The 2020 Mountaineer football season has come and gone. Today, we take a look back at what was year two of the Climb, and recognize these outstanding players and coaches for the product that they put on the field this season.
Here are The Voice of Motown’s 2020 WVU Football awards:
- Best Offensive Player – Leddie Brown:
This one is a no-brainer. Leddie Brown carried the offense in 2020, piling up 1,010 rushing yards and 12 total touchdowns on the season. He was the difference maker for the offense, and as he went, so did the unit. Brown will be the heavy favorite to win this award again in 2021, if he decides to stay at WVU for one more season (which we think he will). - Best Defensive Player – Tykee Smith:
This one was neck-and-neck between Tony Fields and Tykee Smith, but we decided to give the edge to Smith. The sophomore from Philadelphia had an outstanding season, racking up 61 tackles, two interceptions, and five passes defended. Smith was also one of the highest rated defensive backs in the nation by Pro Football Focus, even being named First Team All-American by the outlet. - Best Special Teams Player – Tyler Sumpter:
Tyler Sumpter, who transferred from Troy last summer, quietly had a solid year for the Mountaineers. After a season ending injury to Evan Staley, and a coach’s decision to replace Casey Legg, Sumpter saw his role increased. Between splitting time at punter and kicker, he finished the season with 37 punts with an average of 40.5 per punt and a long of 56, and connected on 3 of 4 field goal attempts with a long of 36. Sumpter was at his best when his team needed him most. - Best Coach – Jordan Lesley & Jahmile Addae:
Again, this was an easy award to give out. Jordan Lesley and Jahmile Addae took over a defense that had just lost their leader in Vic Koenning, and in return turned them into one of the best units in the nation. This thing could have went south very quickly had it not been for their leadership, as well as their handling of the situation. Both of these gentlemen earned their contracts this season. - Mountaineer Award – Darius Stills:
Our Mountaineer Award goes out to who we consider to be the most valuable and toughest player on the team. This award has to go to Darius Stills without question. His presence on the field caused headaches for every team that West Virginia faced in 2020. Stills’ toughness and attitude was contagious, making him the heart and soul of the team.
