West Virginia coach Doug Taylor and his staff went after the defensive line position before they chose any other leading up to the 67th annual Rudy Mumley OVAC All-Star Game.
Then the Mountain State coaches shifted to the linebackers and were pleased with all of the nominees.
Now with training camp just a few days away, Taylor has named his defensive line and linebacker candidates, which he expects to be one of the keys to the game on July 29th.
''We picked who we felt were the four best defensive linemen available and then we got some good-sized kids who played linebacker for their schools, but can help us on the defensive front,'' Taylor said. ''All of our guys, who we're planning on using along the line, have a good combination of size and speed.''
As for the linebackers, Taylor said, ''they may be our strength. There were a lot of good linebackers who can run and make tackles.''
Here's a capsule look at the players:
ANDREW BEVERIDGE, Bishop Donahue - This former Bishop was a tough guy to block for Coach John Durdines' squad.
The 6-foot-1, 220 pounder recorded 88 tackles, including 17 for loss, seven sacks, two forced fumble and an interception, which he returned for a touchdown. He also had 14.5 sacks, forced six fumbles, recovered five and had two safeties.
Beveridge was a first team all-state selection and a member of the All-Valley team for the second consecutive season. He was also All-OVAC and all-Mason Dixon.
Andrew, who is the son of Angelie Beveridge and Rusty Beveridge, is planning on attending West Virginia University.
EVAN CLINE, Tyler Consolidated - This former Silver Knight was a standout on both sides of the ball for Coach Rob Caldwell's squad.
The 5-9, 180 pounder made 68 solo tackles, 36 assists, picked off two passes and returned one for a touchdown.
Cline was first team All-OVAC, All-LKC, All-Valley and second team all-state.
Evan, who plans on attending West Virginia University, is the son of Bryon and Janet Cline of Sistersville.
DYLAN DAVIS, Oak Glen - This former Golden Bear played a myriad of positions for then coach Tony Filberto's squad.
The 6-2, 230 pounder saw time at running back and linebacker. He ran for 872 yards.
Davis was a four-year letterman and served as team captain as a senior.
He was also a standout for the Golden Bears' wrestling team, winning the regional and state title at 220 pounds.
Dylan, who plans on attending West Virginia Northern before heading to West Liberty, is the son of Bob and Cindy Davis of Chester.
DEREK HINKLE, Clay-Battelle - He was a utility player for Coach Ryan Wilson's squad.
The 6-2, 172 pounder averaged 5.7 yards per carry and 23 yards per catch. He also scored 19 touchdowns. Defensively, he was one of the team's leading tacklers.
Hinkle was first team all-state, All-OVAC, all-Mason Dixon and was named to the Dominion Post All-Area Team.
Derek, who is the son of Julie and Tony Luzader and Steve Hinkle, is planning on attending Waynesburg University.
ADAM JONES, Linsly - Te former Cadet caused all sorts of trouble for opposing teams last season under head coach B.J. Depew.
The 6-0, 210 pounder had more than 200 career tackles and 52 pancakes.
Jones was a two-year captain for the Cadets and team MVP as a senior. He was first team All-OVAC and All-Valley.
Adam, who is the son of Linda and Dennis Jones of Wheeling, plans on attending John Carroll University near Cleveland.
ZACK MASSIE, Brooke - He was a standout along the defensive front for then head coach Tom Bruney's squad.
The 5-10, 258 pounder recorded 17 tackles and a sack for the Bruins.
Zack, who is the son of Jeff and Charissee Massie of Follansbee, plans on attending Glenville State.
RYAN MOZINGO, Madonna - This former Blue Don was a standout at middle linebacker for Taylor.
The 5-8, 190 pounder recorded 216 career tackles, six sacks, five fumble recoveries and three interceptions. He also scored three defensive touchdowns.
Mozingo was a first team All-OVAC, All-Mason Dixon Conference and special mention all-stater.
Ryan, who is the son of Rick and Roberta Mozingo, is planning on attending Waynesburg University.
TAYLOR NEELY, Cameron - This former Dragon was a standout at nose tackle for head coach Jim Rogers' squad.
The 5-11, 215 pounder was one of Cameron's leading tacklers.
Taylor, who is the son of Blair and Michelle Neely, is undecided about his future plans.
DARREN STARR, Weir - This two-way lineman was a standout for the Red Riders last season.
The 6-1, 250 pounder had 72 tackles from his defensive tackle spot. He also had 10 sacks, seven tackles for loss, five fumble recoveries and an interception.
He was a nominee for the Big 22 Player of the Year as well as the Block of Granite.
Along with football, Starr was a standout in wrestling, winning the OVAC heavyweight title and then finishing as state runnerup.
Darren, who is the son of Dale Starr of Weirton, plan on attending Ohio Valley University.
