The evolution of quarterback play at West Virginia University (WVU) over the past decade has been a fascinating journey, marked by both triumphs and challenges. This article delves into the performances of top quarterbacks, as assessed by professional scouts from ProFootballFocus (PFF), offering a comprehensive analysis of their strengths, weaknesses, and impact on the team's success.
One of the most notable quarterbacks during this period is Will Grier, who dominated in 2017 and 2018 with impressive overall grades of 91.1 and 91.2, respectively. Grier's ability to throw deep passes was a key aspect of his success, with over 20% of his attempts in 2017 and 20.2% in 2018 going over 20 yards in the air. However, his fumbling grade was a concern, especially in 2017, where he lost the ball at crucial moments, impacting the team's performance.
The 2019 season saw the emergence of Jarret Doege, who took control of the offense and demonstrated improved accuracy and decision-making. Doege's performance was particularly notable when he was kept clean, as his completion percentage and NFL QB rating soared. However, his deep ball accuracy was a concern, with only 30% of his attempts over 20 yards in the air being completed in 2020.
In 2021, Doege took a step back, with a higher interception rate and a decline in overall performance. The introduction of offensive coordinator Graham Harrell and the arrival of JT Daniels in 2022 aimed to address passing issues, but Daniels' performance regressed significantly in the latter half of the season. Garrett Greene, who took over at the end of the 2022 season, showcased his running ability to compensate for passing struggles, but his passing accuracy remained a concern.
The 2023 season marked a resurgence for Greene, with an overall PFF grade of 90.9 and an improved passing grade of 83.3. His willingness to go deep and his elusiveness as a runner contributed to his high overall score. Nicco Marchiol, a stop-gap option, provided just enough to secure a couple of wins, but his overall performance was slightly above average.
In 2024, the Mountaineers faced challenges, with Greene's performance taking a step back compared to the previous year. He threw three times as many interceptions and ran for fewer touchdowns, highlighting the ongoing struggles with accuracy and decision-making. The 2025 season introduced a new group of quarterbacks, with Nicco Marchiol, Scotty Fox Jr., Khalil Wilkins, and Jaylen Henderson, but their performances did not meet the required snap threshold for qualification.
This analysis underscores the dynamic nature of quarterback play at WVU, with each quarterback bringing unique strengths and weaknesses. The evolution of their performances provides valuable insights for coaches, scouts, and fans alike, offering a deeper understanding of the team's offensive dynamics and the challenges faced in the highly competitive world of college football.
