Austin Brinkman
Senior Austin Brinkman is WVU’s long snapper, responsible for punts, field goals and extra-point attempts. He redshirted during the Covid season in 2020 but has started ever since. Brinkman was one of 30 long snappers named to the 2024 Patrick Mannelly preseason watch list. In high school, he played quarterback and defensive back, while also getting in reps long snapping and punting respectively on special teams.
Leighton Bechdel
Redshirt senior Leighton Bechdel can both punt and long snap, but is primarily used as a holder for WVU. in 2023, he saw action in seven games as a holder. Bechdel ran for a first down off a 17-yard fourth-down fake field goal against UNC in West Virginia’s Mayo Bowl victory. On top of being a punting prospect in high school, Bechdel earned US All-America honors in lacrosse twice.
Michael Hayes
Redshirt senior Michael Hayes placekicks and handles kickoff duties for West Virginia. After transferring from Georgia State last offseason, Hayes is entering his second season with the Mountaineers. In 2023, Hayes had an 81% field goal percentage and did miss a single extra-point attempt. His longest made kick was 49 yards, which turned out to be a game-winner against TCU. He was named an All-Big 12 Conference Fourth-Team selection by Phil Steele and an All-Big 12 Conference Honorable Mention by coaches. In 2024, Hayes looks to stay consistent and accurate for WVU when called upon.
Oliver Straw
West Virginia’s punter Oliver Straw is headed into his junior season with two years of starting experience. Straw was born in Hoboken, New Jersey but spent most of his childhood in Australia. In 2023, Straw averaged just over 43 yards per punt and had a long punt of 61. His background includes both Australian rules football and basketball. Straw played tight end and defensive end in high school and can kick/punt with either foot. This season Straw looks to do everything he can to put the Mountaineers in the best position possible, backing up opposing offenses.
Preston Fox
Redshirt junior is WVU’s returner and one of their starting wideouts. Last season he returned 18 punts for 145 yards and eight kicks for 172 yards. He was named an All-Big 12 Conference Honorable-Mention Honoree by coaches in 2023. Fox is from Morgantown and was originally a walk-on at West Virginia, but earned a scholarship in the spring of 2022. In 2024, Fox looks to take leap forward in productivity as both a receiver and a returner.
