How’s that old adage go? Offense sells tickets, defense wins championships? That was definitely the case for the 2012 West Virginia Mountaineers team. After fans came to games and “ooed” and “aahed” over an offense that set numerous records, those same fans cursed the defense. This season, Keith Patterson has replaced Joe DeForest at defensive coordinator in hopes of turning around a team that ranked 108th in total defense.
Patterson is an emotional guy and he’ll be aiming to teach the WVU defense, especially the young guys, how to take the field with passion and play like they own the field. This is a good thing, especially when so many times last season we were forced to watch the defense give up huge plays and then hang their heads as they headed to the sideline.
This season, anyone could step up and become a leader on this defense. After Karl Joseph and Will Clarke, anyone could be a top performer. Here are some players who could have a breakout season for the defense this coming season:
Nana Kyeremeh, CB – Kyeremeh is a speedy corner back who is still learning how to manage that speed as it relates to the college level. After sitting behind Pat Miller and Broderick Jenkins last season, Kyeremeh is slated to start at the number two corner spot. He stepped in at times when Miller or Jenkins were displeasing Dana Holgorsen. Kyeremeh has a great deal of upside but learning how to manage his space and spend will be key as he gets more playing time this season. Look for him to catch on quick and make an impact in the secondary.
Kyle Rose, DE – Rose is a hybrid type player who could use his speed and size to bulrush from the outside. He’s 6’4” and 283 pounds and has good speed. With teams putting most of their attention on Will Clarke and Shaq Rowell, Rose could flourish. This season will mark the first real playing time for Rose but he’s been working hard this off-season and all of last season. Look for his hard work to pay dividends for the Mountaineers this season.
Darwin Cook, S – Cook is one of those guys who everyone expects to step up and lead this defense. Last season he averaged just over five tackles per game. He had one interception and one sack last season, also. He’s been working hard this spring and desperately wants to be the guy that everyone knows he can be. After a solid sophomore campaign, Cook was a victim of injuries and sub-par play during his junior season, which eventually led to him losing his starting spot. This spring, he’s back into the top spot and it doesn’t look like he’s going to give it up any time soon.
Changing the fans perspective on the defense will be no easy task, but Patterson and the rest of the coaching staff has accepted the challenge.
