West Virginia's Defense Could Be One of the Nation's Best Again in 2021

The Mountaineers are in a great position defensively for next season.

After watching the first year of West Virginia being in the Big 12 Conference, you probably never thought that the Mountaineers could ever have the nation's No. 1 passing defense. With all of the high-flying offenses led by elite quarterback play, it seemed like no Big 12 team could ever finish at the top of passing defense or near the top in total defense.

In 2020, that's exactly what happened as West Virginia allowed just 159.6 passing yards per game and finished No. 4 in total defense allowing 291.4 yards per game.

The Mountaineers had playmakers at every level of the defense including senior defensive lineman Darius Stills who set the tone upfront. Stills became the school's first Consensus All-American since Dan Mozes in 2006. Arizona transfer Tony Fields II made a huge impact at linebacker and led the team in tackles with 88. 

The scary thought for Big 12 opponents? Those are the only two starters from this year's defense that will not be in the program next fall. Safeties Alonzo Addae, Sean Mahone, and defensive end Jeffery Pooler Jr. all decided to take the extra year of eligibility that the NCAA offered to all athletes due to the pandemic. With those three returning, that means that West Virginia will have nine starters back in the fold for next season. The returning starters are listed below.

DE Jeffery Pooler Jr.

NT Dante Stills

WILL Josh Chandler-Semedo

BANDIT Jared Bartlett

SPEAR Tykee Smith

CB Dreshun Miller

CB Nicktroy Fortune

CAT Sean Mahone

FS Alonzo Addae

West Virginia will also return key contributors that are ready to play a bigger role such as defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor, BANDIT VanDarius Cowan, and safety Scottie Young Jr. (Arizona transfer). 

As a true freshman, Mesidor led the team with five sacks and was named an ESPN true freshman All-American. VanDarius Cowan has shown glimpses of his potential but just has not been able to stay healthy since coming to West Virginia. If he can get back to full strength and stay there, he could be a real asset for the Mountaineers' defense who could be one of the best units once again next season.

You can follow us for future coverage by clicking "Follow" on the page's top righthand corner. Also, be sure to like us on Facebook & Twitter:

Facebook - @WVUonSI

Twitter - @SI_WVU and Schuyler Callihan at @Callihan_.