We continue our Fall camp coverage of the West Virginia Mountaineers, picking up from our last focus on quarterbacks and moving to the defensive line. This week, we shift our attention to the linebackers, who are healthy and eager to enhance the defense.
Mountaineer Linebackers Poised for Improvement
Despite a respectable 2023 season, the Mountaineers’ defense ranked average overall, finishing in the top 50 in only two categories: tackles for loss (27th) and rushing yards allowed per game (46th). They struggled with passing yards allowed (85th), sacks (64th), and recovered fumbles (95th).
This offseason, Head Coach Neal Brown hired Victor Cabral from Appalachian State to coach the outside linebackers, focusing on enhancing the pass rush. However, Cabral emphasizes that his role goes beyond just rushing the passer; he’s equally invested in improving coverage and run fits.
Spurs Looking to Challenge the Quarterback
In an open interview on August 14, Cabral stressed that his spurs “can’t just be third down guys.” He encourages his players to adopt a broader perspective on the game. However, he also acknowledges their crucial role as pass rushers in West Virginia’s 3-4 defense. “We’re very cerebral in that room now,” Cabral explained. While many fans might focus on an edge rusher’s speed and power, Cabral views pass rushing as a strategic “chess game.” He emphasizes that it requires patience and is “a game within the game.”
Cabral’s primary goal isn’t to secure a sack every play, but rather to “affect the quarterback.” For a team that faced challenges in pass defense last season, fans will be eager to see those impacts.
In his second year with the Mountaineers, senior Tyrin Bradley embodies Cabral’s philosophy. “Pass rushing is like a chess game,” he said in a media interview on August 12. While Bradley and teammate Ty French are confident in reaching the quarterback, they prioritize outsmarting the tackles first. Bradley noted that once they get into the tackle’s mind, “sacks … come in bunches,” a shift that would be welcomed after last season.
Joining Bradley and French at the spur position this year is Taurus Simmons, who has adapted well to this new mindset, alongside true freshman Obinna Onwuka.
Inside Linebackers Ready to Lead
For the defense to truly improve and meet ambitious goals, the inside linebackers must rise to the occasion. Defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley mentioned in an August 3 interview that “the linebacker position is undervalued,” asserting their critical role on defense.
Fortunately for Lesley, redshirt freshman Josiah Trotter is set to make an impact. In his August 9 interview, Trotter expressed a desire to bring physicality, intelligence, and leadership, aiming to be the “quarterback of the defense” and significantly influence game outcomes. While it remains to be seen if he can assume that role early in his career, having mentors like his father, Jeremiah, and former Eagles player Brian Dawkins gives him an advantage.
With Trotter aiming to be a key strength, Lesley noted that the linebacker group is more mature, stronger, and faster than last season.
Linebacker Depth is a Welcome Surprise
Trotter likely would have played extensively in his freshman year if not for injuries, and the same goes for Trey Lathan. Last season saw the Mountaineers relying on just four players for three positions (mike, will, and spur) due to injuries, with two graduating afterward. Despite this, linebacker has emerged as one of the deepest positions on the defense, alongside the defensive line. Brown equated the returns of Lathan and Trotter to bringing in high-level talent from the transfer portal. Freshman Ben Cutter’s extensive playing time last season also expedited his development.
Additionally, WVU added Reid Carrico from Ohio State, rounding out their linebacker roster. Now, the team has four players at spur and five for inside spots, leading Lesley to declare, “This is the deepest and most experienced we have been at linebacker.”
Inside linebacker coach Jeff Koonz highlighted the benefits of competition in practice during an August 14 interview, stating, “We have options, and they’re using it as an opportunity to sharpen each other.” With everyone healthy, Mountaineer linebackers are ready to significantly impact and improve the defensive lineup.
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