04/26/2008

SPRING DEFENSIVE STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES AND ANALYSIS Click on these links to view the separate pages for strengths and weaknesses analysis
STRENGTHS	WEAKNESSES

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STRENGTHS

Linebackers

The Starters….. As has often been the case the linebackers in '08 look to be the foundation of the defense as well as the most significant playmakers on the field. Everyone is plenty aware of Mortty Ivy who broke out in '07 and Reed Williams who is not only one of the smartest linebackers ever at WVU but also the Fiesta Bowl defensive MVP. However with Mortty moving to SLB, and Zac Cooper down to the D-line this spring look for the young and athletic J.T. Thomas to make his presense known at WLB. He has the speed and other tools needed to become the biggest disruptive force for opposing offenses. The Depth….. At the linebacker positions it seems like there are a number of capable backups each of which is often learned in the various roles of WLB, MLB & SLB. The most promosing of which is sophomore Pat Lazear who figures to be a factor whether it be as a starter or bench player. When you consider that he is among a group of talents like Ovid Goulborne, Archie Sims, Najee Goode, and Anthony Leonard it seems like there is not much to worry about here. There is a lot of experience and talent among this group.

Safeties
	Little Drop Off…..Many may be worried about the loss of such huge contributors and leaders in the safety slots as Eric Wicks and Ryan Mundy going into the 2008 season. However, in 2008 we should see young talent, and playmaking ability fill the void that was left. With Quinton Andrews returning at bandit safety WVU has possibly its best big time playmaker since the infamous Pacman himself, he is also a much more reliable and physical tackler in the secondary than many of West Virginia's past DB's. With Boogie Allen and Sidney Glover at free and spur positions respectively; WVU has two athletic young players who need only to gain experience and discipline to morph into the do-it-all type players that will smother the passing game and occasionally bring some heat on the QB..
Chuck & A QB…..There are two players that are very well known among fans who aim to leave their mark on the Safety position in '08. The first is an often maligned Charles Pugh. While many dislike his agressive, and reckless play which has resulted in a number of 15-yard personal fouls, I and many others feel that it is that mentality that makes him the type of player who is always in the thick of things. It is this motor and competitive spirit that makes "Chucky" Pugh in my opinion the most consistant playmaker as well as the most desirable player to have on the field despite the perceived short comings in his on the field demeanor. The second player is the home state quaterback, turned beast of a special teams player, turned safety Nate Sowers. In all honesty who can forget his absolutely bone crushing hit in the Gator Bowl. Well in 2008 he hopes to bring that same physical mentality to the defensive backfield, and do not be surprised if he gets his fair oppritunity to do so.