Mike Asti’s WVU Football Fall Camp Takeaways: Mountaineers Look the Part

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – With several fall camp practices in the books, it’s time to detail some takeaways from what’s happened so far. The Mountaineers will now move into their first full week of camp with the season opener against Penn State only a few weeks away.

For starters, the 2024 team has Neal Brown fired up, and for good reason. WVU looks as Brown advertised during his camp opening press conference, too. Collectively, this year’s team looks like a Power Four contender, just as Brown said after the first practice. This was evident in the spring, but is even more apparent now with new additions like big-body wide receiver Justin Robinson. The overall group looks to already be in game shape in early August.

In addition to the general assessment of the team, there are some notable players who are standing out.

Offense

Quarterback wise, Garrett Greene should be poised for a big year, but Nicco Marchiol’s progression is the talk of camp. In fact, Marchiol’s maturity is so clear to the coaches that offensive coordinator Chad Scott said the playbook will not have to reduced “one bit” if the Mountaineers have to turn to their backup at any point this season.

Continuing the noticeable progress he made in the spring, Marchiol has looked sharp early in fall camp. Marchiol has appeared calmer and in more control of the offense during practices. Scott even brought up that Marchiol is more willing to offer his opinion on plays than he was in the past.

What Would WVU Offense Look Like with Nicco Marchiol?

Marchiol’s development is part of why Scott is so confident in the 2024 Mountaineer offense in general.

Jahiem White, a player that will lead the offense along with Greene, is doing everything possible to take his game to the next level. White emerging will forever go down as a memorable part of the success of the 2023 season for WVU, but Neal Brown also hopes it ends up being just a footnote of White’s Mountaineer legacy.

While opening up fall camp, Brown talked about White’s transition from freshman sensation to vying for national recognition. Brown said he feels White is flying under the radar, but is “special” and should be even better in 2024.

Neal Brown on Expectations for Jahiem White, Avoiding Sophomore Slump

But Brown also made sure to note that the potential for a sophomore slump is real and opposing coaches now have college film of White in college to help prepare. Brown pulled back the curtain from one of his one-on-one conversations with White, revealing that White made it clear he would not be happy if he simply duplicated his freshman numbers this season.

Scott also revealed White has been arriving at the facility super early each day, even as early as 5:30 am on day one of camp. Scott, who knows the running back position more than any other, is confident White’s worth ethic will be why he avoid any potential obstacles common in a player’s second season.

Defense

Aubrey Burks looks very comfortable in his new role on the defense. While speaking to the media after practice on Saturday, Lesley was asked about how Burks is adjusting to seeing time at a hybrid position referred to as “SPEAR” on the West Virginia defense.

“I think it allows him to play the way he wants to play,” said Lesley. He also pointed out that Burks’ aggressiveness makes him a natural fit. Lesley noted being the “SPEAR” allows Burks to utilize his football IQ to his advantage.

How is Aubrey Burks Adjusting to New Role on WVU Defense?

“He is — I don’t want to say see-ball-hit-ball because Aubrey’s way, way smarter than that. But, it does allow him to use his football IQ.”

Lesley also mentioned Anthony Wilson, Josiah Trotter and Ben Cutter as the players who pop in his mind first when asked to name the defense’s top performers.

Burks and Wilson are no surprise, but Trotter and Cutter earning praise lends credence to what WVU head coach Neal Brown said earlier in the week. Brown feels the linebacker room is the best it’s been since he arrived in Morgantown in 2019.

With pressure to support the secondary, transfers Garnett Hollis and Jaheem Joseph are fitting in perfectly and it’s clear they know the system.

WV Sports Now will offer more takeaways as WVU football camp continues.

Videos from press conferences with coaches and the sights and sounds from practice are available on the WV Sports Now YouTube channel.

For related stories, WVU’s potential breakout performers and the transfers mostly likely to have big years.