West Virginia impact freshmen are hoping to make a case for a successful future. The struggles continue for the West Virginia University Mountaineers. In their most recent matchup, the the Mountaineers fell to an Iowa State team that was previously winless in the Big XII conference. The season is winding down, and unless West Virginia wins out, they will not be eligible for a bowl game. Many freshmen have made it onto the field so far this season for WVU. A few have had some meaningful moments.
Leading the way for the West Virginia freshmen
If you’ve been following along this season, it’s been apparent who has made the biggest impact among the freshman class thus far. None other than running back, C.J. Donaldson. The first year runner burst onto the scene in West Virginia’s first game when he carried the ball for 125 yards and a touchdown against Pitt. Since that first game, Donaldson has tallied three other 100 yard rushing games. For the season, he has rushed for over 500 yards and eight touchdowns all while earning an impressive six yards per carry – pretty good for a converted tight end. Unfortunately for Donaldson and the Mountaineers, his freshman year will be cut short due to a season ending injury.
Jacolby Spells making an impact during his freshman season
Cornerback Jacolby Spells, out of Florida, was a huge grab for West Virginia on the recruiting trail. Spells was labeled as a four-star prospect and the 27th rated cornerback prospect by 247 Sports. Due to injury and poor play from the secondary, Spells was thrust into the action early in his career and the results have been a mixed bag. He grades out well in run defense with a 68.4 according to Pro Football Focus. West Virginia fans will be looking for his overall defensive grade to improve from its current rating of 59.3, something that can easily be obtained with more experience. His two scores, one on defense and one off of a blocked PAT, have put him right on the list as a standout of this West Virginia impact freshmen class for the Mountaineers.
Redshirt freshman Davis Mallinger
Our next member of the West Virginia impact freshmen class had a bit of a head start on the previous players. Davis Mallinger is another Florida native that came to West Virginia. Mallinger had offers from Tennesse, Mississippi State, and others. Initially he committed to Central Florida but had second thoughts and settled at West Virginia. Mallinger redshirted during his first year in Morgantown. However, he has since found himself a role on the struggling defense of the Mountaineers. In their game against Texas Tech, the safety was able to wrap up 10 tackles, a career high. The playing time has come with some growing pains, but his experience should prove worthwhile in the long haul.
A future for the freshman class
Throughout this season, these players have all gained valuable experience at the collegiate level. It’s now up to them to take the strides necessary to become great players that can turn the team around. There’s a responsibility placed on the coaching staff as well. In today’s transfer portal world the coaching staff will need to continue to solidify their relationship in order to hold onto these standouts of the West Virginia impact freshmen class. In 2012, There was another group West Virginia impact freshmen. The Mountaineers started freshmen Karl Joseph, K.J. Dillon, and Terrell Chestnut on defense. Will these three players be able to grow into their own like the Mountaineers before them?
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