Ranking ALL of WVU’s Starting Quarterbacks Since Joining the Big 12

Since joining the Big 12 in 2012, West Virginia has had 10 different quarterbacks start a game for them. Today, we take a look at these signal-callers and rank them based on their achievements and statistics.   Here are our rankings of ALL of WVU's starting quarterbacks since joining the Big 12:   10. Jack Allison (2018-2019, 0-1 record): When he transferred to WVU from Miami, many expected him to be the successor to Will Grier. However, that never panned out. Allison only saw extended action in two games, and lost his only start to Syracuse in the Camping World Bowl, 34-18. He finished his Mountaineer career completing only 59.2% of his passes to go along with 496 yards and 2 touchdowns to 4 interceptions. Though Allison was a terrific teammate, his shortcomings on the field couldn't save him from finishing dead last on this list.   9. Chris Chugunov (2016-2017, 0-2 record): If we're being honest, Chugunov was never really supposed to see the field in 2017, but after an injury to Will Grier, the New Jersey native was forced into action. He did the best he could, but the offense struggled mightily with him under center. He lost his two starts to Oklahoma and Utah in the Heart of Dallas Bowl, and could never find his groove. His completion percentage was a terrible 47.4%, and he compiled only 551 passing yards and 3 touchdowns to 3 interceptions. Considering the terrible circumstances he was thrown into, this gives him leverage for a spot above last on this list.   8. Ford Childress (2013, 1-1 record): Childress was expected to be Dana Holgorsen's first homerun quarterback commit at WVU, but sadly his career was derailed before it began. He would finally see the field in 2013, but an injury would sideline him for the remainder of the season. Starting two games, he was able to defeat Georgia State 41-7 and put up impressive numbers, but he would follow that up with a 37-0 loss to Maryland where he didn't even pass for 100 yards. Despite having all of the talent in the world, Childress would leave WVU following the 2013 season for reasons mostly unknown. For his Mountaineer career, he finished with a completion percentage of 57.1% while throwing for 421 yards with 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.   7. Paul Millard (2011-2014, 1-2 record): Millard's career was a strange one. He wasn't the worst quarterback WVU has ever had, and he wasn't the best. His career highlights include coming in cold off of the bench and almost knocking off nationally-ranked Texas, and following that performance up with a loss to lowly Kansas the following week. Not just a loss, but a loss that helped the Jayhawks snap their 27-game conference losing streak. As a starter, Millard's only career win came against William & Mary in the 2013 season opener, 24-17. Statistically he was average, completing 53.7% of his passes to go along with 1,333 yards and 9 touchdowns to 9 interceptions. He was more consistent than Childress, which is what helped him place one spot higher on this list.   6. Austin Kendall (2019-2020, 3-6 record): Had it not been for Kendall, WVU likely wouldn't be going into this offseason with a Liberty Bowl championship under their belt. After transferring from Oklahoma, Austin Kendall was not expected to pick up right where Will Grier left off, but to be solid nonetheless. For the first half of the season, he delivered. However, things quickly fell of the tracks after a five-game losing streak in 2019, and he would ultimately lose his starting job for the Kansas State game and never reclaim it. Kendall's statistics for his WVU career were decent, finishing with a completion percentage of 60.6 percent with 2,153 yards and 14 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. He has since entered the transfer portal, where he will likely land on his feet at another school and hit the ground running.   5. Clint Trickett (2013-2014, 8-10 record): Trickett came into the WVU program at a bad time during its Big 12 development. The team had just lost almost its entire offensive production from 2012, and he would have to battle it out with Paul Millard and Ford Childress for the starting job. He would eventually become the "guy" for the team, and engineer some exciting moments in Morgantown. His best moment came against fourth-ranked Baylor in 2014, where he led the Mountaineers to a huge upset victory, 41-27. However, his career was cut short due to concussions, and he could never quite stay healthy enough to reach full potential. His stats were impressive, completing 62% of his passes, he also put up 4,890 yards and 25 touchdowns to 17 interceptions.   4. Jarret Doege (2019-present, 8-5 record): Doege has been solid for the Mountaineers since taking over for Austin Kendall in 2019. His only down moment was a poor performance against Army in the Liberty Bowl which resulted in his benching, but outside of that he has done his job in Morgantown. Going into 2021, he should likely be the starter, despite fans being ready to move on from him. In his career to this point, he has orchestrated two upset wins over nationally ranked Kansas State teams, 24-20 in 2019 and 37-10 in 2020. Doege hasn't set the world on fire with statistics, but a stat line of 64.4% completion percentage and 3,405 yards with 21 touchdowns to only 7 interceptions is impressive nonetheless.   3. Skyler Howard (2014-2016, 19-9 record): I really wanted to put Howard at #2 on this list, but I will settle with this position. Skyler Howard is honestly one of my all-time favorite WVU quarterbacks. His grit and determination set him apart from any signal-caller we have ever seen in Morgantown, setting the standard moving forward. Though he never knocked off a ranked opponent as a starter, his huge performance in a 43-42 win over Arizona State in the Cactus Bowl is a memory WVU fans will take with them for a very long time. Howard finished as one of the...

The Case for Matt Rhule

This morning, the Carolina Panthers officially cut ties with head coach Matt Rhule. https://twitter.com/pff/status/1579490466500083713?s=46&t=l0V0-TqOafBeriP3dq4iwg Over the course of his time in Carolina, Rhule compiled an 11-27 record. In the big leagues, that’s just not going to get it done Now that Rhule is unemployed, the prospect of him returning to the college game is legitimate. After all, Rhule found great success at both Temple and Baylor. He has shown that he can put together great seasons in the Big 12, leading the Bears to a Big 12 Championship in 2019. One team that could possibly be looking for a head coach soon is our very own Mountaineers. If things continue to fall off the tracks for Neal Brown, then Rhule could potentially be a replacement for him. If we’re being honest, WVU would be a fool not to consider him. His success at Baylor says it all for him. He knows how to win in the Big 12, and do it quickly. He took the Bears from a 1-11 record his first season to a Big 12 Championship appearance in 2019. That’s very impressive considering the horrible shape the Bears were left in after Art Briles. West Virginia is not lacking talent either. They have the pieces to where Rhule can come in and be successful immediately, that is if they stick around. The case for Matt Rhule is simple and clear. If West Virginia can lure him in should they separate from Neal Brown, then this should be a no-brainer. However, only time will tell.

Jahmile Addae Lands Job With the Buffalo BIlls

MORGANTOWN, West Virginia -- According to multiple sources, former West Virginia defensive back Jahmile Addae is expecetd to become the next cornerbacks coach for the Buffalo Bills! Addae, 39, was a two-time All-Big East performer for the Mountaineers, and was the defensive secondary coach at West Virginia in 2019 and was the co-defensive coordinator/cornerbacks coach for the Mountaineers in 2020. He left to become the co-defensive coordinator/cornerbacks coach at Georgia in 2021 and was most recently the secondary coach at Miami. Congratulations to an outstanding coach, a true Mountaineer and an even better person! https://twitter.com/voicemorgantown/status/1755376807266623489?s=20

BREAKING: “Prime Time” Reported to Be Landing a Coaching Job

You may be asking yourself, why the hell is this news on a WVU-related publication? The answer is real simple — anytime “Prime Time” is in the news, it’s newsworthy no matter what. If the rumors are true, Deion Sanders is nearing a deal that will bring him back into the College Football world. https://twitter.com/FootballScoop/status/1306713994464559106?s=20 According to FootballScoop, unless the deal falls apart, Sanders will be the next head coach at Jacksonville State. It will be his first head coaching job at any level in the collegiate ranks. Sanders recently stepped away from his analyst position at NFL Network to work with Barstool Sports, per reports. However, it appears he had something entirely different in mind. Stay tuned to The Voice of Motown for updates.

WATCH: Gary Jennings Scores Touchdown in XFL

(Photo by WVU Athletics)  It has been nearly half a decade since Gary Jennings Jr. last stepped on the field for the Mountaineers. Despite putting together one of the best careers in recent memory at WVU, things didn’t quite pan out for the Virginia native in the NFL. After bouncing around seven different teams in the NFL, Jennings found a home with the St. Louis BattleHawks in the 2022 XFL Draft. So far through the 2023 season, Jennings has only tallied one catch - but it turned out to be a huge one. https://twitter.com/xflbattlehawks/status/1639774288919277568?s=46&t=cXIQ4JQG-pp-P6qrRwLwjw In a 29-6 victory for the BattleHawks over the Vegas Vipers yesterday, Jennings scored on a sweep play to help St. Louis score the first points of the day. Watch Jennings’ first career XFL score in the tweet above.  

Kerry Martin Makes Announcement on Potential Transfer

Morgantown, West Virginia - Since West Virginia sophomore defensive back Kerry Martin, Jr. announced on social media that he decided to opt out of the current season, there have been many questions about whether we'd ever see him in a Mountaineers uniform again. Martin cited "health concerns" as his reason for opting out this season, but he was also at the very center of the former defensive coordinator Vic Koenning controversy in the offseason as well.  Martin said he was uncomfortable with Koenning as his defensive coordinator and many believe this led to Koenning's firing. With so much negative attention surrounding Martin in the past few months, there have been rumors that he would look for a fresh start to finish his college career.  However, Kerry Martin put an immediate end to those rumors last night with the following message on social media:   And there you have it.  Kerry Martin is not transferring and will be back with the West Virginia Mountaineers next season to add to an already-outstanding defense.  Martin will have 3 years of eligibility remaining and will likely be a starter for all three seasons for the Mountaineers.

Five Star Cornerback Considers Staying Home

Isaiah Johnson, the five star cornerback from Bluefield, West Virginia is the crown jewel of the 2021 class for the Mountaineers.  Currently ranked as the top high school player in the state of West Virginia, he's also considered the 6th best cornerback and 75th best player overall.  He holds offers from Kentucky, Marshall, Maryland, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Michigan State, Virginia Tech and West Virginia, but right now, he's been linked to Georgia, LSU and Tennessee. Moments ago, Johnson announced the top eight schools that he's considering and West Virginia University made the list.  In addition to the Mountaineers, Johnson listed USC, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Texas and of course Georgia, Tennessee and LSU. https://twitter.com/isaiahjohns21/status/1267912671166214149?s=21 According to 247, “Johnson has a good frame with length. Can carry 200 pounds comfortably. Verified 4.52 in 40. Quick and fast. Changes direction well. Smooth in backpedal. Loose hips and transitions easily to turn and run with receiver. Tracks ball well. Drives on ball well. Superb body control with plus athleticism. Quick out of breaks. Closes on ball in the air. Will set the edge in running game. Willing tackler. Needs to play more physically. Upper body strength improvement is needed to contend with college receivers. Elite talent who can impact an elite program immediately. First round NFL draft pick potential.” This is the type of player that could completely change a defense early in his college career.  A shutdown cornerback like him makes an average or above average defense very good.  Neal Brown's desire to keep in-state players home will make Johnson a top priority for the Mountaineers.

Mountaineers Feature Several Offensive Linemen On PFF’s All-Big 12 Team

Three Mountaineers were featured on Pro Football Focus’ All-Big 12 Team. Morgantown, WV - Since arriving in Morgantown, Neal Brown has built a solid offensive line. A unit littered with Freshman All-Americans and West Virginia natives, WVU’s front-five is expected to be among the best in the Big 12. Earlier this morning, Pro Football Focus revealed their Preseason All-Big 12 team. To the surprise of none, multiple Mountaineer offensive linemen were featured on the team. Zach Frazier, Doug Nester, and Wyatt Milum were each selected as a part of the outlet’s All-Big 12 team. https://twitter.com/pff_college/status/1681674503233978369?s=46&t=cXIQ4JQG-pp-P6qrRwLwjw The Texas Longhorns finished with the most player featured on the offensive unit with four. (Photo by WVU Athletics)

A Case for Curt Cignetti

With the “climb” quickly falling apart in Morgantown, many expect the Mountaineers to move on from Neal Brown following the 2022 season. Once the decision becomes final, the quest to find his successor will commence. While many will be throwing around the big names, there will be names at the Group of Five level worth a look. Brown came from the Group of Five ranks, yes, but he didn’t come with as much experience as many of those around him. Hugh Freeze and Shawn Clark will be among the top names mentioned for the job. However, there is one coach that just keeps getting overlooked and neglected of any consideration. Curt Cignetti - Head Coach of the James Madison Dukes   https://twitter.com/voicemorgantown/status/1587557777651679233?s=46&t=pny4EMV0_AetGU2Bgp4QNQ His father, Frank Cignetti Sr., spent four seasons as WVU’s head coach (1976-1979). Though he did not have the most successful tenure with the Mountaineers, accumulating a 17-27 record, his time spent in Morgantown gave the Cignetti family a taste of what to expect. Curt also spent some time at WVU himself, playing in 1989 and 1990 as a quarterback. With so many ties to Morgantown, this could intrigue Cignetti to at least consider the offer should it come his way. Though the West Virginia affiliation could be enough to sell him for some fans, many will be curious of the career that he has left behind him elsewhere. To say he has been successful would be an understatement. Here are the stats and appearances that Cignetti has gathered during his coaching career:   -105-33 record (38-7 at JMU, 14-9 at Elon, 53-17 at IUP)  -Playoff appearances in 8 of his 11 seasons in the FCS  -National Championship (FCS) appearance with James Madison in 2019 (Lost to North Dakota State, 28-20)  -Colonial Athletic Association Coach of the Year (2017)  -Four years spent at Alabama under Nick Saban (Wide Receivers Coach/Recruiting Coordinator)  -Six Conference Championships  -Cracked Top 25 with JMU in first season in FBS    Having quite the track record behind him, there is simply no reason that Lyons and WVU shouldn’t at least give him a look. He’s seasoned, he’s successful, he’s learned under Nick Saban, and he wins. With an upgrade of resources in Morgantown, he would certainly have the tools to make a winner. Honestly, Cignetti should be considered one of the top targets, should WVU move on from Brown. I have no doubt that Cignetti would at least entertain a phone call from the Mountaineers. He could be just the type of coach that the Mountaineers need to turn this around.    

Kickoff Time and Network Set for WVU-Texas

The Big 12 Conference has officially announced kickoff times and networks for three games next Saturday. WVU’s matchup against Texas was included in this short list of matchups by the conference. https://twitter.com/Big12Conference/status/1322723814648778752?s=20 WVU and Texas will kickoff at noon. The game will be broadcast to a nationally television audience on ABC. Texas defeated WVU in 2019, 42-31, in Morgantown. However, the last matchup in Austin resulted in a 43-42 WVU win after Will Grier’s two-point conversion. WVU leads the all-time series against Texas, 5-4.

WVU Lands Commitment From Florida Defensive Lineman

Last night, defensive lineman Adetola "Tola" Daranijo from Fort Lauderdale, Florida committed to the Mountaineers via Twitter.   https://twitter.com/toladaranijo/status/1356078122471464962?s=20   A member of the 2021 class, Daranijo stands at 6'1" and weighs 260 pounds, according to 247Sports. His profile also has him listed with interest from two other FBS schools, Maryland and UAB. He has no official star-rating from any major outlet.

Jake Ehlinger, Brother of Sam, Found Dead

Morgantown, West Virginia - Sad news out of Austin, Texas tonight. Jake Ehlinger, the younger brother of former Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger, was found dead today on the University of Texas campus. Ehlinger, a linebacker for the team, was an excellent student and nearly played Ivy League football before ultimately deciding to walk on and play with his brother at Texas. Sam Ehlinger was recently drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the 6th round of the 2021 NFL Draft. During the draft, the camera accidentally showed Jake instead of Sam when he was picked and Sam said, “Good, good. Jake deserves all the screen time you can get.” No details or cause of the death have been released yet.  

WVU vs TCU by the Numbers

The West Virginia Mountaineers are facing a severe road test this weekend in Fort Worth against a TCU Horned Frog offense that is finding its stride. Can the defensive prowess of the Mountaineers slow this rushing attack by Emani Bailey and the air raid by Chandler Morris? Here are some numbers pulled from the first few games of the season to get a side-by-side look at these two teams to see where the ‘Eers might be outgunned and need to scheme to have success. To this point, all of the TCU games have been electric offensively, with each game averaging roughly 500 yards of total offense spread over the air and ground. The WVU defense must continue being aggressive to the point of attack and stifle Bailey from getting out of control and gashing for large-chunk plays. Our defense has to disrupt the rhythm and get some takeaways to put the offense in the best possible position to convert points. Watch our West Virginia Mountaineers take on the TCU Horned Frogs Saturday night at 8 p.m. on ESPN. Photo Credit: College Gridirons

Bruce Irvin to be Inducted into 2023 Hall of Fame

MORGANTOWN, West Virginia — According to Bruce Irvin, he will be inducted into the 2023 West Virginia Hall of Fame! Irvin said the following on Twitter earlier today: “2023 West Virginia football Hall of Fame! Been waiting on this!” Irvin, 35, played for the Mountaineers from 2010-2011, and finished the season second in the nation in sacks with 14. He was a second team all-Big East selection and an honorable mention All-American by SI. Irvin returned to West Virginia University after turning professional, earning his bachelor’s degree in 2018. https://twitter.com/birvin_wvu11/status/1674483957491195905?s=46&t=USDKe35TLtcCPitgUlQ1PA

Don’t be Shocked if Trey Lowe Transfers

Jarret Doege is the unquestioned starter for the West Virginia Mountaineers next season.  He earned it in the final four games of the 2019 season by showing a calm presence in the pocket and an ability to throw downfield.  Due to Doege only playing in 4 games, he is eligible for 2 more full seasons and he is clearly the best option for the Mountaineers moving forward.  His ability and experience makes him the obvious choice for Neal Brown for the next two seasons. Austin Kendall, who left the field prematurely while the rest of his teammates celebrated a season finale upset win at TCU, may or may not return.  To be honest, he is pretty much stuck at West Virginia University next season.  Kendall could spend his Senior season as a backup for Doege or quit football entirely.  Unless he's completely fed up with the team after being benched for the last three games, there's a good chance that Kendall will be the backup next season. West Virginia's quarterback of the future, four star golden boy Garrett Greene, will be a fiery, precocious Freshman ready to compete for the starting position immediately next season.  Greene is confident and believes that he can beat out the quarterbacks in front of him with more experience.  He will simply not accept being the 4th quarterback on the team, even as a Freshman.  Greene is a winner and he wants to be involved.  Where does this leave the ultra-talented, dual threat Redshirt Freshman Trey Lowe?  Unfortunately, Lowe is on the outside looking in, an enormously talented young man who will have his talented wasted on the sideline for the Mountaineers. With all four quarterbacks on the roster, this would be an extremely complicated situation for the coaching staff.  My guess is that if Austin Kendall decides to return for his Senior season, Head Coach Neal Brown will likely have to have a frank, very difficult talk with Trey Lowe. I imagine the talk would go something like this: "Trey, you've done everything that you're supposed to do.  You've been a great teammate, you've worked hard on special teams, you put in the time in the offseason, but the reality is that your chances of getting significant playing time in a West Virginia uniform is very low.  We will support you looking at other options to have a real chance at playing college football." When student athletes are involved, it's important to consider what's best for the young men.  Obviously Neal Brown and Mountaineer fans would like for Trey Lowe to remain with the team for the next four years, but can anyone honestly say that this is what is best for this young man's future?  While the success of the football program is paramount, would anyone really blame Lowe for doing what's best for himself?