WVU Football 2024 Position Group Preview: Can DL Stay Formidable?

Many expected the WVU defensive line to go from a strength of the team to a weakness in 2023, mostly due to the loss of Dante Stills to the NFL. Stills is a type of player that can’t be replaced, but those still around did an admiral job in filling the void.

Much to the surprise of some, several members of the defensive line stepped up and the line was arguably just as formidable as anyone could expect. And now  a transfer like TJ Jackson, an addition garnering praise around the country, will be added to the mix to offer more experience and talent.

In 2023, Sean Martin stepped up as the leader of the group in place of Stills, but Martin isn’t a vocal leader and more of a “lead by example” type of guy. Having Jackson and more seasoning from key players like Eddie Vesterinen, Fatorma Mulbah, Taurus Simmons, Bradley Dudley, Hammond Russell and Asani Redwood and the line should be a tougher challenge for opposing offenses moving forward.

There is some reason for concern though, most notably because the defensive line endured the most key losses of any other position group. Even though Martin and many of his teammates will be back, Davoan Hawkins is out of eligibility, Mike Lockhart left for SMU and Tomiwa Durojaiye took his talents to Florida State after boosting his value following stellar play as a Mountaineer.

Sean Martin Sticking Around to Maintain Continuity on West Virginia’s DL

Lockhart’s departure will now mean even more playing time for Mulbah, granted he was West Virginia’s best run-stopper last season. Durojaiye leaving is what triggered the addition of Jackson. Can Jackson do what he did at Troy in the Big 12? The WVU coaching staff is banking on him being ready for major conference ball right away, and while that might be the case, can cause the defensive end area to take a dip early on.

WVU defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley’s main plan for the defense throughout the spring is to continue building chemistry and getting any of the new additions acclimated, something that will be most important on the defensive line. But if those who were cast into bigger roles last season can keep that same level of play and others can continue to improve after gaining experience, the line should be just as formidable again in 2024. Look for fan favorite Vesterinen to bhave an even greater impact and be an unsung hero for the line once again.