WVU Football Makes One Noticeable Change to Depth Chart, Hinting Key Starter

The bye week is over and the WVU football staff is back to work, focusing on their next opponent. And at the start of the week, part of getting ready for UCF is releasing an updated depth chart.

As expected, West Virginia’s depth chart still includes the word “or” all over it. However, there’s one noticeable change that may hint on at least one key starter.

After a solid outing in his first start on the road at BYU, freshman Khalil Wilkins is listed above every other quarterback on the roster, even including Nicco Marchiol, who is out for the rest of the season. This is the first time a week opened with Wilkins’ name listed above the others.

Of course, that does not necessarily mean he’s the QB1, especially since “or” is placed after his named and before fellow freshman Scotty Fox.

With that said, WV Sports Now does currently expect Wilkins to start again at UCF.

Aside from the outcome of the game, Rich Rodriguez seemed mostly satisfied with the effort of his freshman starting quarterback in WVU’s 38-24 loss at BYU.

And when asked directly to evaluate Khalil Wilkins’ play from his first college start, Rodriguez was willing to cut the kid some slack.

Rich Rodriguez Evaluates Khalil Wilkins’ Play in ‘Tough Environment’ at BYU

“Play hard. He was a freshman in that kind of environment,” said Rodriguez.

“I thought he was into the game. I think he would like to have a lot of plays back, but I also think he competed his tail off,” he added.

Wilkins finished his debut start 7-for-15 through the air for just 81 yards and two interceptions. With most of the plays called as designed runs, Wilkins also added 89 yards on the ground off 23 rushing attempts and a score.

“Shoot, that was a rough environment to get your first start in,” reiterated Rodriguez, showing Wilkins a level of grace.

Wilkins was not the only freshman quarterback to take a snap for the Mountaineers. Scotty Fox, who had a big run in the season opener and threw two picks in the Backyard Brawl, was a perfect 3-for-3 passing for 54 yards. Fox capped off his night by throwing a touchdown strike to Cam Vaughn to get WVU on the board one last time. Fox also ran for 22 yards.

West Virginia is currently coming off a 38-24 loss at BYU and 2-4 and 0-3 in Big 12 play. Conversely, UCF is now 3-3 and 0-3 in the conference after losing to Cincinnati on Saturday.

WVU and UCF are set to battle at FBC Mortgage Stadium at 1 pm ET.

Find more coverage of Rich Rodriguez and the WVU football program at WV Sports Now.

For a related story, WVU is viewed as a touchdown underdog against UCF.