Today’s video brings the final installment in the MetroNews countdown of the 10 Most Pivotal Mountaineers for the 2015 football season. These aren’t necessarily West Virginia’s “best” 10, or the ones appearing on those bloated preseason watch lists. But they’re the players whose production will hold answers to the biggest preseason questions.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Karl Joseph contemplated entering the NFL draft before opting to return for his senior season. While lukewarm feedback from the league played a factor, his decision was helped by the fact he would be rejoining one of the most experienced defenses to line up for West Virginia in decades.
On a two-deep that includes 10 seniors, Joseph teams with fellow safety KJ Dillon as the key movable pieces in Tony Gibson’s defense.
Joseph has been a steady tackler throughout his college career, and last season he showed marked improvement in pass coverage. Dillon is a versatile player who’s comfortable blitzing off the edge and tracking speedy slot receivers. Their ability to generate turnovers and minus-yardage plays will spell the difference in WVU’s defense being middle of the pack vs. top of the heap in the Big 12.
Previous videos in the countdown: