The West Virginia State football team entered the offseason with a cupboard far from bare. Of the 22 starters in the Yellow Jackets' final game of 2015, all but six return. Thirty-seven of the 48 players who saw action in that game are coming back.
But that shouldn't discourage the members of the Yellow Jackets' 2016 signing class. Head coach Jon Anderson said those newcomers will get as much a chance as the veterans to earn playing time.
"Our guys that are within our program right now, they know they have to compete to earn everything they get," Anderson said. "And we tell that to the guys we're recruiting. If you come in here and truly compete and truly earn a spot, we'll play you."
WVSU's 24-member signing class is one Anderson believes will help the Yellow Jackets finally clear the hurdles that have kept them from a winning record. State came achingly close last season, leading West Liberty by as many as 16 points in that final game before falling, 42-36, and finishing with a 5-6 record.
"Every year we've been here, our classes have gotten better, and this year is no exception," Anderson said. "I think the overall length and athleticism has increased and we have some quality individuals coming in."
State went heavy on the offensive line and defensive backfield in this recruiting class, signing five at each position. There's a spot in the starting lineup up for grabs on the offensive line and two spots open in the secondary. The Yellow Jackets lost lineman Zack Alvidrez and defensive backs William Merritt and Stevin Gomez to graduation. Gomez and Merritt combined for six interceptions and 11 pass break-ups.
"As long as we're here, we'll always recruit offensive linemen," Anderson said. "In my opinion, we can't have enough of those quality guys, and I'm really pleased with the guys coming in there. And with spread football, these days, I don't feel you can have enough defensive backs, either. It's basketball on grass anymore, so you need length and closing speed. I think we accomplished that."
He also paid special attention to his wide receiver group in this class, hunting for more players who could turn more completions from quarterback Matt Kinnick into touchdowns. Kinnick led the Mountain East in attempts (425), completions (249) and yards per game (280.4), but finished fifth in touchdown passes (20). No State receiver caught more than four touchdowns last season.
"We really looked at guys who could finish," Anderson said. "Finishing was a big key for us, guys who would snatch the ball out of the air, guys who would turn the short one into a long one. That was something we were really hard on in our evaluations."
Common among all West Virginia State's signees is a competitive fire, one that will serve them well on a team where Anderson hasn't been afraid to give young players the green light to take the field on Saturdays.
"Ultimately, what we look for is guys who want to compete," Anderson said. "Anybody that's scared of competition, they kind of 'X' themselves out of our recruiting class in a hurry."