Throughout our weekly position reviews, we have looked at groups like the running backs, offensive linemen, and the defensive linemen. This week, the focus shifts to the secondary.
Split up between two parts, we will analyze WVU’s cornerbacks today and the safeties on Tuesday. Read more: Position Review #7 (Part 1): Analyzing WVU’s brand new CB room.
Similar to those other groups we have talked about already, both the corners and safeties have a ton of new faces among them. Particularly for the cornerbacks, there are four transfers that join three true freshmen and four returners to round out the group.
Looking at the new faces
Starting with the newest players, as a few of them have a good chance to start in WVU’s season opener against Coastal Carolina.
The coaching staff managed to snag two standout corners from Hutchinson Community College; redshirt junior Rayshawn Reynolds Jr. and junior Da’Mun Allen. With both possessing great size at 6’3 and a lot of playing experience, these two former JUCO teammates have a prime opportunity to play alongside each other for the Mountaineers this season.
After Reynolds initially redshirted his freshman year at Hutchinson, he became a key part of the defense in 2024 and 2025. In total, he recorded 29 tackles, two interceptions, two tackles for loss, and 13 pass breakups.
The Alabama native was rated a three-star in the transfer portal and the No. 15 cornerback overall coming out of JUCO.
On the other hand, Allen enjoyed an even more impressive season for Hutchinson. As a sophomore, the Florida native registered 28 tackles, four interceptions, and two pass breakups.
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Following the season, Allen earned a spot on the 2025 NJCAA D1 All-American Honorable Mention Defensive team. He also entered the portal as the No. 3 cornerback in JUCO.
Another transfer to keep an eye on is Kent State transfer Jaire Rawlison. As a redshirt freshman last year for the Golden Flashes, Rawlison saw action in all 12 games and started in 11 of them.
He took advantage of the opportunity and recorded 54 tackles, two TFLs, and six pass breakups. Despite redshirting the season prior and only playing in four games, Rawlison managed to collect 21 tackles and a pass breakup.
The biggest concern for Rawlison is his size, as he is listed at 5’9 and 183 pounds.
Strong potential among the returners
While all the transfers West Virginia brought in to bolster the cornerback room bring plenty of experience, the four returning cornerbacks have far less. The majority of them did not see significant action last season, with each either appearing sparingly as depth or not playing at all.
However, if there is one member among this group that has the best chance to break through in the depth chart, it is junior Keyshawn Robinson. Hailing from Ranson, West Virginia, Robinson played in all 12 games for the Mountaineers in 2025.
He was used primarily on the special teams, but he also saw time at corner as he registered 13 tackles. Robinson is an extremely talented athlete and also has great size at 5’11 and 193 pounds.
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If any of the returners will play a bigger role this season, Robinson could have the best chance to achieve that.
ChaMarryus Bomar is another returner who saw some action last season. The former three-star recruit redshirted last year, so he only played two games.
However, he is another great athlete, as he played wide receiver alongside cornerback in high school.
Alongside Robinson, junior Nick Taylor is another returner who has a good chance to see his opportunities increase from last season. In his first season with WVU, the former Appalachian State transfer finished with 20 tackles and one interception in 11 games.
Redshirt junior Jayden Bell rounds out the list of returners in the cornerback room. He has not seen the field yet in his first three years for the Mountaineers.
Exciting freshmen to the mix
To round out the cornerback room, there are three exciting freshmen that the staff was able to bring in. Many of them may not see the field much this season, but the future is certainly bright for them.
Vincent Smith joins West Virginia as a four-star recruit out of Florida. He is also already listed at 6’1 and 215 pounds.
Makhi Boone and Simaj Hill are a pair of three-star recruits who also possess potential. Boone is a native of Ohio and Hill comes from St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia.
Return Tuesday for part two of this week’s position review, where we will take a look at West Virginia’s loaded safety room. As always, make sure to download the WV Sports Nation app for further coverage on WVU Athletics.
