**Ten Young Mountaineers Who Made a Move During the Bye Week**
In the world of college football, the bye week serves as an essential breather, allowing teams to regroup, focus on their weaknesses, and fine-tune their strategies. For the West Virginia Mountaineers, the bye week presented an opportunity not only for rest but for a fresh crop of young players to step up and make an impact. While the more established veterans often get the headlines, it is the younger athletes who use this time to prove their worth and show that they’re ready to contribute when called upon. Here are ten young Mountaineers who made a significant move during the bye week, positioning themselves for more playing time as the season progresses.
**1. Nicco Marchiol (Quarterback)**
After showing flashes of promise earlier in the season, redshirt freshman Nicco Marchiol used the bye week to refine his skills and build chemistry with his receivers. With the quarterback room in transition, Marchiol’s ability to digest the playbook and take control in practice positioned him as a potential future leader for the Mountaineers. His poise and improvement on the practice field made it clear he’s ready for an increased role if called upon.
**2. Jahiem White (Running Back)**
One of the most talked-about freshmen of the bye week was Jahiem White, who demonstrated explosive speed and vision during scrimmages. White, who had been waiting in the wings, made his case as a key piece of the running back rotation. His agility and ability to break tackles could give West Virginia another dynamic weapon in the backfield.
**3. Devin Carter (Wide Receiver)**
Transfer Devin Carter, while not a true freshman, used the bye week to further acclimate to the Mountaineers’ system and form better rapport with quarterback Garrett Greene. Carter, a proven target at the collegiate level, showed that he could be a top receiving option moving forward, with solid route running and excellent ball tracking. His readiness to make plays down the field was evident during team drills.
**4. Sean Martin (Defensive Line)**
Defensive lineman Sean Martin has been a key rotational player for the Mountaineers, but during the bye week, he displayed an increased level of maturity and physicality. He dominated in one-on-one drills, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. With a few tweaks to his technique and conditioning, Martin is poised to become one of the team’s leaders on defense.
**5. Aubrey Burks (Safety)**
Aubrey Burks’ athleticism and high football IQ made him one of the standout performers during the bye week. As a young safety, Burks worked on improving his coverage skills and his ability to read quarterbacks. His communication with the defensive unit was crisp, and his ball-hawking ability could see him earn more snaps in the secondary.
**6. Ja’Quay Hubbard (Offensive Tackle)**
The offensive line often goes unnoticed, but Ja’Quay Hubbard’s work ethic during the bye week earned him attention. His commitment to refining his technique and getting stronger in the weight room has made him a potential starter down the line. Hubbard’s growth in both pass protection and run blocking has shown that he’s ready to contribute in a significant way.
**7. Ethan Payne (Linebacker)**
Ethan Payne, a freshman linebacker, used the bye week to elevate his playmaking ability. With his quickness and high motor, Payne has shown he can compete at the Power Five level. The coaching staff was impressed by his leadership on the field, and his awareness in the defensive schemes indicated that he could be an important asset for the Mountaineers’ defense as the season progresses.
**8. Beanie Bishop (Cornerback)**
In his first season with the Mountaineers, Beanie Bishop showed flashes of being a shutdown corner. During the bye week, he worked diligently on his footwork, improving his ability to stay with wide receivers and break up passes. His competitiveness in practice caught the attention of the coaching staff, and he’s likely to see an increased role in the secondary.
**9. Cole Stillwell (Tight End)**
Tight end Cole Stillwell, a redshirt freshman, made strides in the bye week with his blocking and route running. With the tight end position being key in both the passing game and as an extra blocker in the run game, Stillwell’s improvement made him a more reliable option for the offense. His versatility could lead to increased snaps in future games.
**10. James Homan (Defensive End)**
Finally, defensive end James Homan is a young player who used the bye week to refine his pass-rushing techniques. His relentless motor and ability to get to the quarterback make him a valuable asset on the edge. If Homan continues to develop his technique and adds more strength, he could become a force on the Mountaineer defense.
These ten young Mountaineers showcased growth, preparation, and determination during the bye week. Their contributions could have a lasting impact as they continue to carve out their roles on the team and help West Virginia push toward success in the remainder of the season.
