Published: August 19, 2008 11:40 pm         

Nine frosh in WVU offense two-deep

MORGANTOWN — Despite eight veterans with starting experience, West Virginia’s offense shows no fewer than nine freshmen in the two-deep for the Aug. 30 season opener against Villanova at home.

In contrast, there are just three first-year players in the defense’s two-deep and only five who have started games.

Heisman hopeful Patrick White, the third-year starter at quarterback, readily admitted it’s the youngest offensive unit in his five years here. He said it’s indicative of the tremendous 2008 recruiting class the new coaching staff has put together.

Associate head coach Doc Holliday admitted that no one likes to have to involve so many freshmen in the two-deep. But he said the staff still is evaluating players while pushing preparations for the first game.

Tyler Urban, 6-foot-4, 240-pound tight end, is the only rookie slated to be in the starting lineup 11 days hence. He has been outstanding throughout preseason practice.

Other freshmen in the offense’s two-deep, which does list three players at five positions, include Tyler Rader behind Urban, tackles Don Barclay and Josh Jenkins, wide receiver/QB Bradley Starks, tailbacks Mark Rodgers and Zach Hulce and fullback/TE Ricky Kovatch.

Defensively, Eain Smith is a freshman starting at free safety. His backup Robert Sands also is a newcomer, with defensive end Julian Miller the other first-year player.

Besides White, holdover starters on offense include tackles Ryan Stanchek and Selvish Capers, guards Greg Isdaner and Jake Figner and center Mike Dent, and wide receivers Dorrell Jalloh and Tito Gonzales.

New starters in addition to Urban are sophomore tailback Noel Devine, sophomore fullback/tight end Will Johnson, junior wide receiver Alric Arnett and sophomore slot/TB Jock Sanders.

Experienced starters on defense include sophomore tackle Scooter Berry, linebackers Reed Williams and Mortty Ivy, defensive tackle Pat Liebig and bandit safety Quinton Andrews.

If Williams is unable to play, sophomore Pat Lazear will replace him. Other set starters include sophomore nose tackle Chris Neild, junior defensive end Zac Cooper, sophomore linebacker J.T. Thomas, cornerbacks juniors Kent Richardson and Ellis Lankster, and either junior Boogie Allen or sophomore Sidney Glover at strong safety.

Senior Pat McAfee will do both the placekicking and punting, with Adam Hughes the long snapper and Jeremy Kash the holder.

Devine is the lead kick return man, with Lankster lead punt returner.