Doug Nester, West Virginia Football News: Draft Scout Player News

08/11/22 - OT Doug Nester, rSr/2024, West Virginia

Much has been made about the fact that West Virginia returns all five starters across the offensive line. But experience alone won't be enough to tilt the scales for an offense that has largely struggled in three years under coach Neal Brown. However, right guard Doug Nester believes that familiarity will be the driving force behind the needed improvement as he appeared in front of the media on Monday after the team's latest practice. "I think our chemistry is just so much better up front," Nester said. "You can tell the room has changed a lot since I got here last winter or two winters ago. Just the chemistry in there. We're all so close now and we all worked so hard together in the offseason. I think it's a whole different room." For the Mountaineers to turn the corner under new offensive coordinator Graham Harrell, it will likely have to be.

By now, the struggles have been well documented. Last season WVU ranked last in the Big 12 in rushing (123.6 yards per game) and gave up the most sacks in the league (38). Those sacks led to 294 negative yards, over a hundred more than the next highest total in the conference with Oklahoma yielding 33 sacks for 188 yards. For Nester, a standout at Spring Valley High School and a transfer from Virginia Tech, much of his personal growth will come with health. Last season, the 6-foot-7, 320-pounder battled through a hand injury, requiring a large cast that he didn't shed until late in the season. Since spring practices, Nester has been healthy (and sans cast) and he said that has made - and will continue to make - a big difference in his performance. "I've got a lot to prove this year," Nester admitted. "I played half the season a little bit handicapped. I think this season is going to be a little bit different." - Charleston Gazette-Mail

rSr/2024