Football

WVU starting offensive lineman Amare “Bubba” Grayson to miss rest of regular season

MORGANTOWN -- West Virginia football head coach Rich Rodriguez announced on his radio show Monday night that starting left guard Amare “Bubba” Grayson will be out for the regular season with a high ankle injury. He’ll have tightrope surgery and is hoping to play if the Mountaineers were to make a bowl game.

“Just talked to Rich Trickett before the game, and he said that’s our best lineman by far.”

Grayson transferred over this offseason from Jacksonville State with offensive line coach Rick Trickett. Grayson played as a true freshman for the Gamecocks and started in eight games. He graded as the third-best pass blocker with 97.8% effectiveness with no sacks allowed in 224 passing plays. The following season, he played right guard and was named to the Conference USA first team.

This year, he’s been just as good on and off the field. Grayson played a major role in introducing Trickett’s coaching to the new players on the roster. He’s played in all eight games. Grayson was injured at the start of the Texas Tech game. Grayson has two more years with the Mountaineers if he weren’t to play another snap this season.

“That’ll be a blow,” Rodriguez said.

Without Grayson, Nick Krahe, who can play multiple positions, will shift over to left guard, and Josh Aisosa can also play both guard spots. Rodriguez said there are other players who can fill in, too.

Rodriguez mentioned safety Jacob Bradford had the flu, so he didn’t make the trip. He’s healthy now.

“That happens. We’ve been pretty fortunate, I think, for the most part, injury-wise, but these things kind of creep up on you.”