their reps were going to increase and they had to be prepared for it,” Tall said. “I told them to be ready.”

While Nwachukwu is tentatively expected to return against Oklahoma, the coaching staff is pleased with what the pair was able to put on tape and what the future could hold for both.

“It was just a great effort and they were very disruptive. They were guys we knew we could count on and they came through,” defensive coordinator Tony Gibson said.

“When you have young guys playing this early in their career the sky is the limit,” Tall added.