Will Grier
Quarterback, #7
A transfer from Florida, Grier’s first season in Morgantown, West Virginia is panning out nicely. He’s thrown for over 300 yards in all but one game and ranks third in the nation (and the Big 12) in passing yards. But there’s no place on the field where Grier succeeds more than near the end zone.
The junior quarterback has tossed 34 passing touchdowns this season, good for second in the FBS. Grier was responsible for all four touchdowns West Virginia scored a week ago at Kansas State, throwing for 372 yards in the process. Sitting at 7–3, Grier’s Mountaineers still remain in contention for the conference crown. But tearing apart Texas’ secondary on Saturday is a must if Grier hopes to win the Big 12 for the first time in program history.
Gary Jennings
Wide receiver, #12
Jennings is one of three Mountaineer wideouts with over 900 yards receiving this year. The breakout star leads the pack in both receptions and yards in 2017, checking in at fourth and 11th in the nation in those categories, respectively.
Jennings opened the season with a statement in a close loss to Virginia Tech on Sept. 3. Against a typically strong Hokies defense, Jennings recorded 13 receptions and 189 yards. But the junior has kept his foot on the gas all season, and his 13 catches at Kansas State were a key factor in moving the chains and sealing the 28-23 victory late.
Kyzir White
Strong safety, #8
Former West Virginia wide receiver Kevin White was a seventh overall pick by the Chicago Bears in 2015. Now, his younger brother Kyzir White is making a name for himself as a strong safety. Kyzir ranks second on the team in tackles with 61.
Kyzir has also been the team’s X factor in the turnover battle, tallying team-highs with three interceptions and two forced fumbles this season. He contributed heavily to West Virginia’s tough-fought defensive victory over Texas last season, accumulating two sacks and forcing a fumble in a 24-20 victory. In his final season in Morgantown, both Kyzir and his brother Ka’Raun (at wide receiver) are continuing the tradition of family excellence wearing blue and gold.
David Sills V
Wide receiver, #13
Sills drew headlines years ago back when he was just in seventh grade. As a quarterback, he verbally committed to USC under head coach Lane Kiffin when Kiffin offered him a scholarship. Although Sills’ college career wouldn’t be spent under center, he has still made an incredible mark on the sport.
As a wide receiver, Sills has been as good as they come. The junior from Wilmington, Delaware has caught 18 touchdown receptions this year and leads the category by a mile — the next closest competitor has 11. Sills has recorded three “hat tricks” of touchdowns this season, propelling West Virginia to the 12th best scoring offense in college football.
