Over the next two weeks, we're analyzing the depth charts of every Big 12 team coming out of the spring. We continue with West Virginia and a projected post-spring look at the Mountaineers' two-deep.
QB Skyler Howard (Jr.), William Crest (RFr.)
Howard has separated himself as the guy during the spring. Coach Dana Holgorsen likes his competitiveness, mental makeup and overall approach to quarterbacking the Mountaineers. How well Howard performs could decide the Mountaineers destiny. It will be a surprise if Crest doesn't make an impact on WVU's offense this fall. He's one of the most talented playmakers on the roster, with the ability to line up at quarterback, running back or receiver and make plays. He's the No. 2 guy under center but he's much more than that.
HB Rushel Shell (Jr.), Wendell Smallwood (Jr.)
Much like the quarterback spot, expect both of these players to be impact performers for Holgorsen's offense this fall. Shell is a physical runner who should get better during his second season in the Big 12. It will be important for him to set a physical tone for the WVU running game. Smallwood has been called the Mountaineers' most impressive spring performer and Holgorsen thinks he's ready to take the next step while making plays as a runner and receiver. He's one of the most important players on the offense.
FB/TE Cody Clay (Sr.)
Clay has been an overlooked performer for Holgorsen since his sophomore season. He's a good blocker who can provide a receiving threat as well. Yet don't expect much from this position as WVU should have the receivers to go four-wide when it tries to get its best 11 on the field.
WR Daikiel Shorts (Jr.),Vernon Davis (Jr.) or Ricky Rogers (RFr.)
WR Jordan Thompson (Sr.), William Crest (RFr.)
WR Shelton Gibson (So.), Lamar Parker (RFr.)
WR KJ Myers (Sr.), Devonte Mathis (Jr.)
Even though the Mountaineers have three solid options in Shorts, Thompson and Gibson, the depth chart at receiver is sure to change after fall camp with three stellar newcomers including Kevin White's little brother Ka'Raun White, set to arrive for fall camp. Shorts has been a contributor since he stepped on campus but hasn't separated himself as a playmaker. Thompson has made plays but hasn't shown he can change games consistently. Gibson is fast and should provide a depth threat during his first extensive action on offense. The wildcard here is Crest who, much like TCU's Trevone Boykin, would be a defense's worst nightmare if he could throw the ball to himself. He has all the skills to be an impact receiver this fall.
C Tyler Orlosky (Jr.), Stone Underwood (Sr.)
LG Adam Pankey (Jr.), Tyler Tezeno (So.)
RG Tony Matteo (Jr.), Grant Lingafelter (So.)
LT Russell Haughton-James (Sr.) OR Yodny Cajuste (RFr.)
RT Marquis Lucas (Sr.), Marcell Lazard (So.)
Orlosky could be the Big 12's most overlooked returning offensive lineman and sets the tone for WVU's offensive front. Pankey slides inside to guard after spending 2014 as a starting tackle, helping to solidify the interior. Good play from the tackles could be the key for WVU's offensive front so keep an eye on Cajuste. He's battling Haughton-James at the left tackle spot but he has exceptional talent and could emerge as a star as early as this season.
DE Christian Brown (Jr.), Larry Jefferson (Jr.)
NT Kyle Rose (Sr.), Darrien Howard (Jr.)
DE Noble Nwachukwu (Jr.), Eric Kinsey (Sr.)
Rose brings experience and solidity to the defensive interior as a senior who has started 20 games heading into his final season. Brown and Nwachukwu are solid while Jefferson should bring a much-needed boost to the pass rush as a junior college transfer. This is another unit that needs to step up if WVU hopes to make a Big 12 title run in 2015.
SPUR K.J. Dillon (Sr.), Dayron Wilson (Sr.)
SAM Nick Kwiatkoski (Sr.), Xavier Preston (So.)
MIKE Jared Barber (Sr.), Al-Rasheed Benton (So.)
WILL Shaq Petteway (Sr.), Edward Muldrow (Sr.)
The experience and overall depth makes this one of the best groups in the Big 12. The first team has started more than 50 games in gold and blue and features one of the conference's most underrated players in Kwiatoski. His ability to play several positions -- and play them well -- is a key asset. To top it all off, the spring emergence of Preston makes this group even deeper heading into the fall.
CB Daryl Worley (Jr.), Ricky Rumph (Sr.)
CB Terrell Chestnut (Sr.), Jaylon Myers (Sr.)
FS Dravon Henry (So.), Jeremy Tyler (Jr.)
BS Karl Joseph (Sr.), Malik Greaves (So.)
Arguably the Big 12's top secondary, this group has everything. Joseph sets a physical tone, Worley brings terrific competitiveness and coverage skills, Henry seems poised to make a leap forward after starting every game as a true freshman and the reach of the two deep, particularly Chestnut and Tyler, are overshadowed by the excellence around them.