Countdown No. 5: Five freshmen that will play
- True freshman Kevin Brown has the inside track to start at left tackle and is regarded by people around the program as West Virginia's most game-ready offensive-line addition in decades.
- Freshman Amari Latimer has worked with the starters and is projected as West Virginia's 1B running back with roughly 20% of the carries in a run-heavy offense.
- Freshman Christopher Talley's explosive runs during fall camp have positioned him as a likely No. 3 running back who can fit Rich Rodriguez's emphasis on big-play speed.
- Freshman Matt Sieg is competing for a safety rotation role and could also appear in selected offensive packages.
- Summer arrival Vincent Smith is expected to contribute on special teams and work into West Virginia's cornerback rotation while he learns the defense.
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WVU Football's projected depth chart - one week from kickoff
- Michael Hawkins Jr. projects as West Virginia's QB1, followed by Scotty Fox Jr. and veteran Max Brown. Jacksonville State transfer Cam Cook leads the backfield, with freshman Amari Latimer next in a deep rotation.
- The projected starting pass-catching group is Prince Strachan at split end, Jaden Bray at flanker, DJ Epps in the slot and Ryan Ward at tight end; TaRon Francis and Josh Sapp headline experienced second-line options.
- The projected offensive line is Kevin Brown, Nick Krahe, Wes King, Amare Grayson and Carsten Casady from left to right. King was moved to first-team center in late June, while the tackle alignment and another line spot were still being adjusted late in camp.
- The front seven projects with Zeke Campbell, Corey McIntyre Jr., Nate Gabriel and Harper Holloman up front/at Bandit, plus Ben Cutter and Cam Torbor off the ball. Tyler Stolsky, Malachi Hood and Isaiah Patterson give the linebacker room experienced alternatives.
- The projected secondary starts Nick Taylor and Chams Diagne at corner, Kamari Wilson high, Andrew Powdrell in the box and Geimere Latimer II at nickel. Powdrell's testing and immediate readiness drove his move into a starting role, while the kicker job remains an OR between Peter Notaro and Jack Cassidy.
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