Let's dive into the fascinating world of quarterback performances at WVU over the last decade, as evaluated by the experts at ProFootballFocus. This deep dive will offer a unique perspective on the players who have left their mark on the field and the factors that contributed to their success or struggles.
The Top Performers
The top five performances of the PFF era, a period spanning from 2014 to the present, showcase some consistent names and highlight the importance of consistency and impact. Will Grier, the star of the 2017 and 2018 seasons, topped the charts with his impressive overall and passing grades, both clocking in at over 90. His ability to connect on deep passes and his overall performance truly set him apart.
Fast forward to 2023 and 2024, and we see Garrett Greene making a strong impression. Greene's overall grades of 90.9 and 83.0, respectively, put him in the elite category. What makes this particularly fascinating is Greene's dual threat ability - his passing grades may not be perfect, but his willingness to go deep and his explosive running skills boost his overall score. Greene's performance is a testament to the modern quarterback, who needs to be a well-rounded athlete.
Yearly Breakdown
Now, let's take a closer look at each year and the quarterbacks who made an impact.
2014
Clint Trickett's performance in 2014 was a bit of a rollercoaster. He started strong but ended with a whimper, and his stats reflect that. The near-beheading incident against TCU seemed to be a turning point, and his interception rate skyrocketed in the final stretch. It's a reminder that a single moment can change the trajectory of a season.
2015
Skyler Howard, a name that will be familiar to many WVU fans, had an interesting year in 2015. He loved to throw deep, with over 24% of his passes going 20+ yards. This strategy had its pros and cons - it led to some big plays but also increased his interception rate. One thing that immediately stands out is Howard's ability to excel in play action, where he was more accurate and had a better touchdown-to-interception ratio. It's a tactic that could have been utilized more frequently.
2016
Howard's senior year saw him improve across the board. His touchdown-to-interception ratio was much better, and his completion percentage increased. This improvement contributed to WVU's successful season, finishing in the Top 25 and tying for second place in the Big 12 Conference. It's a great example of how a quarterback's growth can impact a team's overall performance.
2017 & 2018
Will Grier's two seasons as a starter were nearly identical in terms of overall and passing grades. Grier's deep passing game was a key component of his success, but it also led to some costly fumbles. His ability to go deep and his overall accuracy made him a force to be reckoned with.
2019
The quarterback battle between Austin Kendall and Jarret Doege in 2019 was an intriguing one. Doege, who took over mid-season, showed a higher level of control and accuracy. His completion percentage and NFL QB rating were significantly better when kept clean. It's a reminder that sometimes a change can bring about a much-needed improvement.
2020
Doege's performance in 2020 was solid, ranking above some of his predecessors. However, a drop in his numbers when kept clean is a cause for concern. His deep ball was also less effective, which could have impacted the offense's overall performance.
2021
Doege's final year saw a step back, with more questionable passes and a higher interception rate. One factor that could have contributed to this was the increased pressure he faced, which led to a higher sack rate and longer time to throw.
2022
The arrival of JT Daniels and Graham Harrell brought hope for the passing game, but Daniels' performance regressed in the latter half of the season. Garrett Greene, who took over, relied on his running ability to keep the offense moving. It's a testament to the importance of a mobile quarterback in today's game.
2023 & 2024
Greene's impressive performance in 2023, with an overall grade of 90.9, was a highlight. However, the following year saw a step back, with more interceptions and fewer rushing touchdowns. It goes to show that even the best players can have ups and downs.
2025
The 2025 season saw a group of quarterbacks who struggled to make an impact. Nicco Marchiol, Scotty Fox Jr., Khalil Wilkins, and Jaylen Henderson all had limited snaps and underwhelming performances. It's a reminder that sometimes a team's success relies on finding that one standout player.
Deeper Analysis
One trend that emerges from this data is the importance of consistency. Grier's two nearly identical seasons and Greene's impressive performance followed by a dip the next year highlight the fine line between success and struggle. It's also interesting to note the impact of deep passing - a strategy that can pay off but also comes with risks.
Conclusion
The PFF era has provided a fascinating insight into the world of WVU quarterbacks. From Grier's deep passing prowess to Greene's dual threat ability, these players have left their mark. It's a reminder that quarterback performance is a complex web of factors, and sometimes a single player can make all the difference. As we look ahead, it will be exciting to see who steps up and writes the next chapter in this ongoing story.
