(Photo by WVU Athletics)
It’s never too early to start talking Mountaineer Football. Though the boys in Gold and Blue don’t kickoff until September 2nd, we are going to look ahead at next season’s roster and name five players who will have a breakout season in 2023.
Here are the players who will step up in a big way for WVU next season…
1. Garrett Greene, QB (R-Jr): Greene has not won the quarterback battle yet, but it can be assumed that he will. The Tallahassee, Florida native came in for benched starter J.T. Daniels against Oklahoma and led the Mountaineers to their first victory over the Sooners in Big 12 play. After showing a lot of development over three seasons, Greene will finally have his chance to shine in 2023 – and he will do so in a big way.
2. Lee Kpogba, LB (Sr.): Kpogba led the Mountaineers in tackles in 2022 with 92 (44 solo, 48 assisted). He has the physical attributes to be a dominate defender in the Big 12, the experience under his belt and will now have more help around him on defense. Expect monster numbers from Kpogba next season.
3. Jaylen Anderson, RB (R-So.):The Mountaineers will have a four-headed monster at running back. Any of them could have easily found themselves on this list. However, Jaylen Anderson’s incredible performance in the 2022 season finale against Oklahoma State (15 rushes, 155 yards, 2 touchdowns) will propel him into putting on a show in 2023. New offensive coordinator Chad Scott knows what he has in Anderson – he will feed him the rock early and often.
4. Rodney Gallagher, WR (Fr.): Rodney Gallagher has the speed and athleticism to instantly become a problem for Big 12 defenses. After the departure of Bryce Ford-Wheaton, Sam James and Reese Smith, the receivers room is now wide open. Gallagher will quickly rise to the top of the depth chart in Morgantown.
5. Montre Miller, CB (R-Sr.): WVU desperately needed help in the secondary following an abysmal 2022 season. Montre Miller, a transfer from Kent State, will step in right away and contribute for the Mountaineers in a big way. His experience will bode well for a WVU defensive backs room that is still lacking in that area.
