After a lackluster first season in the Big 12, the West Virginia Mountaineers are hoping to bounce back in 2013. The Mountaineers are losing three of the nation’s most dynamic players in Geno Smith, Tavon Austin, and Stedman Bailey, but fans shouldn’t be in full panic mode just yet.
Here are some players who could have a breakout season for the Mountaineers offense:
Andrew Buie, RB – Buie had a dismal freshman year, but last season he seemed to start to turn it around. With an injury plagued backfield, Buie stepped in and added great relief for the Mountaineers’ rushing offense. During his freshman season, Buie rushed for 172 yards and only one touchdown while playing behind Shawne Alston and Dustin Garrison. This past season, though, Buie rushed for 914 yards and 7 touchdowns. His running style was more fluid, too. He looked more confident with the ball in his hands and actually embraced contact. He ran hard and showed many signs of improvement. He can also contribute to the passing game. He caught 28 passes for 318 yards last season.
Kevin White, WR – White is a juco transfer from Lackawanna College. He caught 36 passes for 535 yards and 6 touchdowns last season. He was ranked as the number two juco receiver in Pennsylvania by 247Sports. White is 6’3”, 211 pounds and provides a solid target for whoever is under center next season for the Mountaineers. White has been praised for his speed and ability to stretch the field, but will need some help running routes. If he gets in a good rhythm with the quarterbacks, White could be a great deep ball threat.
Ford Childress, QB – Even though offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson has said that the quarterback race this off-season is a very competitive one, I believe Childress will win the position over Paul Millard. Childress was a highly regarded recruit two seasons ago who redshirted behind potential top five draft pick, Geno Smith. As a high school senior, Childress threw for 3,171 yards and 41 touchdowns in just 10 games. He also completed 63 percent of his passes that season. He was also listed as an ESPN Top 150 recruit, and one of the best in the state of Texas. If he learned anything from Smith, he’ll be in a great position to hone in on his skills and be great in this offense.
West Virginia was ranked 10th in the NCAA in yards per game with 502.0 per game and 8th in scoring with 30.9 points per game. In a game against Baylor last season, the Mountaineers scored 70 points and had 807 total offensive yards. Under head coach Dana Holgorsen, the WVU offense can pile up points and yards. These guys will be looking to carry on the tradition in 2013.
Check back next week for the players on the defensive side of the ball who could have breakout seasons.
