Rickey Giles Critical for Secondary’s Future | WVU Football All 105

All 105 is a West Virginia Sports Now series profiling each member of the 2026 WVU Football Roster.

West Virginia needs to revamp their secondary after two straight years with one of the worst pass defenses in FBS. To that end, they’ve gone out to find transfers from both other Division I programs and from junior colleges, but one or two year stopgaps will only provide a temporary fix.

That’s why the recruitment of players like freshman safety Rickey Giles, a three-star recruit and state champion from football-crazy Texas, matter for the Mountaineers. Giles stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 195 pounds. He amassed 44 tackles and four interceptions during his senior season, showing the versatility expected as a team’s last line of defense.

If head coach Rich Rodriguez and safeties coach Gabe Franklin can develop and retain players like Giles, they’ll have a chance to build momentum for the position group, momentum that stays from season to season.

28 • Rickey Giles, freshman safety

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Post-Camp Outlook: West Virginia had one of the worst pass defenses in the nation in each of the past two seasons. While freshmen typically struggle to earn many snaps, Giles could end up thrust into the spotlight if the Mountaineers don’t take a step in the right direction.

Projected Role: Barring catastrophe, if Giles earns any playing time this season, expect him to do so as a backup or on special teams. 

Accolades, Highlights: Giles earned a three-star rating in high school, intercepting four passes and making 44 tackles on a state championship team in the Lone Star State.

Coverage Links:

2026 Texas Safety Rickey Giles Picks WVU Football Over Big 12 Foe