The Clear-Cut No. 1

Entering the spring, West Virginia had questions surrounding its quarterback position. With four gunslingers on campus, head coach Dana Holgorsen had four players to evaluate in the position competition.

Today, prior to practice number twelve, Holgorsen announced junior Skyler Howard is the frontrunner to win the job.

"He (Howard) is a clear-cut number one. He's a different kid and sure is operating well," said Holgorsen. "He looks great. His teammates believe in him and his coaches believe in him. He's doing well."

Holgorsen cut down the competition in half to Howard and fedshirt freshman William Crest two weeks ago before the open practice at Shepherd University. Now, it appears Crest as well as true freshmen David Sills and Chris Chugunov are well behind Howard. The three freshmen are still trying to manage the offense.

While the three young players have been trying to comprehend all of Holgorsen's air raid system, Howard has picked up where he left off after he took over for the injured Clint Trickett late during the 2014 season.

Howard threw for 829 yards and eight touchdowns in three games last season.

"His knowledge and fundamentals are good. He's accurate and throwing the deep ball well. His communication is really good and his understanding of the offense is really good," Holgorsen explained. "He took a lot of reps last spring and then took all the reps once we redshirted William (Crest), plus he got game experience at the end of the year, it's paying off for him."

Elsewhere on offense, Daikiel Shorts continues his success at outside receiver, but this week has another pass catcher to play off of.

Redshirt sophomore Shelton Gibson has emerged after a successful week of practice.

Both Shorts and Gibson are beginning to grow with Howard.

"He (Shorts) and Shelton (Gibson) both have had a great week on the outside. Those guys are clear-cut number ones at receiver," Holgorsen said.

Today's open practice was held in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia at the Greenbrier. The Greenbrier Resort is home to the Advocare Sports Performance Center, where the New Orleans Saints of the NFL hold their preseason training camp.

West Virginia also held practice at the resort yesterday.

"It's been great. Mr. (Jim) Justice has been gracious enough to let us use this facility. It's a world-class resort but it's a pretty good football facility as well," Holgorsen said. "The thing that's so awesome about it is all the space out there. Two full fields for practice, that's an ingenious idea."

The Mountaineers will practice twice this week and finish their spring with the annual Gold-Blue game next Saturday.