Tony Fields Rated High on Mel Kiper’s Big Board

Today, Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN released his official Big Board for the 2021 NFL Draft. While all of the big names are on it - Trevor Lawrence of Clemson, Justin Fields of Ohio State, and Ja’Marr Chase of LSU - a couple of Mountaineers were also given some love in their respective position rankings. Tony Fields II transferred to WVU this past summer from Arizona. He has been a force to be reckoned with for the Mountaineers, and one of the prominent players on Jordan Lesley’s and Jahmile Addae’s led defense. He has caught the eye of Kiper, who has him ranked the fifth-best middle linebacker available in the upcoming NFL Draft - the highest rating for any Mountaineer on the 2020 squad. On the season, Fields has totaled 65 tackles, 1 sack, and has even nabbed an interception. Also included on Kiper’s Big Board is defensive tackle Darius Stills. Stills has been a household name for the Mountaineers over the last two seasons, and rightfully so. Kiper has Stills rated the ninth-best defensive tackle available in the 2021 NFL Draft, in what is presumed to be a loaded class. Stills has 3.5 sacks, and an interception on the season. We only have a limited amount of opportunities left to watch these two in the Gold and Blue. Mountaineer Nation must enjoy them while they can, and cheer for them no matter where their professional career takes them.

Narduzzi Is Ready to Keep the Brawl Alive

Pitt is just as heated about the Backyard Brawl as we are. Those players are in their locker room all this week talking about coming down to Morgantown and stealing one in front of our people. The difference is, the coach talk is a lot softer this time around. Suddenly, WVU is loaded with weapons and talent according to Pitt Head Coach Pat Narduzzi. He spoke at a press conference yesterday to review the unexpected loss to Cincinnati at home and discuss the rivalry matchup this Saturday night. The coach spoke of CJ Donaldson and Garrett Greene being the teams greatest assets, capped off by our returning experienced offensive line. Cincinnati ran for 216 yards against a vulnerable defense, and WVU has the skills to make Pitt respect the deep ball while continually gaining chunk yardage on the ground. While some areas have not improved since the last meeting of the teams, the offense seems to be gaining some cohesive traction. Narduzzi also spoke of comparing this season to last year: “We'll learn more (than last year by) going down there. I think the kids will really learn the rivalries on the road and how hostile it is. Rivalries are rivalries. It's nothing more than any other game for me. We know we're just down the road. But it's a football game that means a lot to a lot of people. Our Pitt fans are passionate. West Virginia fans are passionate. People want to see you play well in those games." When asked if he would like to see the Backyard Brawl continue, Narduzzi agreed. It is clear that this is a positive for both fan bases, and thankfully, the series continues for two more years before taking another hiatus. The Brawl resumes for a 4-game series in the 2029-2032 seasons. Maybe, the powers that be will see it’s continuation to be in everyone’s interest and keep this long-standing rivalry alive for the passionate fans on both sides of the state line. Or, maybe our teams will be conference mates again by then – you never know with college football. Image by AP News

Neal Brown is “Done,” Per One Analyst

(Photo by WVU Athletics)   Neal Brown is certainly under some heat, there’s no doubt about that. Many fans and former players are calling for the coach’s firing after a 48-10 loss to Texas Tech on Saturday. Bryan Clinton, a sportswriter for Heartland College Sports, recently took to his usual column to discuss overreactions on Monday morning. On his “not an overreaction” list, Neal Brown’s firing was the topic of conversation that he included.   Here is what Clinton had to say about Brown: “Brown has put together a 20-22 mark in Morgantown and has yet to win more than six games in a season, and that just isn’t going to cut it at a place like West Virginia. I’m not sure that the school will get rid of him before January 1, 2023, but I am fairly confident that there will be somebody else at the helm when spring practice starts up next season.” For an outsider to have this view, it really says a lot about where Brown has taken this program. Clinton would also point out that WVU’s 38-point loss on Saturday was the worst to an unranked opponent since 1965. This is not good, folks. Brown is the nicest guy around. He’s genuine, intelligent, and carries a southern charm. However, this just does not produce wins on the field. There are 5 more opportunities this season for the Mountaineers and Brown to right this ship. His career in Morgantown likely depends on it.

Doege Isn’t the Problem

The past couple of weeks haven’t been easy for Jarret Doege. After getting the life beat out of him against Oklahoma State, the Bowling Green transfer would turn the ball over three times against Baylor. Although he would finish the game with two total touchdowns, each turnover gave the Bears excellent starting field position. Many fans have been hard on Doege, and some are even beginning to whisper that it may be time for Garrett Greene. Despite all of the things that have gone wrong, Jarret Doege is not the problem with the offense. Not even close. When a signal-caller is facing constant pressure by opposing defenses, accuracy will be affected. The offensive line has struggled mightily in pass protection, and Doege has paid the price for it. Baylor obviously saw something in the Oklahoma State tape and would often send the house at Doege. He had virtually no time in the pocket and would be forced to throw to his check down. Not only the line, but his receivers have occasionally let him down as well. His receivers have dropped wide open passes in all three games. It has not been a single culprit, but multiple guys in the receiving corps have not been able to hang onto a perfect pass from Doege. That is not his fault. He did all he could do on those plays, and even hit his receivers in their number. At that point, that becomes the fault of the receiver. Whether that be a lack of concentration or fear of a defender right on their tail, it doesn’t matter. To sum up the argument, the offense’s struggles are not all on Doege. He cannot help that he is given no time to pass, nor can he catch the ball for the receivers. Yes, he is going through somewhat of a tough stretch. But the whole offense is too. This was an offense that was absolutely horrible in 2019, and we can’t expect an overnight fix. The offense is far better statistically so far, showing gradual improvement. Jarret Doege isn’t the problem, the entire unit is. With time, things will get better and the offense will only continue to gel together better. Quit putting the blame all on one person.

ESPN’s College GameDay Says Both Neal Brown and Shane Lyons’ Jobs in Trouble

Morgantown, West Virginia - Moments ago, on ESPN's College GameDay, Pete Thamel reported that "Neal Brown's job is in flux" and that no decision has been made on his future yet. "At 3-6 this season, a loss to Oklahoma today would mean 3 losing seasons out of four. It's complicated because he's owed $17 million but the financial mess leaves director of athletics Shane Lyons squarely in the cross hair. Sources have told me that if Brown is gone, that Lyons may not be around to hire his successor." GameDay host Reece Davis added, "Tomorrow could be the day where you see a lot of movement." Check out the entire video below from our friend Patrick Mason: https://twitter.com/patrickmason180/status/1591458239333425154?s=20&t=n9pG6r10uPx0VXcfQIOwIw

WVU Showed Growth Against the Bears

WVU’s 27-21 double overtime victory over Baylor today was not a game the team would have won in 2019. After the first half turnovers occurred, the then inexperienced Mountaineers would have buckled under the pressure. Time and time again last season, WVU had opportunities to win games in the fourth quarter, but failed. Today, they were able to overcome and finally put a close game into the win column. Their misfortunes of late game collapses was finally snapped. While there were certainly several lucky bounces for the Mountaineers today, the team finally displayed their growth. They showed the world that their “Climb” has officially begun. Adversity is something every team in the nation will face. How a team faces that adversity is proof of where they are as a squad. The fact that WVU had so many miscues - the interceptions, the fumble, and the muffed punt - and were still able to find a ways to win, it showed the team is far ahead of their youth. The Big 12 is a wild conference. The Mountaineers will have virtually every late game situation thrown at them over the course of the last seven games of the season. This Baylor victory can be used as a platform for continuing late game success moving forward. It wasn’t always pretty, a lot of things went bad, but they did what was most important of all and won. The Climb took a step in the right direction today, and we have finally seen what a well-coached Neal Brown squad is all about. Buckle up, everyone, the Mountaineers will only get better from here. Today will always serve as the official beginning to what Neal Brown is building in Morgantown.

Neal Brown Comments on Garrett Greene’s Playing Time

Morgantown, West Virginia - Moments ago on The Neal Brown Show, West Virginia head coach Neal Brown was asked about Garrett Greene's playing time in future games. Brown said the following about Greene: "Our goal is to get Garrett in during the first half of the Long Island game this weekend." Brown continued: "Look, there was a clear difference between our 1 and 2 quarterbacks during the offseason.  Our #1 was pretty clear.  The #2 quarterback is always the most popular player on team and we wanted to get Greene in in the first game, and this is no knock on Garrett, but the reality is that he wasn't ready. We're going to get him in the first half and depending on how he plays will determine his reps going forward." Brown said multiple times during the offseason that Jarret Doege was his team's most improved player and the clear starter for the team.  After an extremely difficult season opener against Maryland, it appears that Brown is staying with Doege as his starter for the time being.

Country Roads Trust Named Top 10 Most Ambitious NIL Program

WVU’s Country Roads Trust has been recognized as one of the most ambitious NIL programs in the nation.   Morgantown, WV - The West Virginia University Athletic Department has been on a tear as of late when it comes to NIL. Country Roads Trust is off to a hot start, and is setting up the Mountaineers for success in the future. The media outlet On3 recently revealed the top 10 MOST AMBITIOUS NIL programs in the nation, and Country Roads Trust was included on the list. https://twitter.com/on3nil/status/1674431624883363843?s=46&t=cXIQ4JQG-pp-P6qrRwLwjw WVU’s NIL program came in at 10th. Here are the NIL collectives recognized by On3. 1. Tennessee 2. Texas A&M 3. Oregon 4. Texas 5. Miami 6. Florida State 7. USC 8. Arkansas 9. Ole Miss 10 WVU (Photo by WVU Athletics) 

Former West Virginia Star Doesn’t Regret Leaving Mountaineers

Morgantown, West Virginia - Former West Virginia Mountaineers All-American defensive back Tykee Smith left West Virginia prior to last season to transfer to play for the Georgia Bulldogs. Smith, who had 114 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack and 4 interceptions in 22 games played with the Mountaineers, sat out last season due to injury. However, Smith will be back to play for the Bulldogs this season and he said today (exactly one year after leaving the Mountaineers) that he doesn't regret his decision to leave West Virginia one bit. Smith said the following today on social media: “Made the beat decision of my life a year ago!” https://twitter.com/tyksmith/status/1510971513016659978?s=21&t=vOOVaB3myrrlqU8gc8MyCA

REPORT: Darnell Wright has Expressed Interest in Transferring

Morgantown, West Virginia - According to multiple reports out of Knoxville, Tennessee, former five star offensive lineman and Huntington, West Virginia native Darnell Wright has "expressed interest in entering the transfer portal." Wright, who chose the Volunteers over offers from virtually every big-name program in the country, including a late push by Neal Brown and the West Virginia Mountaineers, is reportedly ready to move on from Tennessee. Wright's lead recruiters, Will Friend (now at South Carolina) and Brian Niedermeyer (recently fired), are no longer at the program, and Jeremy Pruitt, his former head coach who was instrumental in bringing Wright to Tennessee, was dismissed yesterday. Now, the talented 6'6 300 pound offensive lineman has nothing tying him to Tennessee and the program will likely face major NCAA recruiting violations for the foreseeable future. According to John Dunn, host of the All Vol Call-in Show in Knoxville, there is major buzz around the Tennessee program that several players - including Darnell Wright - have expressed interest in transferring. https://twitter.com/JxhnDunn/status/1351631849513222144?s=20 Austin Price, the lead writer for the Tennessee Rivals website and Volquest.com, confirms that Wright will likely leave the program in the coming days: "I'm told Eric Gray, Henry, Crouch and Darnell Wright have all expressed an interest in entering the portal.  We will see if they end up there but I think it's a real possibility at this point." If/when Wright enters the portal, West Virginia would immediately become the favorite to land him.  When Neal Brown became the head coach of the Mountaineers, he made a late charge at Wright, visiting him in Huntington with the entire coaching staff. With Virginia Tech transfer Doug Nester and four star recruit Wyatt Milum joining the West Virginia line in the offseason, the Mountaineers offensive front is on its way to becoming dynamic, particularly if Darnell Wright comes home. Big things happening in Morgantown!

Former Mountaineer Gets Big Chance in the NFL

Morgantown, West Virginia - The Mountaineers' long snapper for the past two seasons, Rex Sunahara, is finally getting a chance to play at the next level.  Sunahara, who handled the long snapping duties for punts, field goals and extra points for the Mountaineers, will sign with the Miami Dolphins following a COVID-19 exam. https://twitter.com/DraftDiamonds/status/1288661388215427072?s=20 Sunahara was a 2019 Patrick Mannelly Award Semifinalist, which is given to the nation's top long snapper.  In addition, he played in the 2020 NFLPA Collegiate All-Star game and the 2020 Hula Bowl game. West Virginia Head Coach Neal Brown considered Sunahara one of the top pro prospects on the West Virginia roster last season: "He’s actually one of the top pro prospects we have on our team. He’s been extremely consistent. He’s going to play in an off-season all-star game. He’s got a chance, even though there are only 32 of them in the NFL, he’s got a chance to do it post college.  We’ve used him in a different role than people traditionally use their center on the punt team. People are now trying to block him. He’s been a weapon for us. He will be missed." Now, Sunahara will have an opportunity to play professionally in Miami.  Best of luck!  Once a Mountaineer, Always a Mountaineer!

WATCH: WVU Celebrates in Locker Room

Today, WVU dominated the TCU Horned Frogs, 24-6. In typical Mountaineer fashion, the team celebrated with Hail, West Virginia in the locker room. https://twitter.com/wvufootball/status/1327717691965116416?s=21 WATCH as Exree Loe and T.J. Simmons leads the team in the singing of their fight song with pure joy.

Week 6 Recruit Wrapup

(Photo Courtesy of Markus Allen Twitter)   Wyatt Milum (OT), Spring Valley, WV This week 18-27 @ Fairmont, Next Game 10/16 vs. Oak Hill   Jaylen Anderson (RB), Perry, OH This week playoff bye, Next Game 10/16 vs. (13) Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy   Andrew Wilson-Lamp (WR), Washington, OH This week playoff bye, Next Game 10/16 vs. (15) Walnut Ridge   Will Crowder (QB), Gardendale, AL – 182 pass yards 1 TD, 54 rush yards 1 TD This week vs. Minor 35-13, Next Game 10/16 @ Jackson-Olin   Treylan Davis (TE), Jackson, OH This week playoff bye, Next Game 10/16 vs. (10) Tri-Valley   Tomas Rimac (OT), Brunswick, OH This week vs. Jackson 35-14, Next Game 10/16 @ (3) Canton McKinley   Hammond Russell (DE), Dublin Coffman, OH This week vs. Beavercreek 56-7, Next Game 10/16 vs. (8) Springboro   Brayden Dudley (DE), Mill Creek, GA This week @ Grayson 13-20 2OT, Next Game 10/16 @ North Gwinnett   Davis Mallinger (WR), Cocoa, FL This week @ Melbourne (Melbourne forfeited due to COVID), Next Game 10/16 vs. Bayside   Northwest Mississippi Community College and DE commit Nijel Mcgriff season opener was postponed due to COVID-19.  They open their season vs. Itawamba 10/15.     Prospects Markus Allen (WR) Northmont, OH – 7 catches, 74 yards, 2 TD’s This week vs. Middletown 35-0, Next Game 10/9 vs (7) Marysville   JD Martin (ATH) East Central CC, Miss – Removed from roster

West Virginia Starter Announces He’s Leaving the Team

MORGANTOWN, West Virginia -- Following West Virginia's 30-10 win against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the Duke's Mayo Bowl, the Mountaineers got official news that has been rumored for a few weeks now. Starting defensive player Jared Bartlett officially revealed that he will leave the West Virginia football program. In an announcement on X, Bartlett said the following: "Proud of this team, glad to ball out with my guys one last time. Let's Go Mountaineers!" Although his future plans are unclear, he is from Miami, Florida and perhaps wants to finish his career at home for the Hurricanes. In his four seasons with the Mountaineers, Bartlett played in 49 games and had 128 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. https://twitter.com/BARTLITTT/status/1740197310402121850?s=20

WVU in a “Bad Situation,” According to One Analyst

WVU’s Neal Brown is “under a lot of pressure” going into 2023, according to one analyst.   Morgantown, WV - Despite finishing with a 5-7 record in 2023, WVU decided to keep Head Coach Neal Brown following the arrival of Athletic Director Wren Baker. This was not a popular decision for many, but it was ultimately the only choice that the Mountaineers had. Most of his potential replacements were off of the market, and with the school transitioning to new leadership, it just wasn’t feasible at the time. However, this has not prevented many from criticizing the decision to retain Brown. In particular, Mike Farrell of Mike Farrell Sports. https://twitter.com/mfarrellsports/status/1676267261248643084?s=46&t=cXIQ4JQG-pp-P6qrRwLwjw Earlier today, Farrell released an article that listed the Big 12 coaches that are “under the most pressure” going into 2023. As expected, Brown was at the top of the list. Here is what Farrell had to say about Neal Brown: “I’m surprised he survived another season and it probably wasn’t the smart choice as this leads to a bad situation. If he surprises and goes 8-4 they stick with him and then what? And when he doesn’t he’s gone. He’s a dead man walking.” The well-known analyst sees the return of Brown as a “bad situation” for the Mountaineers. Even if Brown succeeds in 2023, will WVU be quick to pull the plug on him if he falls back down to Earth the following year? That would ultimately make it a waste of both West Virginia’s and Neal Brown’s time. However, a successful campaign this season could set the Mountaineers up for future success. It could indicate that Brown has finally built what he envisioned at WVU, and is now ready to take the Big 12 by storm moving forward. There is no right answer to this debate at the time. Like everyone else, fans will just have to wait and see how West Virginia performs with Neal Brown in 2023 to formulate an opinion on the program moving forward. (Photo by WVU Athletics)