Matt Moore on 2024 WVU Offensive Line: ‘Not a Rebuild, It’s a Reload’

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Even though the WVU offensive line has been a strength of the team in recent years, it’s a unit facing tons of questions and pressure in 2024. And while that’s bound to happen when two anchors depart the program, offensive line coach Matt Moore has one clear message to his current group about trying to replace Zach Frazier and Doug Nester.

Moore, who has been on the West Virginia staff since Neal Brown arrived in Morgantown in 2019, explained how he views the makeup of the 2024 offensive line while talking with the media on Thursday. He referred to it as “not a rebuild, it’s a reload” when asked about his spring mindset.

WVU OL Coach Matt Moore refers to the offensive line as "not a rebuild, it’s a reload" when talking about life without Zach Frazier and Doug Nester.

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) April 4, 2024

Moore also made it clear he doesn’t even understand why some are acting like the WVU offensive line will take a step back this fall. While he recognizes the impact of not having Frazier and Nester around anymore, he still feels the overall group is one of the more experienced in the country.

WVU Football 2024 Position Group Preview: Offensive Line Must Guide Team Again

Facing the most pressure of all, Moore revealed what he said to Brandon Yates about filling the void at center. Moore told Yates his advice on replacing a legend like Frazier is to just focus on being himself. The message is to be just be Brandon Yates, not a clone of Zach Frazier.

“It’s always hard when you lose two guys that are leaders, but these guys are doing a good job of stepping up, really setting the tone in the weight room. I had seven guys who started last year and I got five of them back so it’s still a veteran group,” said Moore about most of the 2023 line returning.

Fortunately for Moore and the Mountaineers, there are analysts who believe the returning players can be even better in 2024. One of those players is Milum at left tackle. The West Virginia native has been praised for his ability by professional talent evaluators. Milum was ranked as the No. 5 returning offensive tackle in all of college football by Max Chadwick of PFF.

Milum might be the one the media is focused on praising, but just like in 2023, it will take a village to guide WVU’s rushing attack and help Garrett Greene cook. Moore spoke highly of Ja’Quay Hubbard, predicting big things for the redshirt senior.

“He’s had a really good spring. Had a great offseason, really getting his body in shape. He works harder than anyone in the building. He’s a big, long kid. He moves really good,” detailed Moore about Hubbard’s offseason and progression as a player.

The experience gained in 2023 should do wonders for the success of the line, just like it should for Greene and the rest of the offense.

Watch Matt Moore’s full press conference below.