WVU Coach Sees Major Difference in CB Jacolby Spells

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Jacolby Spells burst on the college football scene after making a big play to beat a rival, but he’s struggled and dealt with injuries ever since. Now with the 2024 season on the horizon, a WVU coach already sees a major change in the junior cornerback.

WVU co-defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley said he sees a “night and day” difference in Spells while talking to the media after fall camp practice. In fact, Spells has made such major strides in his development and recovery from offseason surgery that Brown expects him to be ready for Week 1 against Penn State.

“Jacolby has done a really good job post-surgery with his rehab and looks really good. Once we can get him to where he can full go, we’ll see at what point that’ll be. But Jacolby is a prime example – some guys progress faster than others and some guys it takes time. Especially in the last year he has grown and taken advantage of the development piece of our program and quite honestly is night and day from last year to this year. From his approach to training, his body, just overall being an athlete, being a collegiate football player at this level,” explained Lesley.

He then elaborated even further. “Probably the thing that sticks out the most to me is Jacolby is stronger. I think he’s probably a little faster I think he understands now how to play corner at this level. Just simple things. You generally start with man coverage and go from there. He has made a drastic improvement. Just every day his approach, especially since his surgery.”

Kelsie LeRose / WVSN

Spells is a big reason why co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach ShaDon Brown is so confident in the secondary’s depth. “We’ve got a lot of talent,” said Brown. “Right now we’re trying to find the best five- the best five guys that go out there regardless of positions, so we’re mixing and matching a little bit and playing guys at multiple spots, which allows them to show some of their versatility and their skill set, and it also gives us an idea of what we can and what we can’t do.”

Spells appeared in 12 games during the 2023 season, but spent most of that time on special teams. He made 13 tackles in eight games in 2022 and made the game clinching pick-6 to lock up the win over Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.

For a related story, WVU coaches discuss their expectations for newcomer Ayden Garnes.