Asti: Flipping Transfer WR EJ Horton Fills Void for West Virginia Offense

A week after West Virginia experienced losing one transfer wide receiver the program thought was headed to Morgantown, the Mountaineers were able to flip another one their way. But what exactly does EJ Horton bring to the WVU offense?

Horton actually offers a lot of what Jaylen Ellis was going to deliver. And while Ellis decided to surprise West Virginia and join Colorado, Horton made the decision to play for Neal Brown instead of Deion Sanders. The 6-foot, 180-pound Louisville, Kentucky native now looks to cancel out the loss of Ellis in what essentially acts as a trade between the schools.

Horton has the experience of multiple college seasons at Marshall on his side, something the WVU wide receiver room desperately needs. Since most of West Virginia’s receiver production from 2022 transferred out or left college to pursue a professional football career, it was up to Brown and his staff to find replacements for the 2023 season.

Devin Carter and Ja’Shaun Poke have been part of the team for months and took part in spring ball. And Cortez Braham will be expected to step up. They will all be utilized, but none of them possess quickness and explosiveness quite like Horton.

EJ Horton Fills Deep Threat Role

Having a receiver who can run by any defender is essential for a WVU offense that will only go as far as its ground game takes it. Horton will keep defenses honest beyond just worrying about shorter designed pass play to mix things up. With Horton out on one side, defenses will have to always be ready for the possibility of a big play down the field.

In addition to how he will be used, it’s possible Horton, who caught just 12 balls for 186 yards and a touchdown in 2022, is able to truly be unleashed with West Virginia. A mobile quarterback can create more time for Horton to get open, increasing the chances of big plays when you least expect them.

WVU OC Chad Scott Excited About Idea of Dual Threat QB Leading Mountaineers

The deep threat role was the initial selling point of Ellis. It’s also likely what Colorado saw in Horton. And regardless how it happened, it’s a role that Horton will fill for WVU.

Adding Horton to the fold, not only alleviates some of the pressure from the others, but provides another weapon for whichever young quarterback is under center for the Mountaineers.

Carter was brought in to be the number one, but depth is necessary or an inexperienced quarterback will end up trying to force the ball into double coverage.