Scouting the Big East: West Virginia
West Va

Posted Jul 13, 2002


It’s going to be a tough road for WVU as this one-time running offense that featured a pocket passer looks to go to more of a spread-aerial attack, yet does not have the personnel for it. Likewise the defense moves to a three-four and there will be more pressure on the linemen up front. Not an exciting year for Mountaineer prospects, similar to the outlook for the season.

West Virginia Mountaineers

Offensively they have a trio of "nice" prospects. Avon Cobourne is a slippery, elusive runner that sets up defenders making them miss, displaying toughness and grit between the tackles. Cobourne puts a pad into defenders and works his runs, possessing some speed through the hole.  He is a lot like former WVU ball carrier Amos Zereoue, now with the Steelers. Like "Famous Amos" he is shorter than you’d like in a feature runner but does not possesses nearly the same speed or ability to run outside of tackle as the former Moutaineer did and more than likely will end up in the middle rounds. Receiver Phil Braxton has the size/speed numbers scouts love, flashing abilities to make the difficult reception down the field but has only displayed minimal consistency to this point and will fall into the late frames at best. Tackle Lance Nimmo has size, size potential and some skill. Nimmo is far from the final product but does own a bit of upside potential, which makes him a nice long-term prospect.

David Upchurch is a smallish, but explosive, interior tackle that now moves to the nose. Upchurch plays with excellent leverage, quickness and heart, all along showing a good head for the ball and game. He could be a good fit for the "three-position" at the next level and a good senior campaign could push him into the middle rounds. Defensive end Jason Davis has nice size and abilities to rush the passer but needs to get more involved in the game while junior linebacker Grant Wiley could benefit from the new system and is someone to watch for the future.



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