Panic or depression may seem like perfectly logical reactions to the news that linebacker David Long won’t be back for his senior season at West Virginia. Long declared for the NFL Draft on Sunday morning, leaving a unit that’s tied with Tulane for 74th nationally in total defense without its best player next season.
But even without Long, it can be argued that West Virginia’s outlook on defense in 2019 will be sunnier than it is for an offense replacing far more NFL talent.
For starters, West Virginia’s starting linebackers may end up being a trio of players who either did not or barely played in 2018.