MORGANTOWN — As June approaches, the spring portal opening is in the rearview mirror, and it seems West Virginia could be done with adding players. There is still time to add players, but the Mountaineers haven’t added a player in over a week, certainly slowing down.
During the winter period, Rich Rodriguez added a flurry of players, which was expected since a lot of players departed because of the coaching change. It wasn’t expected in the spring, though.
Rodriguez continued on the offense in the spring after cutting a good chunk of players after the spring game, totaling 52 additions so far.
It’ll be interesting to see how Rodriguez manages the roster being over by 10-plus players with no more portal openings until the winter. He does have until a week before the season to finalize the roster, though, so he has time.
This spring portal was another success. Rodriguez talked all spring about how he wanted to add depth to certain positions, and he bulked up.
Digging through the 20-plus spring additions, here are some to keep an eye on as potential impact players this fall.
Akron DB, Darrian Lewis
Other than pass rusher Jimmori Robinson, Akron defensive back Darrian Lewis could arguably be one of the bigger additions in both portal periods combined.
Lewis was one of the top defensive backs in the portal this period, receiving offers from Big 10 schools like Purdue and Illinois. His ratings weren’t too reflecting of his stats.
Lewis’ experience is what made him appealing to Rodriguez. Lewis played three seasons with the Zips, recording 70-plus tackles in both of the last two seasons. Last year, he had six pass break ups and an interception.
He’s a versatile defensive back that can defend in the slot, in the box or at safety. West Virginia lost leading tacklers in the secondary Anthony Wilson Jr. and Jaheem Joseph, so it needed some secondary help.
Lewis can find a role somewhere in the secondary and has a chance to make an impact in the fall.
SMU RB, Jaylan Knighton
SMU running back Jaylan Knighton was one of many Power Four players Rodriguez added this spring, and another player with a lot of experience. Knighton played five years of college football with three at Miami and two with the Mustangs.
Last year, Knighton was injured and only rushed for 43 yards, but before that, he ran for his career-best 745 yards and seven touchdowns. Knighton’s also a threat to catch the ball out the backfield, too.
West Virginia’s leading rusher, Jahiem White, will most likely be the starter on Day 1, but there wasn’t much depth behind him. White was also injured most of the spring and didn’t suit up for the spring game. Knighton provides another experience back behind White, creating a sort of running back by committee, allowing for White to rest.
Rodriguez prioritized the running back position this spring. Knighton’s not the only running back added, but a veteran at the Power Four level.
Northern Illinois TE, Grayson Barnes
In Rodriguez’s offense, tight ends don’t see much action in the passing game, and are more in there to block for the run. At Jacksonville State, the leading tight end had just 11 grabs. Rodriguez didn’t prioritize the tight end position this period compared to others, adding just two.
Rodriguez might use the tight ends in the passing game more with the addition of Northern Illinois’ Grayson Barnes. Barnes can make contested grabs and had a one-handed touchdown catch against Fresno State. Barnes had 31 catches and four touchdowns last year. He’s a reliable target.
Tight end coach Michael Nysewander talked about how tight ends in Rodriguez’s offense need to be three-down players. The tempo offense doesn’t allow for substitutions, so a tight end will block on the run and then line up and potentially run a route just seconds after. Barnes could be the guy for the job. He can catch and, at 6-foot-5, could throw a block.
Barnes should be another interesting name to watch this fall.
Incarnate Word DL, Devin Grant
Incarnate Word defensive lineman Devin Grant is another veteran with production. After adding Robinson in the fall, Rodriguez hadn’t made too many additions to the defensive line, but hit on Grant, who landed on Colorado out of high school.
Grant didn’t see too much action in his first two years with the Buffalos, and when Deion Sanders took over, Grant transferred to Incarnate Word.
Grant’s production improved after transferring. Last season, Grant recorded 7.5 sacks, helping his squad to the FCS playoffs.
Grant and Robinson attacking the quarterback makes a solid pass rush unit, which hasn’t been seen in Morgantown in a couple of years. Defensive coordinator Zac Alley said West Virginia needed to do a better job rushing the passer, and Grant will help.
Mississippi State OL, Carson Lee
Other than wide receiver, Rodriguez spent most of the portal adding protection for his yet to be named quarterback, and more bodies to block for his run game. Rodriguez added 10 linemen in the portal after taking over in December.
The highest rated line addition was Mississippi State’s Carson Lee, who is the third highest rated addition out of the 50-plus players. At the time, he was arguably the best linemen left in the portal.
Lee played mainly at Eastern Michigan, and just played for the Bulldogs for the spring, but showed enough production with the Eagles to land multiple Power Four offers. He played everywhere, making starts at guard, tackle and center.
Lee could be a starter in the fall with his versatility to play everywhere.
