Entering spring ball, in to summer work outs, and to the start of fall camp many fans believed the Mountaineers had only one solid attribute.  The powerful offense.  However, there were even some questions on the offensive side of the ball at positions like receiver and offensive line.  On the defensive side, those who have watched the Mountaineers play, or at least did last season, watched a porous secondary.  These are thought to be weaknesses on the Mountaineer squad this upcoming season.  But they could turn out to be their strengths.

Everyone knows about Steve Slaton and Pat White.  Everyone knows Owen Shmitt and Darius Reynaud, as well as new comer Noel Devine.  But others like Mike Dent, Wes Lyons, and Quentin Andrews, and heck, the whole secondary, are all under the radar. 

West Virginia has play makers all over the field.  A main concern on offense this season was who Pat White was going to throw the ball to.  Other than Reynaud the receiving corp’s experience comes down to a couple of two-point conversion receptions and a 70 yard touchdown in the Gator Bowl.  This anonymity could play to the advantage of the Mountaineers next Saturday and every other weekend this autumn. 

A slue of talent at receiver including 6-8 Wes Lyons and former quarterback Nate Sowers, as well as newcomers Brandon Hogan and Will Johnson will add legitimate threats at the position.  Not to mention that back up running backs Noel Devine and Jock Sanders could also see some reps at receiver. 

The offensive line should again be solid even after losing two key starters in Dan Mozes and Jeremy Sheffey.  New center Mike Dent has experience and talent and should fill in nicely for the award-winning center.  Also, other lineman such as Greg Isdaner, Eric Rodemoyer, and Jake Figner should keep the offense rolling as well as ever.  WVU has always done a fantastic job replacing key starters on the offensive line and this year should be no different.  Even without former line coach Rick Trickett, the offensive line should still be one of the best in the league. 

 
The secondary is the most mysterious part of this Mountaineer team, not only to fans but opponents as well.  The experience is there.  The talent is there.  But we have yet to see whether or not this squad can take it to the next level and shut people down.  Senior cornerbacks Vaughn Rivers and Antonio Lewis to go along with transfer Ryan Mundy and super senior Eric Wicks provides depth and experience in the secondary.  Others like Charles Pugh, Ridwan Malik, and Larry Williams will also see significant game action and should provide stability to the back line.  Not to mention hard-hitting safety Quentin Andrews who led the team in interceptions last season.  That is eight players, at least, that have game experience that can contribute to the defense.  And there are other guys waiting in the wings for their shot as well.

To the average college football enthusiast these names mean nothing.  To the opposing coach, they may only be names on the back of a jersey that he watched during film.  But these players will be out to make a name for themselves this fall.  All of these positions have question marks going in to the season.  They may be seen as weaknesses by opposing coaches and players as well as many analysts and fans.  However, these so called weaknesses could be the strength of the Mountaineer football team.  We will find out in a week.