Doug Nester transferred to WVU in 2021 following two seasons at Virginia Tech. While he made several starts for the Hokies in 2019 and 2020, Nester felt that he still had to prove himself as the new guy in the offensive line room.
“It was like being a freshman all over again,” Nester said. “It was showing everyone I deserve to be here and deserve to play.”
Nester aimed to prove himself his first season as a Mountaineer – and in 2021, he did just that. Nester started all 13 games at right guard, despite having a hand injury for the first half of the season.
This year, Nester is back for his junior season, still with the same goal in mind.
“I’ve got a lot to prove this year,” he said.
Nester has gotten stronger during the offseason and so have his other linemen, as Nester says they all “put on some good weight” and have “worked really hard.”
Added strength will help the unit up front, but Nester says the major difference when comparing this season to the last is the line’s chemistry.
“Our chemistry is just so much better up front,” Nester said. “The room has changed a lot since I got here… We’re all so close now and work so hard together throughout the offseason.”
The chemistry on the O-line may be attributed one thing three of the lineman have in common: Nester, Zach Frazier and Wyatt Milum are all West Virginia natives. In fact, Nester and Milum both attended Spring Valley High School.
“It’s something special,” Nester said.
Nester is currently projected to maintain his starting position at right guard, but the right tackle position has some depth in the rotation. Nester says he’ll “adjust depending on who’s beside him,” which could either be Brandon Yates or Ja’Quay Hubbard.
Regarding September 1, Nester says he’s been ready for the long-awaited rivalry game.
“We’ve had the countdown for it,” Nester said. “We’ve definitely been looking forward to this one.”
Photo by Drew Mathis
