West Virginia focusing on versatility at multiple position groups
West Virginia is encouraging versatility at a number of spots on the depth chart.
The program wants to get the most out of its roster heading into the 2023 season and that is apparent at a number of position groups.
On the offensive line, the Mountaineers are working several players at multiple spots in order to get the best combinations on the field.
On the right side of the offensive line, Doug Nester and Ja’Quay Hubbard are both spending time at offensive guard and tackle, while Brandon Yates is spending time at both offensive guard and center. Yates also has experience playing tackle earlier in his career so he could be used there, too.
As far as the left side, Nick Malone can handle the same role bouncing back and forth.
Several of the wide receiver spots are set with transfer Devin Carter at Z and Cortez Braham at Y but the others are expected to move around in order to see where they can best be utilized. That is expected to unfold during fall camp with some trial and error with those pass catchers on the roster.
“Really find out the best way to use them,” head coach Neal Brown said.
On the defensive side, the Mountaineers also will be moving players around up front. Mike Lockhart can slot as either a tackle or nose guard, while Sean Martin has the flexibility to play several spots too.
The MIKE and WILL linebacker spots are now similar with how West Virginia is playing them which means that every player has been trained at both since January. For example, just because Tirek Austin-Cave is listed as a MIKE does not mean that he can’t come in and play snaps at the WILL.
“They’re a little more interchangeable than they have been,” he said.
The same can be said for the safety spots where each member of that position room is being asked to learn not only their role but the other two as well. Safeties are cross-training at spear, CAT and free in order to be able to step in and play any of those if they are needed due to injuries or for snaps.
West Virginia is quickly approaching the season and the program is focused on getting the most out of each position room by relying on their overall versatility.
----------
• Talk about it with West Virginia fans on The Blue Lot.
• SUBSCRIBE today to stay up on the latest on Mountaineer sports and recruiting.
• Get all of our WVU videos on YouTube by subscribing to the WVSports.com Channel
• Follow us on Twitter: @WVSportsDotCom, @rivalskeenan
•Like us on Facebook
