How would you rank WVU's most critical players for 2015?

[Vernon]

Our staff writer Greg Madia has released his top 15 over the last month and now we want to hear from you on your picks. When looking at WVU's roster who do you think are the most important players to the team's success this year? Here's a look at Greg's list.

1. Karl Joseph
2. Nick Kwiatkoski
   
3. Daryl Worley
   
4. Wendell Smallwood
   
5. Tyler Orlosky
   
6. KJ Dillon
   
7. Josh Lambert
   
8. Adam Pankey
9. Dravon Henry
   
10. Skyler Howard
    
11. Daikiel Shorts
    
12. Rushel Shell
    
13. Jared Barber
    
14. Larry Jefferson
15. Kyle Rose

 

[Vernon]

One other thing I was thinking while looking at that list. I think you could make the case for completely turning it upside down. Guys like Rose and Jefferson could be huge and Barber's leadership may be as important as anything. That would put Howard much closer to the top (he's number one for me) and Shell and the other backs have to produce or the offense will not reach its potential.

 

[KeatonsCorner]

I do not understand how our QB is not #1, much less #10

I also feel Jordan Thompson not being on the list is incorrect. WVU must have him be Skylar's "safety net" and get open underneath coverage once #3 rolls out.

 

[EnginEER 89]

So if I interpret this as 'who could we least afford to lose to injury, for example, I would go with

1. Howard
2. Worley
3. Lambert
4. Orlovsky
5. Pankey
6. Kwiatkowski

This is different question from'who is the best player?' I would probably put Kwiatkowski as #1 for that list.

I think we have some young talent at the LB and rb positions but our oline is still a bit thin. I feel ok about our dbs but Worley is a cut above. We also need the dline to improve a lot this year.

Lgm!

 

[There goes the Major]

Our staff writer Greg Madia has released his top 15 over the last month and now we want to hear from you on your picks. When looking at WVU's roster who do you think are the most important players to the team's success this year? Here's a look at Greg's list.

1. Karl Joseph
2. Nick Kwiatkoski
   
3. Daryl Worley
   
4. Wendell Smallwood
   
5. Tyler Orlosky
   
6. KJ Dillon
   
7. Josh Lambert
   
8. Adam Pankey
9. Dravon Henry
   
10. Skyler Howard
    
11. Daikiel Shorts
    
12. Rushel Shell
    
13. Jared Barber
    
14. Larry Jefferson
15. Kyle Rose

1. Howard
2. Howard
3. Howard
4. Rose
5. Orlosky
6. Smallwood
7. Kwiat
8. Worley
9. Shorts
10. whoever punt returns

QB is most important player on team, and we are even more green behind Howard. Rose is the foundation of the D and there's a drop off behind him, too. Orlosky being able to make calls, SNAP, and help the line block well is huge. Who snaps if he doesn't? Smallwood definitely brings the biggest potential for production on the O outside of QB.

 

[mneilmont]

QB position has to be the most important. For self preservation, Howard has to perform as he is on short leash. Doesn't have to be perfect, but must hold onto ball. I did like Dravon Henry improvement last year. Has potential to be exceptional. Actually, if they all perform the way they should, this is WV year.

 

[dogeered_again]

All of them... plus an additional 70 or so that were not listed!

 

[TheEERS]

Our staff writer Greg Madia has released his top 15 over the last month and now we want to hear from you on your picks. When looking at WVU's roster who do you think are the most important players to the team's success this year? Here's a look at Greg's list.

1. Karl Joseph
2. Nick Kwiatkoski
   
3. Daryl Worley
   
4. Wendell Smallwood
   
5. Tyler Orlosky
   
6. KJ Dillon
   
7. Josh Lambert
   
8. Adam Pankey
9. Dravon Henry
   
10. Skyler Howard
    
11. Daikiel Shorts
    
12. Rushel Shell
    
13. Jared Barber
    
14. Larry Jefferson
15. Kyle Rose

Our success starts with Howard, then developing the offensive line and wide receivers.

 

[AirForceer_rivals]

It's all about Howard, and the offense.

 

[LowFatMilk]

Yea....this is CLEARLY all about WHOEVER our QB turns out to be ?? Has Dana ever won (big...this year that would be 8 or 9 wins) with just a journeyman type QB?

....and then there's Dana himself. Is he going to put the people on that list in the best game day situations to succeed ?

 

[Leave No Doubt WVU_rivals]

Our staff writer Greg Madia has released his top 15 over the last month and now we want to hear from you on your picks. When looking at WVU's roster who do you think are the most important players to the team's success this year? Here's a look at Greg's list.

1. Karl Joseph
2. Nick Kwiatkoski
   
3. Daryl Worley
   
4. Wendell Smallwood
   
5. Tyler Orlosky
   
6. KJ Dillon
   
7. Josh Lambert
   
8. Adam Pankey
9. Dravon Henry
   
10. Skyler Howard
    
11. Daikiel Shorts
    
12. Rushel Shell
    
13. Jared Barber
    
14. Larry Jefferson
15. Kyle Rose

I think we all know it is all about Howard. Everyone else on that list is proven to one extent or another. We will win or lose this season depending on Howard's ability and how well he has been coached and developed.

The crazy thing is that I see anything happening. From the program tanking and Dana getting fired vs a Big12 title and our finest moment. Is it possible that he could be the difference one way or the other?

Clint did his best and I mean no disrespect but I think Howard takes us to the next level. This year if he learned anything at all from last year.

 

[eers1foru_rivals]

Any list that doesn't have QB as number one seems futile. It's the most important position on the field. And in this offense WR is next. The defense has enough depth that the loss of any one player does not spell catastrophe. The offense needs a QB and a WR to step up immediately if we are to be successful. Thinking we are gonna win in the Big XII with a "dominant" defense is fool's gold. A good day in this conference is holding the opponent to 28. We have to find a way to score.

 

[AirForceer_rivals]

Yea....this is CLEARLY all about WHOEVER our QB turns out to be ?? Has Dana ever won (big...this year that would be 8 or 9 wins) with just a journeyman type QB?

....and then there's Dana himself. Is he going to put the people on that list in the best game day situations to succeed ?

the only real complaint about Dana last year was it looked like he took the foot off the gas and played for the Field Goal. More specifically, during the TCU game. Otherwise, I think he did a pretty good job. JMO.

 

[LowFatMilk]

the only real complaint about Dana last year was it looked like he took the foot off the gas and played for the Field Goal. More specifically, during the TCU game. Otherwise, I think he did a pretty good job. JMO.

He improved with his play-calling..no doubt. Then again, I'm of the opinion he had a lot of room to work with....

Don't get me wrong, I'm fine if it's his style to pass on third and short or to ENDLESSLY run on second and long....but don't take points off the board by passing up a FG or giving up field position by going for it on fourth down in a close game.

 

[Chazz Michael Michaels]

@AirForceer --
Clint got concussed during the TCU game and I'm not sure Dana was ready to put Sklyer in vs. TCU in that situation. That's a big reason why he 'took his foot off the gas'. Of course, it turns out Clint's concussion didn't go away and Skyler got put in against KSU and thereafter.

the only real complaint about Dana last year was it looked like he took the foot off the gas and played for the Field Goal. More specifically, during the TCU game. Otherwise, I think he did a pretty good job. JMO.

 

[AirForceer_rivals]

@AirForceer --
Clint got concussed during the TCU game and I'm not sure Dana was ready to put Sklyer in vs. TCU in that situation. That's a big reason why he 'took his foot off the gas'. Of course, it turns out Clint's concussion didn't go away and Skyler got put in against KSU and thereafter.

the only real complaint about Dana last year was it looked like he took the foot off the gas and played for the Field Goal. More specifically, during the TCU game. Otherwise, I think he did a pretty good job. JMO.

Yeah I saw the game and Clint got close lined. Maybe it wasn't the TCU game, but I know there was at least one game where it seemed like he was holding back for the field goal. Actually think it happened more than once? Again, I'm just a fan and have no real evidence of this. Plus, I am a Dana supporter.

 

[EnginEER 89]

I think you could make a case that it should be

1. Howard
2. Crest

Because if God forbid. they both get hurt, we have to beong in a true freshman at starting qb. Those guys may turn out to be great. But I can already see the excuses and moral victories coming.

Lgm!

 

[pressvirginia]

I do not understand how our QB is not #1, much less #10

I also feel Jordan Thompson not being on the list is incorrect. WVU must have him be Skylar's "safety net" and get open underneath coverage once #3 rolls out.

agree 100 percent. No Holgorsen team can succeed without a top signal caller & receivers to throw to. 2012 couldn't even with NFL talent abounding.

1. Howard
2. Thompson
3. A productive, living up to hype Shelton Gibson
4. Smallwood rushing & receiving
5. Insert name reliable punt returner
6. Lambert; we rely rather heavily on FGs; Lambert was difference between 2013 & 2014 results

Relying on the D and running game would think to be a simple plan to try to compete, but I see the program's current identity deeply rooted in passing attempts, successful or not.