By Tony Thomas
Going into his sixth season at the helm of the West Virginia football program, head coach Neal Brown has produced just two winning seasons, which led to speculation about his job security going into last season.
Brown responded by coaching the Mountaineers to a 9-4 record, winning the Backyard Brawl 17-6 over Pitt and a three-game winning streak to finish the 2023 season, including a 20-point win victory in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl over the Tar Heels of North Carolina.
The Mountaineers return several key starters and contributors on both sides of the ball. On the defense, WVU returns nine of their top defenders across all three levels of the defense, with the defensive line and the linebackers being the strength for a unit that led the Big XII in sacks in 2023.
On offense, the Mountaineers return all three of their leading rushers that led the Big XII (and 4th in the FBS) in that category. QB Garrett Greene (2,406 yards passing, 772 yards rushing, 29 total TDs), RB Jaheim White (842 yards, four TDs), and RB CJ Donaldson (798 yards, 13 TDs) all return to the WVU backfield.
And, the Mountaineers return three starters on the offensive line, while Kole Taylor (35 catches, 444 yards, four TDs, 3rd on team) returns at tight end. However, the wide receivers will be young for the most part and will have to increase their production from last year.
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Coach Brown went into the transfer portal and found some playmakers to fill positions of need and to provide much needed depth. Among those, three are poised to make an impact for West Virginia this fall.
Edge T.J. Jackson
Previous School: Troy Trojans
6’1”, 259 lbs.
A two-time All-Sun Belt Conference selection, T.J. Jackson recorded 26 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two pass breakups, and two forced fumbles for a Troy defensive unit that ranked in the Top 15 in the FBS in total defense, rushing defense, and scoring defense.
Q2 6:14 | Hey you forgot something pretty important there👀
A second fumble by Army sets Troy up at the Army 41-yard line. T.J. Jackson is credited with the recovery.
🪖: 0
⚔️: 9#RiseToBuild | #OneTROY ⚔️🏈 pic.twitter.com/rSvdzBwUA8— Troy Trojans Football 8x⚔️ (@TroyTrojansFB) October 14, 2023
Jackson’s best game last season came against the Cadets of Army: 5 tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, and a forced fumble in a 19-0 victory.
Over the last two seasons at Troy, Jackson has 81 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and four pass breakups to his credit. While the Mountaineers return their top four defensive linemen from last year’s squad, Jackson will provide depth and will push for playing time and a spot in the rotation.
CB Ayden Garnes
Previous School: Duquesne Dukes
6’0”, 162 lbs.
A 1st Team All-NEC selection at Duquesne in 2023, Ayden Garnes recorded 51 tackles, 11 pass breakups, two INTs, five tackles for loss, one fumble recovery, and one sack. Against Youngstown State, Garnes posted a season-high seven tackles. In week one vs Edinboro, Garnes returned an INT for a pick six.
Duquesne transfer DB Ayden Garnes took an official visit to West Virginia https://t.co/O1EarcvFNE
— FarrellPortal (@farrellportal) December 10, 2023
According to Pro Football Focus, Garnes is regarded as the #3 cornerback the FCS level. Look for Garnes to be a starter for the Mountaineers this fall.
WR Jaden Bray
Previous School: Oklahoma State Cowboys
6’3”, 190 lbs.
Jaden Bray arrives in Morgantown to fill a critical position of need, and provide a big target on the perimeter for Greene to throw to. Bray was fourth on the Cowboys team with 30 catches for 382 yards and two touchdowns.
Oklahoma State WR Jaden Bray has committed to play at WVU next year. @BlueGoldNews @WVUFBRecruiting @thejadenbray https://t.co/C12BY6Q7GU
— Jeff Cobb (@Jeffery_Cobb) December 18, 2023
Against nationally-ranked Kansas State, Bray caught four passes for 77 yards (over 19 yards per catch) in a 29-21 win over the Wildcats.
The Mountaineers have a chance to be special this season. West Virginia’s defense will be stout, and they will certainly run the ball with authority.
If the Mountaineers wide receivers can step up their game and make more plays in the perimeter passing game, then there will be a jubilant celebration of touchdowns in Morgantown in 2024.
