The Evolution of WVU Quarterbacks: A Deep Dive into the PFF Era
The world of college football is a dynamic and ever-changing landscape, and the quarterback position is often at the heart of it all. In this article, I delve into the performances of WVU quarterbacks over the past decade, using Pro Football Focus (PFF) data to uncover the stories behind the statistics. It's a fascinating journey through the highs and lows of these players' careers, and I'm here to share my insights and opinions.
The Early Years: Skyler Howard and Will Grier
Let's start with the early days of the PFF era. In 2014, Clint Trickett had a 'blah' year, with an overall grade of 76.0 and a passing grade of 74.6. However, Skyler Howard was close to qualifying, with a grade of 69.8 overall and 68.6 passing. Howard's talent was evident, but his accuracy and decision-making were areas of concern. Fast forward to 2017, and Will Grier took the reins. He had an impressive overall grade of 91.1 and a passing grade of 91.8, showcasing his ability to throw the ball deep with precision. Grier's willingness to take risks paid off, but his fumbling grade of 41.4 was a significant issue.
The Rise of Jarret Doege
2019 saw the emergence of Jarret Doege, who took control of the offense with a steady hand. His overall grade of 81.7 and passing grade of 81.6 were impressive, especially when compared to Austin Kendall's numbers. Doege's ability to make accurate throws and maintain control of the offense was a breath of fresh air for the Mountaineers. However, his performance in 2020 took a turn for the worse. His numbers dropped drastically when kept clean, with a completion percentage of 70.3 and an NFL QB rating of 96.5. The lack of deep ball success was a significant concern, with only 30% of his attempts going over 20 yards in the air.
The Troubled Years: 2021 and 2022
Jarret Doege's final year at WVU was a step back, with a completion percentage of 65.2% and 12 interceptions. The pressure on the offensive line and the quarterback's tendency to hold onto the ball too long contributed to this decline. In 2022, the Mountaineers brought in Garrett Greene and JT Daniels to address the passing issues. Daniels had a promising start, but his performance regressed significantly in the latter half of the season. Greene, on the other hand, used his running ability to make up for his passing shortcomings.
The Rise of Garrett Greene
2023 saw the emergence of Garrett Greene, who had a near-all-time high overall score in recent WVU history. His willingness to go deep and his ability to make plays with his feet boosted his passing grade. However, accuracy issues remained a concern. In 2024, the offense took a step back, with Greene throwing three times as many interceptions and rushing for fewer touchdowns. The team's struggles were evident, and the search for a solution continued.
The Future: Nicco Marchiol and Beyond
Nicco Marchiol and Scotty Fox Jr. stepped up in 2025, but the group was plagued by injuries. The future of WVU quarterbacks remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the position is a critical part of the team's success. As a fan and an analyst, I'm excited to see how the Mountaineers navigate this challenging period and emerge with a strong quarterback to lead them into the future.
In conclusion, the PFF era has been a fascinating journey through the lives of WVU quarterbacks. From the early days of Skyler Howard to the emergence of Garrett Greene, each player has left their mark on the program. As we look ahead, the Mountaineers must find a way to address the passing issues and build a strong foundation for the future. It's a challenging task, but with the right leadership and talent, WVU can rise again.
