Which Players Are Standing Out on WVU Defensive Line?

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – With so much focus on how the WVU defense will perform in 2024, Neal Brown talked about one particular group after fall camp practice on Monday.

Brown called out a few members of the defensive line who have been standing out in a positive way. According to Brown, transfer T.J. Jackson and Eddie Vesterinen are impressing him with their “high motors” and work ethics. This is nothing new for Brown when it comes to Vesterinen, but Jackson will be making his Mountaineer debut this season after transferring from Troy in January.

For more of what to expect from Jackson, PFF ranks Jackson as one of their highest graded defensive transfers. They have Jackson with a grade of 89.7, tying him with Indiana cornerback D’Angelo Ponds for third on their list. Jackson is also the highest graded player at his position, ranking well ahead of other defensive tackles.

Hype for WVU DL Intensifies After Rank Among Defensive Transfers

Brown also noted he believes Sean Martin, the most tenured leader of the unit, still has another level he can reach in his game as well.

Just a few days earlier, WVU defensive line coach Andrew Jackson talked about this year’s group being deeper than any other since he’s been in Morgantown. While Jackson said he can’t commit to a nine-man rotation, he actually won’t rule it out based on the overall talent and ability of the defensive line as a whole.

Tyrin Bradley, who is entering his second year with the program after transferring from the FCS level, discussed the coaching staff’s plan to generate a stronger pass rush.

Bradley even credited a new addition to the coaching staff with helping to unlock more out of his game.

“He changed the trajectory of our room. He’s allowed me to be more free,” said Bradley about outside linebackers coach Victor Cabral, who has been an integral influence on the entire defense.

For a related story, WVU linebacker Josiah Trotter has a Pro Football Hall of Famer as a mentor.