Phil Steele Tabs Eight Mountaineers to Preseason All-Big 12 Team

More than a handful of Mountaineers get recognized by Phil Steele.

Recently, respected college football writer Phil Steele released his preseason All-Big 12 teams. On it, you will find eight Mountaineers, one of which is a first-teamer.

FIRST TEAM - C Zach Frazier

Frazier is highly considered as the best pro prospect on the West Virginia roster and with another strong year, he could position himself to be a day two pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

SECOND TEAM - RB CJ Donaldson

Donaldson took the Big 12 by storm a year ago, exploding onto the scene at running back, a position he had never played before. He rushed for 526 yards and eight touchdowns on 87 carries before suffering a season-ending injury against TCU.

THIRD TEAM - OL Doug Nester, WR Ja'Shaun Poke

Nester has played both guard and tackle throughout his collegiate career and brings a strong presence in the run game. It remains to be seen where he'll line up in 2023 as he worked at right tackle some in the spring. As for the Kent State transfer, Poke, he is a dynamic kick returner who can add depth at receiver. He averaged 29.4 yards per return last season. 

FOURTH TEAM - OT Wyatt Milum, DE Sean Martin, S Aubrey Burks, P Oliver Straw

Wyatt Milum is probably the best pro prospect on the WVU roster not named Zach Frazier. Moving from right tackle to left was a good move for him due to being left-handed. He's more comfortable on that side and looks more natural although he had a lot of experience on the right side. 

Sean Martin worked his way into a starting role a year ago registering eight tackles for loss and four sacks. He'll be counted on to get after the passer following the departures of Dante Stills and Taijh Alston.

Aubrey Burks is a name that has flown under the radar quite a bit. He had a very productive 2022 campaign, collecting 66 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two pass breakups, and an interception. He'll be the leader of a young Mountaineer secondary.

Oliver Straw finished the season with 48 punts for 2,029 yards, averaging 42.3 yards per kick. He had 17 punts downed inside the 20 and had seven that went 50 yards +.

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