West Virginia University
By Chris Peak

If the brightness of the future requires wearing shades, then sales of sunglasses in Morgantown must be through the roof. With 15 returning starters and a friendly schedule, the West Virginia Mountaineers face some lofty expectations.

Offensively, QB Rasheed Marshall should be able to improve on his consistency from last year, but if he falters don't be surprised if backup Charles Hales sees some time. Hales was effective last year in spot duty and looked even better this spring.

The backfield won't feel much impact from the loss of tailback Quincy Wilson, as the running back troop is loaded. Kay-Jay Harris should get the majority of carries and his power running is complimented nicely by the speed of bulked-up sophomore Jason Colson.

The most exciting ingredient of the Mountaineer offense should be the wide receivers. Chris Henry (41 catches, 1006 yards) turned a lot of heads last year and is a likely Biletnikoff candidate. The key to a big play receiver is in his supporting cast, though, and Miquelle Henderson seems to be the ideal diversionary tactic. He was the Mountaineers' top receiver in 2002 but was hindered last season by recovery from a broken leg. A return to form will make him an important element of an explosive offense.

In the end, all of that explosiveness runs through the offensive line. "There's a lot of experience on the offensive line," says coach Rich Rodriguez. "They are strong and they are agile."

Perhaps most significant is the return of tackle Tim Brown, who missed 2003 with a torn Achilles. His tenacious run blocking, combined with senior Mike Watson's return to left tackle, gives WVU bookends on the outside. Talented sophomores Dan Mozes (LG) and Jeremy Hines (C) and senior Jeff Berk (RG) fill out the line.

Probably the most important component for the WVU defense this year is to find a way to compensate for the loss of All-American linebacker Grant Wiley. Not only was Wiley the Mountaineers' all-time tackles leader, he was also undeniably the heart and soul of the team. Replacing him won't be easy, but Rodriguez is optimistic.

"We have some solid talented players there with excellent experience, and they have shown in the off-season that they can be strong leaders for us, guys like Adam Lehnortt and Scott Gyorko."

Sophomore Kevin McLee will also be one to watch: playing backup to Wiley last year, McLee recorded three sacks and 46 tackles.

Along the defensive line, there is not a whole lot of pure speed, but Jason Hardee and Ernest Hunter should provide enough power and quickness to create pressure.

The biggest question mark could be the secondary. Gone are 2003 interception leaders Brian King and Lance Frazier, but junior FS Jahmile Addae is back after missing all but two games due to injury. Addae's talents will be combined with the playmaking antics of junior CB Pac-Man Jones, and the size and strength of the d-backs should cut down on the 3,378 yards allowed through the air last year.

Now take all the talent and experience and look at the schedule. Games against Maryland, at Virginia Tech, and at Pitt will be challenges. The Terps outscored WVU 75-14 in two games last year but they, like the Hokies, appear to be going through a rebuilding season. The Panthers could see development from their young players by Thanksgiving. But the biggest threat to WVU's table-running dreams may come in the form of a "surprise" team like Connecticut. If the Mountaineers avoid overlooking any opponents, there could be great things in their future. And what a bright future it is.