As the West Virginia Mountaineers prepare for the 2025 football season, the defense will rely heavily on a strong group of returning players.
Using data from Pro Football Focus (PFF), which provides advanced football analytics, we take a closer look at the key defensive players coming back, including transfers, and the experience they gained during the 2024 season measured by their snap counts.
Defensive Line
West Virginia’s defensive line features a mix of veterans and newcomers who saw plenty of action last year:
- Asani Redwood was the defensive line workhorse, playing 372 snaps over 13 games.
- Hammond Russell was also a regular, contributing 325 snaps in 13 games.
- Braden Siders, a transfer, made a strong impression in just 8 games, recording 280 snaps.
- Eddie Kelly, another transfer, appeared in all 13 games and logged 224 snaps.
- Nate Gabriel added valuable depth with 127 snaps across 12 games.
- Edward Vesterinen saw limited action with 46 snaps in 2 games but could develop into a role player.
Linebackers
The linebacker group returns several key players, including multiple transfers who gained significant playing time last season:
- Chase Wilson led the linebackers with 788 snaps in 13 games, showing durability and consistency.
- Ben Bogle followed closely with 725 snaps in 12 games.
- Devin Grant logged 546 snaps over 14 games, a steady presence.
- Jimmori Robinson appeared in 13 games, playing 528 snaps.
- Other contributors include Reid Carrico (282 snaps, 12 games), John Lewis (134 snaps, 7 games), Ben Cutter (122 snaps, 13 games), Caden Biser (35 snaps, 4 games), Ashton Woods (2 snaps, 6 games), and Curtis Jones (1 snap, 1 game).
Safeties
West Virginia’s safety unit is anchored by experienced transfers and returning players:
- Darrian Lewis, Fred Perry, and Jordan Walker all transferred in last year and each played approximately 750 snaps over 12 games.
- Keke Tarnue played 414 snaps in 11 games and is expected to continue contributing.
- Depth players Israel Boyce (138 snaps, 8 games) and Zae Jennings (27 snaps, 3 games) add rotation options.
- Justin Harrington had limited action with 4 snaps in 1 game but could see more time.
Cornerbacks
The cornerback position boasts a deep and experienced group:
- Transfer Michael Coats led the secondary with 850 snaps in 13 games.
- Jordan Scruggs and Devonte Golden-Nelson, also transfers, logged 662 and 613 snaps respectively.
- Jason Chambers contributed 506 snaps in 11 games.
- Additional players like Derek Carter (280 snaps, 12 games) and Nick Taylor (143 snaps, 7 games) provide valuable depth.
West Virginia’s defense for the 2025 season returns a solid core of experienced players, especially among transfers who have already logged significant playing time. With many defenders playing 500 or more snaps last year, the Mountaineers have a strong foundation to build on.
This mix of seasoned veterans and new talent will be crucial as West Virginia looks to improve and compete at a higher level this season under head coach Rich Rodriguez. Fans can expect a defense ready to make an impact and help drive the team’s success.
