{"id":22904,"date":"2019-08-21T09:00:27","date_gmt":"2019-08-21T13:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordoncollegefootball.com\/?p=22904"},"modified":"2022-01-04T19:36:44","modified_gmt":"2022-01-05T00:36:44","slug":"five-offensive-surprises-for-the-mountaineers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/2019\/08\/21\/five-offensive-surprises-for-the-mountaineers\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Offensive Surprises For The Mountaineers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Earlier this week, we named our top candidates to have a breakout season on the defensive side of the ball<\/a> for the Mountaineers. \u00a0While we correctly predicted most of our defensive surprises last year, we did not have the same success on the offensive side<\/a>. \u00a0So we’ll try to do a bit better this year. \u00a0Without further ado, we present the top five offensive surprises for the West Virginia Mountaineers in 2019.<\/p>\n

Five Offensive Surprises For The Mountaineers<\/h2>\n

Junior Uzebu<\/h3>\n

For now, Junior Uzebu<\/strong> appears locked in as the backup left tackle. \u00a0That means he stands in line behind Colton McKivitz<\/strong><\/a>, who was named to the Outland Trophy preseason watch list. \u00a0As a result, his road to significant playing time might be blocked for much of the season. \u00a0But he certainly has the skill set to see time here late in games. \u00a0His penchant for run blocking fits well what Neal Brown will try to establish. \u00a0As we discussed, Brown would like, at the very least, to flex shades of a power run game.<\/p>\n

Uzebu’s name has not been mentioned too often by the staff, but, generally, that’s a good thing. \u00a0Steady play without making too many mistakes is generally what you want to see from younger offensive linemen. \u00a0The redshirt freshman could get pushed into action by injuries on the line. \u00a0And both Offensive Line Coach Matt Moore<\/strong> and Head Coach Neal Brown<\/strong><\/a> have made clear that they want seven to eight guys they can trust to step up on the offensive line. \u00a0We expect Junior Uzebu to answer that call, and we even named his to our offensive wishlist<\/a> accordingly.<\/p>\n

Austin Kendall<\/h3>\n

Shortly after Athletic Director Shane Lyons<\/strong> announced the hire of Brown<\/a>, the Mountaineers announced that Austin Kendall<\/strong><\/a> intended to transfer<\/a> from Oklahoma to Morgantown. \u00a0As a grad transfer, Kendall has immediately eligibility. \u00a0The red-shirt junior has two years to play two seasons. \u00a0Last season, the Oklahoma press reported that Kendall\u00a0barely<\/em> lost the battle to replace Baker Mayfield<\/a><\/strong> to Kyler Murray<\/strong><\/a>. \u00a0Even if those reports stretched the truth, Kendall was valued enough by Oklahoma Head Coach Lincoln Riley<\/strong><\/a> to briefly block the transfer attempt.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, fans seemed generally unimpressed by Kendall’s performance in the Spring Game<\/a>. \u00a0And those fans’ sentiments were reinforced by Brown’s decision to add transfer Jarret Doege<\/strong><\/a> to the room. \u00a0Concerns have grown during fall camp, as Brown’s comments about the inconsistent play of his quarterbacks seemed telling. \u00a0But make no mistake, Kendall will prove to be a gamer this season. \u00a0He won’t make the transition from Will Grier<\/strong><\/a> seamless, but he will definitely prove a capable leader of Brown’s first-year offense.<\/p>\n

Michael Brown<\/h3>\n

At 6’3″ and 345 pounds, Michael Brown<\/strong><\/a> brings the type of size to the offensive line that Coach Moore knowingly covets. \u00a0And Brown is actually down several pounds from his weight last season. \u00a0This has given Brown the extra motor and stamina that Moore sought from him. \u00a0According to Coach Brown, his offensive lineman “continues to improve.”<\/p>\n

According to Josh Sills<\/strong><\/a>, “the conditioning and strength that he built over the off-season is night and day from last year.” \u00a0Kelby Wickline<\/strong><\/a> added, “[Brown is] really looking good out there. \u00a0He gets better every day in cardio and footwork.” \u00a0That trust will go a long way to building a solid, cohesive offensive line. \u00a0Expect Brown to punish opposing defensive lines often this season.<\/p>\n

Alec Sinkfield<\/h3>\n

We included Alec Sinkfield<\/strong><\/a> on our list of offensive surprises last season. But Sinkfield suffered a lingering ankle injury that limited his use last year. \u00a0Brown seems excited to use Sinkfield as a versatile, pass-catching back. \u00a0His explosive speed can certainly add a dynamic element to an offense that replaces so much of its passing game production. \u00a0Fans should not forget that we are only a year removed from ESPN calling Sinkfield their “breakout player” for the Mountaineers in 2018. \u00a0He might just achieve that billing this season.<\/p>\n

George Campbell<\/h3>\n

The story of a five-star player suffering multiple injuries and seeing limited time on the field as a result should sound familiar. \u00a0Last season, the Mountaineers welcomed Kenny Bigelow<\/strong><\/a> to the defensive line. \u00a0Bigelow proved a welcome addition and a veteran leader on and off the field. \u00a0George Campbell<\/strong><\/a> comes to West Virginia<\/a> with a similar back story but perhaps even more of a chip on his shoulder. \u00a0With T.J. Simmons<\/strong><\/a> representing the only returning veteran receiver on the team, the Mountaineers will be looking for production from a variety of sources.<\/p>\n

So far, Campbell has definitely looked the part. \u00a0He shows the poise, concentration, and athleticism one would expect for the top ten recruit that he was.<\/p>\n

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About That Action!!#HailWV<\/a> | #TrustTheClimb<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/dTgLSc5boW<\/a><\/p>\n

— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) August 12, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n