MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The teams split into two groups, wearing blue and white jerseys, and showed the fans what they are bringing to the field this season. The Blue Team “won”, 39-30, in a scrimmage that lasted about one and a half hours. The team presented the Tommy Nickolich Award and Iron Mountaineer Awards before the scrimmage.
Wide receiver Cyrus Traugh from Parkersburg, WV, won the Nickolich Award, which is presented to a walk-on who has distinguished himself through his attitude and work ethic. The Iron Mountaineers are presented to the most outstanding performers in WVU’s offseason strength and conditioning program. Offensive lineman Nick Krahe, defensive back Geimere Latimer II, and tight end Ryan Ward were the recipients. Read more: Gold-Blue Spring Showcase analysis and major takeaways.
QB battle heats up
Sophomore Scotty Fox Jr. and redshirt sophomore Michael Hawkins Jr. took the first reps for their respective teams in the scrimmage. Fox took the first rep of the scrimmage, which is usually significant in a scrimmage setting. He ran the ball for 15 yards on his first snap. He scanned downfield and went through two progressions to his right side, and decisively tucked and ran up the middle. Fox looked much more poised in the pocket than last season, which shows his growth.
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Fox made quick decisions on the rest of the drive. He found Jaden Bray on a quick out for six yards. Bray looks healthy after injuring his foot and missing last season. He has had two season-ending injuries in the past two seasons, but he is poised to be the go-to option for WVU this season.
The next pass to John Neider was an impressive throw by Fox. He threw it to the far side boundary with a lot of velocity to move the chains. It was a long throw for a quarterback to make, especially with two defenders in the area. The drive ended with a touchdown by DJ Epps. He caught a quick slant over the middle and broke free for the touchdown.
“He’s taken a leap every day,” Head coach Rich Rodriguez said of Hawkins. “He’s a smart guy. It’s really important to him. And he’s taken a lot of extra time to learn. And so, in 14 practices, I really think he’s taken a big step, and throughout the summer workouts, and I know he’ll be over here a bunch of times in the summer, watching film, and probably meeting with coaches. I think he’s what we thought we were getting with Mike. He’s showing every bit of that. I’m really, really pleased with his progress.”
Hawkins led the Gold Team and quickly found Ward for 10 yards on a quick out route. He showed his elusiveness a few plays later by getting out of the pocket and finding Taron Francis down the field. The offense moved with tempo with Hawkins under center, as WVU did last season. Hawkins was almost picked off and ultimately overthrew a receiver on third down. That forced them to kick a field goal.
Cam Cook leads the backfield
Cam Cook transferred from Jacksonville State after leading the nation in rushing in 2025. He ran for 1,659 yards, 16 touchdowns, and also had 30 catches for 286 yards. He took the field first at running back and showed what he is capable of early in the scrimmage. Cook does well when he gets outside and is patient in between the tackles. He is the workhorse back that WVU will lean on this season.
Amari Latimer started for the Gold Team at running back beside Hawkins. He is a freshman from Fairburn, GA, and the brother of senior defensive back Geimere Latimer II, who primarily played nickel in WVU’s scrimmage. Latimer is a strong, 230-pound running back and showed his versatility. It is not surprising that the four-star recruit has jumped to the top of the depth chart and provides a great backup for Cook.
John Neider stole the show
John Neider is a redshirt junior who transferred from UConn and had a great scrimmage. Jaden Bray is likely the guy that fans focus on during the season, but Neider was a pleasant surprise. He walked on at UConn after playing quarterback in high school.
“I played quarterback in high school, and when I walked on at UConn, I kind of told them, I want to play receiver,” Neider said. “I think I had the best shot at receiver. So I started receiver first year, lots of developing, lots of learning, and I’m still on that path of developing and learning.”
Neider can move all over the field and understands the game from a quarterback perspective. He was involved all day with Fox at quarterback and with Max Brown under center. It would not be surprising to see Neider on the field a lot this season.
