Former WVU Quarterback Will Grier Issues Bold and Passionate Endorsement of CJ Cole, Arguing That Mountaineers Fans Should Embrace the Young Star as the Key to Reviving the Program’s Quarterback Legacy and Shaping the Future of WVU Football
When former West Virginia University (WVU) quarterback Will Grier speaks, Mountaineer Nation listens. Having etched his name into WVU’s storied football history with remarkable performances and personal records, Grier remains a beloved figure in Morgantown. Recently, Grier has offered a bold and impassioned endorsement of a new quarterback on the rise: CJ Cole. With Grier’s history of leadership, success, and passion for the program, his statement regarding Cole carries significant weight for fans, coaches, and players alike. Grier’s message is clear: Mountaineer fans need to stand behind CJ Cole as the future of the WVU football program, and in doing so, help the team rediscover its potential for greatness.
The Legacy of Will Grier at WVU
Before diving into Grier’s praise of Cole, it’s important to understand the legacy Grier left behind at WVU. When Grier transferred from the University of Florida to WVU in 2018, he quickly became one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the country.
Over his two years at WVU, Grier rewrote the school’s record books, setting new benchmarks for passing yards, touchdowns, and completion rates. He led the Mountaineers to a 10-win season in 2018 and played in several memorable games, including a thrilling victory over Texas in which he threw for over 350 yards and four touchdowns.
Grier’s success was not just a product of his talent, though. His leadership, poise under pressure, and ability to elevate the play of those around him made him a fan favorite. His impact on WVU football went beyond the statistics; he brought a level of excitement and optimism to a program that had seen its fair share of ups and downs. Grier’s time in Morgantown was marked by high hopes and big expectations, and while his career was unfortunately cut short by injury, he remains a symbol of the program’s potential.
A New Face of the Mountaineers: CJ Cole
Enter CJ Cole, a young quarterback who has shown promise since stepping onto the field. Though Cole is still in the early stages of his career at WVU, he has already demonstrated the skills that could lead to success in the future. A highly touted recruit, Cole has the size, arm strength, and football IQ necessary to succeed in the competitive world of college football.
What makes Cole stand out, however, is his demeanor. Much like Grier, Cole possesses an innate leadership quality. He commands respect from his teammates and has shown the ability to stay calm under pressure, characteristics that will be crucial as he matures in his role as WVU’s starting quarterback.
Grier’s endorsement of Cole is not just based on the physical tools Cole brings to the table, but also on his leadership and mentality. Grier has seen first-hand the kind of pressure that comes with being a Mountaineer quarterback. He knows what it takes to succeed in Morgantown, where expectations are high, and where the football program has a history of success. And Grier believes that CJ Cole is ready to carry that torch.
Why Will Grier Believes in CJ Cole
In his recent comments, Grier made it clear that he sees something special in Cole. It’s not just about the arm strength, accuracy, or footwork — although all of these things are critical. For Grier, the intangible qualities that Cole possesses are what truly set him apart.
“He’s got the mindset and the drive to take this program to the next level,” Grier said. “I see a lot of myself in him, and that’s not just because he’s got a strong arm or can make all the throws. It’s because he has the mental toughness to handle the ups and downs of being a WVU quarterback. He’s got that ‘it’ factor, and that’s what you need to succeed here.”
Grier went on to discuss the pressure that comes with being the face of a major college football program like WVU. He knows the highs — like winning big games and putting up incredible stats — but also the lows, like the pressure of losing close games and dealing with the scrutiny that comes with playing for such a passionate fanbase. For Grier, it’s not just about being talented on the field. It’s about handling the pressure off the field and maintaining confidence through adversity.
“I’ve seen it in him,” Grier continued. “He has the mentality to handle it all. He’s already showing maturity beyond his years. And that’s why I believe he’s the guy to lead this program into the future.”
CJ Cole’s Development and What It Means for WVU Football
Grier’s endorsement is especially significant because it comes at a time when the Mountaineers’ football program is at a crossroads. After a few seasons of inconsistency, the program is looking for stability at the quarterback position. In the years following Grier’s departure, WVU has struggled to find a quarterback who can consistently deliver results, and the coaching staff has shuffled between different players at the position.
Cole’s development will be key to the team’s success moving forward. Grier knows firsthand how much responsibility a quarterback carries, and he is confident that Cole has what it takes to not only step into that role but to excel in it. He believes that with the right guidance and the right team around him, Cole has the potential to lead WVU back to the upper echelon of college football.
One of the key aspects of Cole’s development that Grier emphasized was his work ethic. Grier knows that a quarterback must continually improve in every aspect of the game, whether it’s refining mechanics, understanding defenses, or becoming a better leader. According to Grier, Cole has already shown a willingness to put in the work and learn from those around him.
“You don’t get to where I am without putting in the hours, the reps, and the mental work,” Grier said. “CJ understands that, and he’s been putting in the time. He wants to be great, and that’s something you can’t teach. It’s a drive that comes from within, and it’s a drive that he has in spades.”
The Importance of Mountaineer Fans Rallying Behind Cole
While the coaching staff’s role in Cole’s development is paramount, Grier believes that Mountaineer Nation’s support will play an equally important role. As a former player who experienced the highs and lows of being the face of the program, Grier understands how much it means to have a fanbase that believes in you.
“There’s no place like Morgantown,” Grier said. “The fans here are incredible, and they give you a level of energy that’s unmatched. But with that comes a level of expectation. CJ is going to need that support, especially as he works through the growing pains that every young quarterback goes through.”
Grier’s message is simple: Mountaineer fans need to embrace Cole as their quarterback of the future. They need to be patient, supportive, and give him the time he needs to develop into the leader the team needs.
“It’s easy to get frustrated when things aren’t going well, but if you want this program to succeed, you have to stick with the guy who’s going to lead you,” Grier said. “CJ is that guy. He just needs the support of the fans, and I know that if they give him that, he’ll deliver.”
The Road Ahead for WVU Football
Looking ahead, the Mountaineers face a challenging road, with stiff competition from both within the Big 12 and on the national stage. However, with CJ Cole leading the charge at quarterback and supported by the right coaching staff, there’s no reason why WVU can’t compete at a high level once again.
Grier’s endorsement of Cole signals a new chapter for the program. It’s a chapter that’s filled with hope, promise, and a renewed sense of optimism. If the Mountaineers embrace the future and give Cole the time and support he needs, it’s possible that WVU will once again be a force to be reckoned with in college football.
The road ahead won’t be easy, but with CJ Cole at the helm and the unwavering support of Will Grier and Mountaineer Nation, WVU football has a bright future ahead.
