MORGANTOWN — West Virginia is confident that its offensive line will once again rank among the top in the Big 12, providing quarterback Garrett Greene with ample time to pass and creating openings for the running backs. However, there is a noticeable gap to fill in the center position left by the departure of Zach Frazier, the standout player headed for the NFL.
Zach Frazier, hailing from Fairmont Senior High, was a key figure as the Mountaineers’ center for four years until an injury in his final regular-season game disrupted his outstanding All-American performance.
The team is now adjusting to Brandon Yates stepping in to replace Frazier, but the void left by the former center is palpable.
Offensive coordinator Chad Scott acknowledged the significant impact of Frazier’s absence, emphasizing his unique qualities on and off the field. Frazier’s leadership and physical presence are irreplaceable, setting a high standard for his successors.
While Brandon Yates fills the position on the field, the leadership role once held by Frazier now falls on the experienced shoulders of quarterback Garrett Greene. As Greene embraces his role as a veteran player, he brings a different approach to leadership compared to Frazier, infusing the team with his infectious personality and drive for excellence.
Looking back at the previous season, despite achieving nine wins and exceeding expectations, Greene remains unsatisfied, believing that the team could have achieved even greater success. He sets high aspirations for the upcoming season, aiming to elevate the team’s performance and push beyond previous accomplishments.
In other sports news, former WVU and Michigan basketball coach John Beilein was approached by Michigan as a potential candidate to replace Juwan Howard, highlighting the dynamic nature of coaching changes in collegiate sports.
Furthermore, the rise of Beanie Bishop from a transfer player to a standout performer for the Mountaineers showcases the unpredictability and talent present in college athletics. Bishop’s impressive display at the Big 12 Pro Day has garnered attention from NFL scouts, positioning him as a promising prospect for the upcoming draft.
Transitioning to baseball, former WVU centerfielder Victor Scott II has made strides in the St. Louis Cardinals’ farm system, earning a spot as the team’s opening day center fielder. Despite facing formidable opponents like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Scott’s debut in the major leagues marks a significant milestone in his athletic career.
As the sports scene continues to evolve, the appointment of new WVU men’s basketball coach Darian DeVries sheds light on his athletic background rooted in football. Despite coming from a football-oriented family, DeVries found his passion in basketball, ultimately leading him to a successful coaching career.