PFF: WVU Has Two of the Best Returning Linemen in the Big 12

Matt Moore has to be thrilled with the guys he has coming back up front.

There are a lot of question marks surrounding the West Virginia offense heading into the 2023 season with a new starting quarterback and four of the top receivers from last year's team no longer on the roster.

The one spot Neal Brown can feel good about is up front along the offensive line. West Virginia returns all five starters (in theory). Ja'Quay Hubbard and Brandon Yates split the duties at right tackle but both are back, so really, WVU has six "starting" linemen returning.

The group is led by preseason All-American center Zach Frazier and left tackle Wyatt Milum. It just so happens that those two are regarded as two of the best in the Big 12, according to Pro Football Focus. Frazier is ranked as the top returning lineman while Milum checks in at No. 7.

Milum began his career at right tackle but last year, offensive line coach Matt Moore moved him over to the left side and it turned out to be a good decision.

"When we flipped him to the left, I think he feels more comfortable, even though at first, it took him a second to switch to a left-handed stance, to a left-handed kick," former WVU starting guard James Gmiter said. "I think because he's a lefty, he's more natural over there.

"As a young guy, he's beyond what I've seen. He knows a lot. He has raw talent. When he's four years in, he'll be an All-American tackle. He already is. He'll be First Team. He's fun to play next to."

With Gmiter and Frazier leading the way, the new starting quarterback for the Mountaineers should feel pretty comfortable in the pocket. Now it all comes down to chemistry and execution with the receivers.

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