It might be hard to believe, but West Virginia has already completed one-third of its regular season. Four games in, eight to go, and it’s time to assess how the team has performed across various positions. While Pro Football Focus (PFF) offers its own grades based on data and snaps, our analysis dives deeper, taking into account expectations, play calls, and overall execution. After all, the numbers alone don’t always tell the full story.
Without further ado, here’s how WVU’s players are grading out so far:
Quarterbacks
- PFF Grades
Garrett Greene (265 snaps) – 75.3
Nicco Marchiol (11 snaps) – 41.3 - Grade: C
The quarterback position has been shaky at best. Out of twelve quarters played against FBS opponents, Garrett Greene has only performed well in about four. His standout moment came during the final quarter against Kansas, where he pulled through in “winning time.” However, inconsistent play has plagued his performance, particularly in the games against Pitt and Penn State. The only reason this grade isn’t lower is because Greene showed flashes of leadership when it mattered most against Kansas. Without those few strong moments, this position’s grade would have been significantly worse.
Running Backs
- PFF Grades
CJ Donaldson (143 snaps) – 71.3
Jahiem White (126 snaps) – 59.0
Jaylen Anderson (6 snaps) – 67.9 - Grade: C-
Donaldson, while improved from last season, hasn’t been as explosive as expected. White, on the other hand, has regressed from his late-season form last year. Excluding the FCS game, the rushing numbers are underwhelming—Donaldson is averaging 4.3 yards per carry, and White only 3.5. Add in their lack of contribution in the passing game and issues with pass blocking, and it’s clear this group has struggled to find consistency.
Tight Ends
- PFF Grades
Kole Taylor (223 snaps) – 66.6
Treylan Davis (101 snaps) – 49.2 - Grade: C+
The tight ends’ underwhelming production isn’t entirely on them. It seems the offense isn’t utilizing this group as much as anticipated, and Garrett Greene rarely looks their way. When targeted, Taylor has been solid, but the lack of involvement in the passing game is noticeable. The tight ends have combined for just four catches for eight yards, and the blocking from this group hasn’t been particularly strong either. With a little more involvement, this group could improve its grade.
Wide Receivers
- PFF Grades
Hudson Clement (199 snaps) – 74.2
Traylon Ray (153 snaps) – 69.2
Preston Fox (136 snaps) – 57.7 - Grade: B
The receivers have done their job, but poor quarterback play has held them back. In several games, they were getting open, but Greene couldn’t connect. Hudson Clement had a standout performance, and Traylon Ray and Rodney Gallagher have both made crucial catches. If quarterback play improves, this group has the potential to be a major asset moving forward.
Offensive Tackles
- PFF Grades
Nick Malone (267 snaps) – 81.5
Wyatt Milum (240 snaps) – 88.7 - Grade: A
The tackles have been exceptional. Malone and Milum have formed one of the best duos in the country, providing solid protection on both sides of the line. There were a few minor struggles early in the season, but overall, this group has been one of the brightest spots on the team.
Interior Offensive Linemen
- PFF Grades
Tomas Rimac (276 snaps) – 72.3
Ja’Quay Hubbard (276 snaps) – 68.2
Brandon Yates (270 snaps) – 74.5 - Grade: B+
The interior linemen have been solid but not without fault. Communication issues have led to some pressures up the middle, and the group has committed a few penalties. Still, they’ve provided solid run blocking and protected the quarterback well enough to earn a good grade.
Defensive Line
- PFF Grades
TJ Jackson (167 snaps) – 82.9
Sean Martin (177 snaps) – 58.7 - Grade: B-
The defensive line has been inconsistent but improving. Jackson has been a standout, helping to elevate the pass rush, while others have struggled at times. Run defense issues, particularly with stunts and twists, were noticeable but have since been addressed. Overall, the group has performed well enough to contribute to a winning team.
Edge Rushers
- PFF Grades
Tyrin Bradley (169 snaps) – 74.9
Ty French (108 snaps) – 64.5 - Grade: B
While the edge rushers were almost invisible in the season opener against Penn State, they’ve steadily improved. Bradley in particular has made an impact with eight pressures in the Pitt game. French, however, has been a virtual non-factor and needs to step up.
Linebackers
- PFF Grades
Trey Lathan (212 snaps) – 49.8
Josiah Trotter (192 snaps) – 72.0 - Grade: B
The linebackers have been highly active, with Lathan and Trotter flying around the field, particularly in the Kansas game. However, their struggles in pass coverage have been significant, holding this group back from earning a higher grade.
Cornerbacks
- PFF Grades
Ayden Garnes (212 snaps) – 55.5
Garnett Hollis (194 snaps) – 53.3 - Grade: F
There’s no sugar-coating it—the cornerback position has been a disaster. Missed coverages, poor tackling, and a lack of impact plays have been the theme for this unit. Improvement is needed fast, or this could be a fatal flaw for the defense moving forward.
Safeties
- PFF Grades
Anthony Wilson (260 snaps) – 68.1
Jaheem Joseph (227 snaps) – 53.5 - Grade: D-
Wilson has been the lone bright spot in a group that has struggled mightily. Burks has been decent against the run but poor in coverage, and Joseph has been inconsistent. Communication issues and missed assignments have plagued this unit.
Special Teams
- Grade: B-
Kicker Michael Hayes has been perfect on field goals and extra points, and the team has been solid in coverage. However, poor return averages and a blocked punt for a touchdown keep this group from earning a higher grade.
Conclusion
West Virginia has had its ups and downs through the first third of the season. While some units, like the offensive line and wide receivers, have shown promise, others, like the cornerbacks and safeties, need drastic improvement if the team hopes to compete for a bowl game. There’s still time to turn things around, but adjustments will be crucial moving forward.
