Only one Mountaineer was included on the Preseason All-Big 12 team.
Morgantown, WV – Earlier today, the Big 12 Conference revealed their preseason all-conference team and accolades. Only one West Virginia player, Offensive Lineman Zach Frazier, was recognized by his Big 12 peers as a member of the all-conference team.
Preseason All-@Big12Conference
🏈 @zfrazier54 #HailWV pic.twitter.com/bH1sR0qZlz
— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) July 5, 2023
This certainly came as a surprise to many. While Mountaineers like Garrett Greene and C.J. Donaldson may have some more to prove in terms of playing time, one defender in particular was unquestionably defended by many for his absence on the team.
This being WVU Safety Aubrey Burks.
The Florida native finished with 66 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception in 2022. He goes into the 2023 season as the highest graded safety in the Big 12, according to Pro Football Focus.
Highest graded returning Big 12 Safeties🔥 pic.twitter.com/tv2iFgbKj5
— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 3, 2023
While it is disappointing to be overlooked by your peers in the offseason, preseason accolades generally do not carry any significance. By season’s end, nobody will be talking about who was included and overlooked prior to the 2023 campaign. Instead, the product on the field will be what is valued.
We have no doubt that several Mountaineers will make their presence felt in the end.
(Photo by WVU Athletics)
