West Virginia hosts FCS opponent Albany this Saturday, and if all goes according to plan, the Mountaineers will be able to give their second, third and fourth-place teams plenty of work to do. Which newcomers should you keep an eye on? I’ve got nine names for you.

Hubbard isn’t a great running back, but he drops quickly and doesn’t dance around the backfield much. He’s a quiet player who will play a big role down the road, possibly as a starter.

WVU was selected over: Appalachian State, Ball State, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Coastal Carolina, James Madison, Kentucky, Marshall, Massachusetts, Miami (OH), Toledo, Western Michigan.

Dunbar is a really intriguing running back. He has a physical running style and doesn’t hesitate to go in the hole. I don’t like to make comparisons, but here I am. Dunbar reminds me a lot of Martell Pettaway, who was with the Mountaineers from 2016-2019.

WVU was selected over: Appalachian State, Arkansas, Boston College, Eastern Kentucky, Georgia State, Liberty, Maryland, Michigan State, Ole Miss, Penn State, Virginia Tech.

Farmer is one of the most explosive playmakers this coaching staff has recruited since 2019. Ultimately, he may leave the team as the most productive wide receiver they’ve had under Brown and Co. He has skills that can’t be taught. He has arguably the best feet a WVU receiver has had since Tavon. And no, I’m not comparing him to the Mountaineer legend in any way.

WVU was selected over: Arizona State, Georgia Tech, Iowa State, Miami, Michigan State, Missouri, Penn State, Pitt, Texas A&M, Virginia, Virginia Tech.

Rehmann has a chance to really make an impact this week and earn more playing time later in the season. The coaching staff have been impressed with him early on, but he will need to show something in the game to earn that trust.

WVU was selected over: Boston College, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan State, Oregon, Penn State, Pitt, South Carolina, Tennessee, Wisconsin.

Most tight ends need a few years to get used to the physicality of college football, but Sammarco was ready to contribute and will undoubtedly get some playing time this Saturday. Kole Taylor and Treylan Davis are the top two tight ends, but WVU is hoping to find a third option in that room. Can Sammarco be that option?

WVU was selected over: Akron, Army, Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Massachusetts, Miami (OH), Temple, Toledo, UConn, Western Michigan.

WVU couldn’t get much pressure going forward against Penn State and couldn’t generate any pass rush at all. I think that will change this week and Gabriel could be a part of that in the second half. WVU really needs another player on the interior to feel comfortable with its depth, so a solid performance from Gabriel could be the first step.

WVU was selected over: Arkansas State, Central Michigan, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, Eastern Michigan, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Liberty, Marshall, South Florida, Temple, Troy, Tulane, Western Michigan

Kinsler flashed during fall camp and caught the attention of the coaching staff. He’s one of those guys, like Gabriel above, who may be ready to help WVU this season but may need another year. You won’t get all the answers against Albany, but it will give you an idea.

WVU was selected over: Akron, Boston College, Liberty, Louisville, Miami, Pitt, Purdue, Syracuse, Toledo, UConn.

The Mountaineers currently have only two options with the Spurs – Tyrin Bradley and Ty French. Onwuka looks like a long-term starter, but it will greatly impact WVU’s depth if he finds a role this season, even if it’s just a few appearances per game.

WVU was selected over: Boston College, Charlotte, James Madison, Kent State, Marshall, Maryland, Memphis, Penn State, Temple, Toledo, UConn, USC, Virginia Tech, Wisconsin.

Jennings is one of the most talked about rookies on the roster, and the team expects him to break out and play a crucial role behind Aubrey Burks this season.

WVU was selected over: Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Marshall, Miami (OH), Purdue, Toledo, Western Kentucky.

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