[2023] WVU DE Kyle Johnson Leaves the Team

[smackemz]

Johnson celebrates a TFL in a game against TCU

 

Morgantown - In somewhat shocking fashion - DE Kyle Johnson has elected to leave the WVU Football team in order to prepare for the upcoming SimNFL draft.  Johnson, a 3 year starter for the Mountaineers, is having a down year only tallying 1.5 sacks and 7 tackles for loss on the season.  Johnson was expected to be one of the leaders of the defense this season after tallying 4 sacks during the 2022 season.  Frustration has reached a tipping point in the locker room, however; as the Mountaineers have continued their struggles into a third straight season.  

There's a mixture of understanding and disappointment across the locker room as players learn of Johnson's decision.  Fellow senior Marvin Williams seemed to take the news in stride, "Obviously it's disappointing not to be able to go to battle with my brother, but I get the decision.  He's got a chance to get picked in the draft so he wants to turn his focus to that.  I get it." Not everyone was so understanding of the decision though, senior corner Jalen Whitney did not hold back when he heard the news, "Pathetic decision in my opinion, We have one game left, a damn rivalry game against Cincy, and he decides to step away.  Don't understand it personally, but whatever we'll go to battle with the guys who want to be here."  Smackemz understood the decision and wished him the best, "We appreciate everything Kyle has done for the program as we rebuild.  Obviously wish him the best and am happy to help him achieve his dream."  It is expected that (Fr) Mike Johnson and (So) Starlin Gunter will see an increased role in the homecoming game against Cincinnati.  

West Virginia has not had the season that everyone has hoped, but they have one more shot to end the season on a high note.  The Cincinnati Bearcats will travel to Morgantown on Saturday afternoon for the first battle between the new conference foes.  The Bearcats have had a very up and down season, beating good teams such as Bowling Green and Kansas, but losing other games they should win.  With both teams removed from bowl contention this will be the last game for everyone with a chance to head into the offseason with bragging rights.  For the Mountaineers though, they will be doing it without one of their leaders.