MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Marcell Lazard learned this week that West Virginia plans to retire his jersey number Sept. 3. Now the junior simply hopes to own a starting job at right tackle that day.
After producing mixed reviews when injuries elevated him to six starts in 2015, Lazard wasn’t an automatic plug-in this fall. The junior has been pushed throughout camp by redshirt freshman Colton McKivitz, creating a competition that might not be decided until the season opener against Missouri.
That afternoon coincides with the retirement ceremony for No. 77, which actually is a tribute to 1955 All-American Bob Bosley. Lazard happens to be the final Mountaineer to wear that number before it ascends to the upper deck at Milan Puskar Stadium.
Is Lazard ready to ascend in his own right?
“He’s doing a nice job and getting better at what he does and bringing his game forward,” said new offensive coordinator Joe Wickline. “We worked on a few things on him and he’s adjusting and buying in. Because of that, he’s staying in blocks more and getting in front of people.”
Wickline is focusing on WVU’s tackles and tight ends, while assistant Ron Crook primarily works with interior linemen—both charged with improving pass protection. That involves “widening the pocket,” a common refrain of the offseason as the Mountaineers seek a more consistent, U-shaped expanse for quarterback Skyler Howard to operate.
At 6-foot-6 and 308 pounds, Lazard handles the run-game responsibilities sufficiently. It’s the edge rushers that give him trouble, and the 6-7 McKivitz, a former high school basketball forward, has shown strides.
Coach Dana Holgorsen recently chalked up the position race to McKivitz drastically improving, not Lazard regressing.
“It’s Colton developing. Marcell has gotten starting reps. He’s gotten a lot of game reps. He’s better than he was last year. I’m happy with Marcell,” Holgorsen said.
“It’s just simply Colton’s athletic body. He is smart and probably a little ahead of the curve right now for his youth, which is what you’re after. You want that competition.”
McKivitz’s work at both tackle spots potentially makes him a swing guy behind Lazard and Yodny Cajuste. Senior Sylvester Townes, after making only three appearances in two seasons at West Virginia, might be in line for the two-deep after “doing some things we never thought he could do,” Wickline said.