In a scrimmage that was, at times, as uneventful as a Bill Belichick press conference, one West Virginia player that stood out was backup quarterback Jarrett Brown. Since Pat White often sacrifices his body for first downs, he tends to get banged up to the point that he can’t play. Since this happened to White during the only two losses of last season, Brown is under a lot of pressure.

One thing was constant in 2007 for the Mountaineers; when White was in the game WVU was going to find a way to win. In contrast, Pat White's absence gave an automatic edge to any opponent. Pittsburgh came to Morgantown as a four-touchdown underdog and won. With White in the game, that spread might have held. That’s how much he meant. If you don’t agree, watch film of his game-winning run against Louisville.

Obviously, Brown has tremendous physical skills. He will be a junior next season and it’s time for him to start showcasing his ability if White can’t play. No one is pinning the two losses last season on Brown, but he was entirely ineffective in both games, and this year he'll again almost certainly be counted on in big spots.

In the spring scrimmage, Brown looked liked the poised successor to White we know he can be. Much like White, Brown can beat you with his legs, so it’s going to be his passing that will take his game to the next level.

Noel Devine and Jock Sanders's running will be able to open up the passing game, and the traditional run first ‘Eers will be even more dangerous.

This team has some serious weapons that are developing. If White or Brown starts finding redshirt freshman Bradley Starks, big plays will follow one after the other. Starks was originally scouted as a quarterback, but based on his spring performance, he should make the full transition to wideout.

If White can stay healthy for a full season, West Virginia is the team to beat. If he can’t, it will be an early preview of what life in Morgantown will be post-White. Brown is a monster two-sport athlete, and his day will come, but 2008 is still Pat White’s time.

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