(Photo by WVU Athletics)
The 2021 WVU Football season will be here before we know it. Today, we take a look at five players that we expect to make big improvements this offseason, and jump into the spotlight in 2021.
Here are FIVE players who will make a massive jump for the Mountaineers next season:
5. Akheem Mesidor (DL, Sophomore): Mesidor was impressive in his first season with the Mountaineers, but we believe he can be better. He should have a bigger role on the Mountaineer defense in 2021, as so should his production go up. After being named a Freshman All-American by ESPN, don’t be surprised if he is making waves for national awards by November.
4. Bryce Ford-Wheaton (WR, R-Junior): Ford-Wheaton was my personal favorite receiver for the Mountaineers in 2020. Tallying 27 catches for 416 yards and three touchdowns, the North Carolina native was better than his stats may indicate. Standing at 6’3”, his size already makes him an intriguing prospect for the Mountaineers. With another offseason, and more time working with Jarret Doege under his belt, we expect him to be on the brink of a 1,000 yard season by the time we reach the final quarter of the 2021 season.
3. Josh Chandler-Semedo (LB, Senior): Chandler-Semedo has been outstanding for West Virginia, but he has yet to reach his ceiling. After a bowl performance that won him the game’s MVP, he will take that momentum into the offseason, and emerge as one of, if not the best player on WVU’s defense. The Mountaineers have had a good run at the linebacker position, and Chandler-Semedo will place his name in the long line of studs.
2. Mike O’Laughlin (TE, R-Junior): The Illinois native finally reached the end zone for the first time in his career during the Liberty Bowl. This will be the first of many for O’Laughlin, as he will become a vital part of WVU’s passing game in 2021. Neal Brown has had success with tight ends during his career, most notably with Jace Amaro at Texas Tech. We’re not sure O’Laughlin will put up the stats that Amaro did, but he will be a solid option for Doege nonetheless.
- Winston Wright Jr. (WR, Junior): Winston Wright can easily be considered one of the most dangerous players on the field. His Tavon-like speed puts defenses on notice, and at any point he can bust a play wide open if given the open field. After leading the team with 47 grabs with 553 yards and two touchdowns, we expect these stats to sky rocket in 2021. Watch out, Big 12, Winston Wright Jr. is coming to terrorize your secondaries.
