For West Virginia and head coach Dana Holgorsen, this year’s spring practice is all about finding replacements for some key departures.

While the quarterback position is set with the return of Skyler Howard, the running back situation is unsettled after Wendell Smallwood left early for the NFL. Rushel Shell and JUCO transfer Justin Crawford are expected to compete for the position, with early enrollee Kennedy McKoy getting some looks as well.

Replacing the consistent Jordan Thompson at wide receiver may be tough, but the return of Daikiel Shorts, Shelton Gibson, and Jovon Durante will provide firepower to the West Virginia attack.

Kyle Rose, the leader of the Mountaineer defense, is also gone, and Holgorsen is counting on Noble Nwachukwu, Christian Brown, and Darrien Howard to step up and take control. JUCO transfer Xavier Pegues could also be a solid pass-rusher for West Virginia.

The hardest hit area for West Virginia is the linebacker position, as three seniors graduated and left a big void of players with experience for 2016. Xavier Preston, Hodari Christian, and Al-Rasheed Benton, all backups last season, are expected to fill the roles.