MORGANTOWN (WVDN)- If the West Virginia Mountaineers are going to reach the heights some within the program have set their sights on, then the defensive side of the ball is going to have to be ready to roll.
And that is all going to start up front along the defensive line.
West Virginia has several experienced options along the front and if all play to their potential, there is no reason to suggest the defense can’t be among the top half in the Big 12 Conference.
The DL is rather deep as the Mountaineers have a lot of options, some of which won’t be mentioned here, but there is always a chance one of those younger guys will step up to have an immediate impact.
Zac Alley’s defense is a multiple look system that will have Ezekiel Durham-Campbell on one end with Harper Holloman coming off the edge. Durham-Campbell–a transfer from WVU’s first opponent this season, Coastal Carolina–had 42 tackles, 8 TFL, and 5.5 sacks a year ago. He has been an explosive player in camp, and the staff feels good with him at that spot. Holloman made his way to Morgantown from Western Kentucky where he finished with 39 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 2 sacks, and 6 pass breakups. He will be flying off the edge (a hybrid line position) a lot in Alley’s defense.
On the inside, the Mountaineers have Nate Gabriel manning the defensive tackle spot. Gabriel has been at WVU for a few years and is arguably the leader of the whole line. He is made to eat up blockers rather than get a bunch of shiny stats, but he did have 13 tackles and a sack a season ago. Gabriel is an all-Big 12 contender and should have a good junior season. KJ Henson is the other player that will get the most snaps. A junior college transfer, Henson has proved in practice he is ready for the big time and has reportedly made a lot of eye-opening plays during fall camp.
Other players that will see action and plenty of it, include Corey Mcintyre, Jr., Jaylen Thomas, Darius Wiley, and David Afogho. There could potentially be even more and as mentioned above, the Mountaineers are rather deep on bodies this season.
If the D-Line and Edge positions succeed in 2026, with the offense it looks like the Mountaineers will have, then WVU could find themselves in a good spot come November/December in the standings.
