West Virginia’s secondary received high praise yesterday, as PFF College announced the grades of its top returning safeties playing in the Big 12 this season.
Jaheem Joseph and Aubrey Burks ranked second and third, only trailing UCF Safety Sheldon Arnold II. Joseph received a grade of 80.7, and Burks earned a 79.6.
Joseph is a new face in the Mountaineers secondary, as he transfered from Northwestern University this past offseason. He committed to West Virginia back in Februrary. Joseph is coming off of his best season at the collegiate level, accumulating 24 tackles and three interceptions in 13 games with the Wildcats. He tied for 10th in the Big 10 in total interceptions and 9th for interception return yards, with 58.
Burks has spent his entire collegiate career in old gold and blue. Entering his senior season, the safety looks to build off of a dominant 2023 campaign. Burks tallied 48 tackles, two interceptions, six pass deflections, four tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks during his 12-game 2023 campaign. In addition, 39 of Burks 48 tackles were unassisted.
