Crest’s utility role becomes talk of defense-dominated spring game

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Though West Virginia’s offense produced just one touchdown in 17 series during Saturday’s spring game, ample buzz arose around the multiple facets of redshirt freshman William Crest.

Not content being the backup quarterback, Crest began the game at receiver, took a handoff at running back and also fair-caught a punt return—all before taking his first snap at quarterback in the second quarter. It was the first inkling all spring that the former four-star recruit was working anywhere except quarterback.

While coach Dana Holgorsen noted the trial-and-error nature of spring football, he sounded fully committed to continuing the “Where’s William?” Experiment. Crest caught an 11-yard slant on the game’s opening play and finished with three receptions for 31 yards. He added two carries for 16 yards and completed 3-of-5 passes for 31 more.

“I think we can all agree that he’s a pretty good football player, so we’re going to figure out what he does best, whether that’s receiver, running back, punt returner, kick returner,” Holgorsen said. “He can do a lot of different things.”

For the record, the defense prevailed 42-10, using a scoring system whereby the unit earned points for turnovers, three-and-outs and forced punts.

“We’re going to figure out what (Crest) does best, whether that’s receiver, running back, punt returner, kick returner.” — Dana Holgorsen

Starting quarterback Skyler Howard finished 9-of-22 passing for 121 yards, while true freshmen early enrollees Chris Chugunov (1-of-3 for 23 yards) and David Sills (1-of-6 for 6 yards, one interception) each led drives before Crest took his first turn at quarterback.

That’s not an indication either has surpassed Crest for the No. 2 role, or that last season’s shoulder injury has flared up again. Moreso this was Holgorsen finding a means to get Crest on the field, as TCU tried with Trevone Boykin and K-State with Daniel Sams.

“If (Crest) is the backup quarterback, we need to do something to get the ball in his hands,” Holgorsen said. “He’s one of our better football players so we’re going to continue to experiment.”

Crest looked so natural catching passes that some reporters did double-takes to check the jersey number. He also fielded a high-arching punt without incident, something few West Virginia returners have done consistently the last two seasons.

“He catches the ball well. He’s got great ball skills,” Holgorsen said. “He’s still learning to run routes and there’s a blocking aspect of the game that he’s going to have to learn.”

Howard anticipates his backup will be a quick study at whatever position he plays because “he has the football smarts.” And Daikiel Shorts, the team’s active leader in career catches, said Crest has the talent to become an instant weapon at receiver.

“He’s a great athlete and he has adjusted very well,” Shorts said. “He’s in it for something, and he’s doing a great job. I haven’t given him any pointers, but once we start up in the summer I will.”

Short-handed defense delivers: The offense finished 4-of-19 on third downs and committed four turnovers despite a significant contingent of the defensive two-deep wearing street clothes Saturday.

The absentee list included nose guard Kyle Rose, Will linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski, Mike linebacker Jared Barber, defensive end Noble Nwachukwu, cornerbacks Daryl Worley and Ricky Rumph and backup safeties Jeremy Tyler, Jarrod Harper and Dayron Wilson.

That meant no nickel, dime or other specialty packages.

“We completely scrapped everything,” said defensive coordinator Tony Gibson. “We played a lot of base stuff today and just wanted the guys to fly around.”

Second-team defensive end Larry Jefferson, the midterm enrollee from Itawamba (Miss.) Community College, registered two sacks and a hurry. Will linebacker Xavier Preston, working with the starters in the absence of Kwiatkoski, made a sack and had five tackles.

Turnovers aplenty: Walk-ons Mykal Manswell and Adid Charles recorded interceptions, picking off Sills and fifth-string quarterback Austin Hensley respectively.

Defensive end Eric Kinsey recovered fumbles by Crest and Jacky Marcellus, both of which were forced by third-string nose guard Jaleel Fields.

The defense actually warranted a fifth turnover, but Terrell Chestnut’s recovery of Shelton Gibson’s sideline fumble was incorrectly ruled out-of-bounds

Offensive notables: With Rushel Shell and Wendell Smallwood held out, Donte Thomas-Williams put together an 87-yard day on 15 carries.

“Donte thinks he’s our best running back right now,” Holgorsen said. “So I said go out there and prove it. If you are, you’re going to start.”

Marcellus ran 12 times for 47 yards and scored the game’s only touchdown, a 1-yard run on the third series set up by Howard’s 48-yard strike to Shelton Gibson.

Attendance: School officials did not announce Saturday’s attendance total, but the estimated crowd ranged from 3,000 to 5,000 throughout the afternoon.





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