Rich Rodriguez Adds Former Georgia Starter to West Virginia With Khalil Mack Connection
West Virginia’s season-opening win over Coastal Carolina exposed one weakness that was almost impossible to ignore. The Mountaineers allowed quarterback Deuce Bailey to throw for 373 yards and three touchdowns despite holding the Chanticleers to only 52 rushing yards, creating an obvious concern in a secondary that already entered 2026 with questions.Two days later, Rich […] The post Rich…
West Virginia's season-opening win over Coastal Carolina exposed a significant weakness in their secondary. Despite holding Coastal Carolina to only 52 rushing yards, quarterback Deuce Bailey threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns, leaving the Mountaineers exposed. Rich Rodriguez, West Virginia's head coach, has taken steps to address this issue by adding former Georgia safety JaCorey Thomas to the roster.
Thomas, who spent four seasons with Georgia and played in all 14 games last year, recorded 45 tackles, including 26 solo stops, and had his first career tackle for loss and sack against Alabama in the SEC Championship game. Rodriguez believes that Thomas's experience, particularly against SEC competition, will help stabilize the secondary before stronger opponents arrive.
Thomas's unusual path to West Virginia includes playing a fifth college season after being undrafted in the NFL Draft and participating in Carolina Panthers rookie minicamp. While his arrival may not immediately fix the secondary, Rodriguez views the addition as a necessary and aggressive move to address the team's weaknesses.
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