The 3 Biggest Camp Battles to Watch on Defense

West Virginia's defense has some heated position battles taking place during fall camp

There are a few starting spots already all but locked up on the Mountaineer defense, but there are also many starting spots still up for grabs. Today, we look at the three biggest camp battles to keep an eye on from the defensive side of the ball.

No. 50 Jared Bartlett / Caleb Saunders - WVU Football

BANDIT: VanDarius Cowan vs Jared Bartlett

Everyone assumes that VanDarius Cowan will get the starting nod at BANDIT, but let's not jump to conclusions. Cowan has all the talent in the world, but has only played in four games in his collegiate career - two at Alabama, two at West Virginia. He still has a lot to prove, but if he can stay healthy, he will be a force in this defense.

One of the guys that came on at the tail end of last year was Jared Bartlett. There's a lot to like about his game and the potential he has, so being a starter in 2020 isn't necessarily out of reach. He's one of the bigger linebackers on the roster (6'2", 232 lbs) and could potentially play around 240 lbs and carry that weight without slowing him down. He still has some developing to do in the pass rushing department, but it will happen in due time.

Cornerback: Dreshun Miller vs Jackie Matthews

Dreshun Miller and Jackie Matthews are two experienced corners having played at the junior college level, but are awaiting their first action in a Mountaineer uniform. Miller dealt with a knee injury in 2019 and was unable to hit the field. Matthews is a more versatile player and will be able to move around in the secondary. 

MIKE: Dylan Tonkery vs Tony Fields II

The Mountaineers added some competition at linebacker with the addition of Arizona transfer Tony Fields II. Over the last three years, Fields II dominated PAC 12 competition and was one of the best defenders in the league. 

Dylan Tonkery has been a mainstay in the Mountaineers' linebacking corps since his redshirt freshman season, but has battled a few injuries along the way. He will be viewed as one of the leaders of the defense being that he will be entering his fifth year in the program. Head coach Neal Brown also stated that Tonkery is one of the most improved players from last year's team.

To read about the 3 Biggest Camp Battles to Watch on Offense, click here.

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