Phil Steele Recognizes Frazier, Donaldson, Several Other Mountaineers

Despite most outlets predicting another poor season for the WVU football team in 2023, there are still several players on the roster receiving praise and recognition.

Longtime sports writer and analyst Phil Steele has West Virginia players all over his 2023 Preseason Big 12 Team.

Preseason 𝓫𝓾𝔃𝔃 » @philsteele042 pic.twitter.com/JA1eiCZ9mY

— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) June 16, 2023

To no surprise, Steele selects Zach Frazier as his first team center. Steele is also high on sophomore running back CJ Donaldson taking his game to another level after a breakout freshman season, placing him on the second team.

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But those two, who made most similar lists, are not the only Mountaineers to warrant inclusion. WVU’s other veteran offensive lineman Doug Nester makes the third team. He’s also joined by a new transfer addition, with wide receiver Ja’Shaun Poke.

Four more West Virginia players are on Steele’s team as fourth team selections. Those players are offensive tackle Wyatt Milum, defensive end Sean Martin, who head coach Neal Brown has labeled as the new leader of the defense, safety Aubrey Burks and punter Oliver Straw.

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So the silver lining for WVU could be having a solid group of elite players on the roster. If those players can do enough and if any of the others will step up as well to lead the Mountaineers to a winning season is still yet to be determined.