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War for WVU’s Starting Right Tackle Rages On

Coach Holgorsen: Lazard to start, but McKivitz will play, too

MORGANTOWN — Ever hear of losing the battle, but winning the war?

That’s the case with former Union Local High School standout offensive lineman Colton McKivitz, who has been locked in a day-to-day battle with redshirt junior Marcell Lazard for the starting berth at right tackle at West Virginia University.

“Yeah, they are still battling,” sixth-year head coach Dana Holgorsen said. “Hopefully, we will keep them battling all year long. Marcell (Lazard) will get the nod and will start, but Colton (McKivitz) is going to play. Colton is probably going to end up playing both left tackle and right tackle.

“When do we put Colton in the game? That depends on how Marcell plays. There are situations that effect that.”

But, for the time being, the 6-foot-7, 304-pounder will have to settle for coming off of the sidelines and spelling Lazard or left tackle Yodney Cajuste. Which may occur more often than usual as the Mountaineers’ offense wants to play at a faster pace — running upward of 90 to 100 plays per contest.

A three-year starter for Bruce Stiles’ Union Local program, McKivitz came to Morgantown following a successful senior campaign which witnessed the Jacobsburg, Ohio native earn All-Valley, A.P. Division V All-Ohio First Team, JJ Huddle.com All-Ohio Top 15 Offensive Lineman and WTOV9 Block of Granite Offensive Line Award.

Three times the outstanding blocker was selected to the All-OVAC first team as well as the All-Buckeye 8 Conference First Team. He was listed as a three star recruit by ESPN, Scout.com and PrepStar and a two star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports.

“Colton’s athleticism and ability to learn quickly are what has placed him in this position,” offensive line coach Ron Crook said. “Obviously, the biggest advantage Marcell has at this time is experience. That will change as Colton sees action against other teams.”

Lazard has seen action in 15 games, starting six at right tackle during WVU’s 8-5 campaign in 2015.

The 6-foot-6, 308-pounder saw his most action in the Mountaineers’ 43-42 victory over Arizona State in the Cactus Bowl, participating in 86 plays and helping senior quarterback Skyler Howard pass for a bowl record 532 yards and five touchdowns.

“The competition has been good for both of them,” Crook said. “And, we expect that competition to continue to make both players improve. It’s kind of what we’d like to have at every position.”

Of course the veteran offensive line coach, and Parkersburg South High School graduate, has other issues to deal with as the Mountaineers prepare to host Missouri in their season opener on Saturday, Sept. 3.

Redshirt senior left guard Adam Pankey will be lost for the game as he serves a suspension for his recent run into with the law.

“Tony (Matteo) is a fifth-year senior and he will step in and take over for Adam,” Crook said. “(Redshirt junior) Grant (Lingafelter) will back him up. He’s been getting a lot of reps in camp since Tony’s injury and now with Adam not playing.”

The suspension could not have come at a worse time as Missouri brings in a defense which ranked No. 13 nationally and third in the SEC in total defense and returns Terry Beckner Jr., Rickey Hatley, Josh Augusta and Josh Moore — a foursome which could be the best unit the Mountaineers will face in 2016.

“They are a great football team defensively,” Crook said during Tuesday’s media session. “They’ve got some big dogs up front that really play hard and they’re athletic.”

Even more reasons why fans of Union Local High School football can expect to see one of their own — McKivitz — on Mountaineer Field when the season opens against the Tigers.

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