The second half of Saturday’s WVU Football victory may have left Mountaineer fans not feeling as optimistic as they hoped after the season opener.
However, there are still plenty of numbers and statistics to be excited about coming out of this Mountaineer football game. For example, West Virginia had TWO 100-yard rushers in the contest. A feat that alone is already pretty impressive, but it becomes even more impressive when you take into account the fact that WVU had TWO 100-yard rushers TOTAL for the entire season in 2025. You could also add in that QB Michael Hawkins and RB Cam Cook combined to force 15 missed tackles on Saturday. As the leading rusher in the missed tackles forced category last season for the Mountaineers forced 15 missed tackles TOTAL.
Not only were there impressive stats like those coming out of the game, but there were some Mountaineers who also graded out highly in certain categories. From run and pass blocking on offense to tackling and pass coverage on defense and more. Courtesy of PFF, below are some of the best player grades following the first WVU Football game of 2026.
BEST OVERALL DEFENSE GRADE
- DT Nate Gabriel: 78.7
BEST OVERALL OFFENSE GRADE
- QB Michael Hawkins Jr.: 79.5
BEST RUN DEFENSE GRADE
- EDGE Harper Holloman: 84.7
BEST TACKLING GRADE
- DB Geimere Latimer II: 81.6
BEST PASS RUSHING GRADE
- DT Nate Gabriel: 79.2
BEST PASS COVERAGE GRADE
- DB Nick Taylor: 70.3
BEST RUN BLOCKING GRADE
- RG Amare “Bubba” Grayson: 77.5
BEST PASS BLOCKING GRADE
- RB Cam Cook: 76.2 (4 Pass Blocking Snaps)
- RG Bubba Grayson wasn’t far behind with a 72.9 & C Wes King finished with a 71.8 also
BEST RUN GRADE
- RB Amari Latimer: 75.1
- QB Michael Hawkins finished with a 70.2, while RB Cam Cook ended with a 63.9
BEST PASS GRADE
- WR Armoni Weaver-Bomar: 80.8 (Only 4 Pass Play Snaps)
- QB Michael Hawkins finished with a 74.7 here & WR DJ Epps ended with a 74.6
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