Barclay

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Since stability for any football team begins in the trenches, West Virginia University is hoping its offensive line paves the way to another successful season.

For the second straight season, Seneca Valley High graduate Don Barclay will start at left tackle and is one of four starting linemen returning to the Mountaineers from last year's 9-4 squad.

He will join fellow returnees Josh Jenkins (left guard), Joe Madsen (center) and Eric Jobe (right guard).

The lone starter to graduate was second-team All-Big East right tackle Selvish Capers. He will be replaced by sophomore Jeff Braun.

"Most of the guys on the line have one or two years of starting under their belt," said Barclay, a 6-foot-4, 304-pound redshirt junior. "Everything's been going smoothly in camp. We're ready to go."

WVU begins the 2010 season at home Saturday against Coastal Carolina. It will be the first official test for an offensive line looking to improve from last year.

The unit played well at times, but also gave up the most sacks since 2001 — 24 — though only one came against Barclay.

For the third consecutive season, the Mountaineers have a different starting quarterback. Sophomore Geno Smith was preceded under center by Jarrett Brown (2009) and Pat White (2008).

Smith saw action in five games in 2009, completing 32 of 49 passes for 309 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

"The entire offense has all the confidence in Geno," said Barclay. "When he was in last year for Jarrett, we didn't even notice a difference.

"It's important for the offensive line to get on the same page with the quarterback, and we've done that," he added.

Along with keeping Smith's passing lanes free of obstructions, the line also will be opening holes for senior halfback Noel Devine, who is fifth on WVU's all-time rushing list with 3,381 yards.

"He's faster than ever," said Barclay of Devine, who was first-team All-Big East in 2009 with 1,465 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. "You make a block for him and he goes 60 yards or so. It's great watching plays like that on film, knowing you contributed to that."

Last year ended for the Mountaineers with a 33-21 loss to Florida State in the Gator Bowl.

Barclay and his teammates have their sights set even higher in 2010.

"Our goal is to win the Big East," Barclay said of an outcome that would land the team in a Bowl Championship Series game. "But the biggest thing right now is to take it one game at a time."