MORGANTOWN — Some things just feel right.
For WVU sophomore offensive lineman Wyatt Milum, a switch from right tackle to left tackle fits a far-more-natural glove for the 6-foot-6, 311-pounder.
Milum took over the starting job at right tackle five games into last season and did not relinquish the spot. Parker Moorer started the first four games, but that spot was the clear weak spot along the offensive line, so Milum fit the need on the right side, despite being left-handed.
One of the highest-rated recruits to come out of West Virginia — Spring Valley class of 2021 — a decision needed to be made this offseason on whether to move Milum back to left tackle.
Last year, Brandon Yates started all 13 games at left tackle as a sophomore, so if Milum switched positions, it was likely Yates would need to do the same.
For the coaching staff, it was a no-brainer.
“Better on the left side, because he’s left-handed,” WVU offensive line coach Matt Moore said. “He feels more comfortable on the left side, so it’s really nice to move him over there and see him take to it the way he’s done in the offseason, spring and summer.”
Yates is currently in a battle with Ja’Quay Hubbard for the starting right tackle spot, but Milum is locked in at left tackle in what many hope is years to come.
Milum was just the second true freshman in the last 50 years to start along the offensive line for the Mountaineers, and with a year under his belt, he’s excited to see where this season takes him.
“I would definitely say I’m more comfortable. The game has definitely slowed down for me,” Milum said. “I understand what’s going on more. Transitioning to left tackle wasn’t that hard. I’ve never played on the left side before. Learning the kick step and pass pro were the only difficult things to do, really.”
Moore echoed Milum, believing this offseason pushed him to the next level.
“He’s really making a lot of progress,” Moore said. “The offseason was big. He came in as a true freshman last year, played in and out early and took over the job halfway through the year, but still physically, he wasn’t where we wanted him to be.”
Milum played under 300 pounds most of last season, but wanted to keep his weight around 310 this time around. Right now, he’s sitting at 311 pounds just over two weeks from the season-opener at Pitt on Sept. 1.
Now protecting the blindside of likely starter JT Daniels, the expectations are continuing to rise, though it’s something he embraces.
“I put pressure on myself because I don’t want to let my teammates or team down,” Milum said. “I wouldn’t say the expectation has really changed. I know what I have to do and I want to do it to my best ability.”
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