MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia’s defensive line depth is shallower than thought after Friday’s announcement that Xavier Pegues had offseason shoulder surgery and likely won’t return until late October.
The junior, who redshirted in 2015 after transferring from Itawamba (Miss.) Community College, was projected this season to backup Christian Brown at defensive end. Coach Dana Holgorsen revealed the injury during his second preseason camp briefing, adding that Pegues might be sidelined until November.
The defensive volume up front is lacking after the summertime dismissal of senior defensive end Larry Jefferson and a season-stunting knee injury suffered by backup nose tackle Jaleel Fields.