[2023] WVU Redshirt Freshmen Review - Robert Cabral

[smackemz]

 

In this series we will take a look at how each of the redshirt freshmen, with a significant role, from coach smackemz initial recruiting class fared in their debut season.

We have made it to the defensive side of the ball.  First defender on the list is the big defensive end Robert Cabral. 

Role - Starting Defensive End

One of the biggest strengths of the smackemz' recruiting era has been his ability to bring in blue chip defensive line talent.  Winning through the trenches has been a mantra for the Mountaineers, and the young lineman Robert Cabral is the first blue chip we'll take time to review.  As with most of the reviews we will cover, Robert had ups and downs during his redshirt freshman season, but one of the major bright spots for fans is that he continued to improve as the season progressed.  Playing on the line requires a lot of effort going into improving your physical strength and traits, so it was good to see him continue to improve.  One benefit for WVU is that Cabral, fellow DE Gonzalez, and DT Riley Jennings should start together for the next few seasons, so their chemistry and ability will rise together quite nicely.  That doesn't even account for currently redshirting freshman Thomas Hubbard, who will provide the Mountaineers with another piece to move around of the defensive line.  

Best Game - Week 8 at Kansas State - 4 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 Sack

Cabral continued to improve as the season went on, and one of his best games came against Kansas State.  Cabral was able to tackle speedy RB Mitchell Reynolds in the backfield as well as get his first career sack.  

Worst Game - Week 2 vs. The Citadel - No stats

Early on - Cabral has some struggles as he adapted to his first collegiate action. In a game that the Mountaineers dominated, Cabral wasn't able to make much of an impact.  

Overall - Robert Cabral occupied his starting position all season and was able to make strides later in the season.  He showed flashes of the player we can expect to see in a few seasons, and that's ultimately what WVU fans want to see out of their young players.  

Outlook - Mentioned earlier - it's likely that Robert Cabral will be a starting defensive end for his entire WVU career.  We expect him to continue to occupy his spot going into his (So) season, and will continue to form a DE pair with current (So) KhaDarel Gonzalez.  Fellow 2nd year player Riley Jennings, who is currently taking a redshirt, will likely star in the middle for the Mountaineers giving them a young core of defensive lineman to grow together.  Throw in current freshman Thomas Hubbard and WVU will likely sport one of the better lines in the conference.  Look for Robert Cabral to improve on his (Fr) performance next season and hold down his spot for years to come.