(Photo by Ben Queen – USA Today)
It is the question on everyone’s minds – who will be WVU’s quarterback in 2021? While many fans are clamoring for Garrett Greene to get his opportunity, it is my belief that those individuals will have to wait before they see their wishes come to fruition.
Despite the Bowling Green transfer being benched during the 24-21 win over Army in the Liberty Bowl, I expect Neal Brown to commit to Jarret Doege as his quarterback for 2021, sooner rather than later. No, I have absolutely no knowledge on the situation, but this is the conclusion I come to after observing what Brown had to say during his press conferences all season, particularly after the Liberty Bowl.
When Brown was asked about his decision to switch to Austin Kendall in the second half, he stated that it came from three people, quarterbacks coach Sean Raegan, offensive coordinator Gerad Parker, and himself. The reason behind the switch in the second half was due to Doege “not seeing it” against Army’s defense, which was ranked as one of the best units in the nation coming into the contest.
However, what Brown would say about Doege himself gives me the impression that he has full confidence in him. Though he struggled against Army, Brown came out and praised Doege’s overall 2020 season, saying that he had played “very, very well” for the entire campaign.
It is because of this comment that I believe Brown is going into the off-season with the decision already made on his quarterback. Coming out and publicly stating that he was pleased with his overall play gives me no indication, as a fan at least, that he has any ideas for a quarterback competition in mind.
Whenever it is that Brown will speak to the media for the first time this spring, I expect him to be quick to commit to Doege. This will be a question that undoubtedly comes up, and Brown will likely give a fair and simple answer, officially coming out with the decision that he will continue to ride with him most experienced signal-caller moving forward.
