I was at the WVU-Texas game this year when Grier got hurt, husband is a Longhorn grad. Coming off the field you could see his finger bent back. WVU is losing a lot of starters as seniors, Crawford, the running back is gone. A good defense can get the 'neers, but Grier was impressive.
I've already addressed the defense thought.
I'm not sure where you got the idea that we're losing a lot but it's not correct, not at all. I shamelessly lifted most of what follows from our site owner. You can get the full article here if you're interested.
https://247sports.com/college/west-virginia/Bolt/Projecting-the-2018-Two-Deep-Offense-112286986
Class years are for next year.
QB
1. Will Grier, r-Sr.
2. Chris Chugunov, r-Jr.
Chug was the #2 QB last year and took over when Grier got hurt.
RUNNING BACK
1. Kennedy McKoy, Jr.
2. Martell Pettaway, Jr.
We were DEEP at RB last year. Yes we lost Crawford, but scouts were unanimous over the last two seasons in that McKoy was a better overall running back. He graded out over 20 points higher than Crawford in both years. McKoy has rushed for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns on fewer than 200 carries in his first two years.
WIDE RECEIVER
1. David Sills, Sr.
2. Gary Jennings, Sr.
3. Marcus Simms, Jr.
4. TJ Simmons, r-So.
5. Reggie Roberson, So.
6. Dominique Maiden, Sr.
No doubt about the top two guys here. Jennings is already over 1,000 yards receiving, while Sills is just twenty yards short with the bowl game still to come - and Sills was a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation's top receiver. That was in large part due to his nation-leading 18 receiving touchdowns. After a one-game suspension, Simms showed out as an elite option. He had a couple tough drops, but his big-play ability is undeniable. His 19.7 yards per catch was tops on the team and third in the Big12 among wideouts with at least 30 receptions.
TIGHT END/HALFBACK
1. Jovani Haskins, r-So.
2. Trevon Wesco, r-Sr.
OFFENSIVE LINE
LT - Yodny Cajuste r-Sr.... Kelby Wickline r-Jr
LG - Josh Sills r-So........... Isaiah Hardy Sr
C - Matt Jones r-Jr...........Ray Raulerson r-Sr
RG - Jacob Buccigrossi r-So.... Isaiah Hardy Sr
RT - Colton McKivitz r-Jr..... Tyler Thurmond So
Four of five starters are back from last year, including the two tackles who graded out as two of the seven best linemen in the entire Big12.
DEFENSIVE LINE
DE - Ezekiel Rose Sr.... Adam Shuler r-Jr
DT - Lamonte McDougle So.... Darius Stills So
DE - Reese Donahue Jr.... Dante Stills Fr
Four of the top five defensive linemen are back from last year, including all three starters at the end of the season. McDougle was selected to the True Freshman All-American Team.
LINEBACKER
WILL - Charlie Benton.... Adam Hensley Jr
MIKE - David Long r-Jr.... Brendan Ferns rSo
SAM - Dylan Tonkery r-So.... Zach Sandwisch r-So
SAFETY
FREE - Kenny Robinson So.... Josh Norwood
BANDIT - Dravon Askew-Henry.... Derrek Pitts So
SPUR - Toyous Avery.... Eugene Brown/Kwantel Raines
The starters to begin next year will include three guys who started multiple games last season. When Avery went down with an injury, the staff slid Askew-Henry over to Bandit, and moved Robinson into his free safety spot. The move was pretty flawless on its surface, and Avery would make a pretty good SPUR. Pitts and Jovanni Stewart have seen time as backups.