Today we begin a new series looking at three players from each team who will burst onto the scene in the Big East. Could be a incoming or redshirt freshman, a transfer or just someone stepping into a new role.
We'll go in reverse alphabetical order, starting with West Virginia:
Ivan McCartney, WR: A late recruiting coup for the Mountaineers, and the team's lone ESPNU 150 signee, McCartney could have an instant impact as a true freshman. The 6-foot-1 wideout, who's a cousin of Chad Ochocinco, fills a need at West Virginia, which lost two senior receivers in Wes Lyons and Alric Arnett and saw two freshmen -- Deon Long and Logan Heastie -- leave the program. The slot positions are covered with Jock Sanders and Tavon Austin, but deep threats on the outside are lacking. McCartney will have to get up to speed quickly, but receiver is a position where young players can get on the field in a hurry.
Bruce Irvin, DE: The junior college linemen committed to both Arizona State and Tennessee before eventually signing on the dotted line for Bill Stewart, and he could provide immediate help. An All-American last season, Irvin had 16 sacks at Mt. San Antonio Community College. He should compete for playing time along a veteran defensive line that returns three starters and now has more depth than a year ago. Stewart wants more of a pass rush this season, and Irvin could be key to that.
Terence Garvin, S: Garvin saw limited time last season as a true freshman, getting a season-high 11 plays in the South Florida game. This year, he's got a good chance of starting at the spur safety position, where he'll be teamed alongside standouts Robert Sands and Sidney Glover. That should allow him to make a lot of plays. Redshirt freshman Darwin Cook is coming on at the safety position as well.