While there are probably more than a few West Virginia fans hoping and praying offensive coordinator Jeff Mullen does, indeed, get the job as Kent State’s new head coach, none of them are probably as excited with the news that backup quarterback Barry Brunetti will be leaving WVU after the Champs Sports Bowl.
As has been customary in this day and age, Brunetti informed the world of his departure via Twitter, saying “Due to a list of things and personal (sic) reasons. Will not be returning to WVU next year,” but added he’s “Still focusing on helping WVU win the Champs Sports Bowl. After that continue my new journey.”
WVU Director of Football Communications Mike Montoro said that Brunetti never approached him, or apparently anyone else in the football office for that matter, about leaving.
Brunetti cited personal reasons for his departure, but there has also been word around the WVU camp that the former Parade Magazine All-American has been frustrated with the lack of playing time he’s received behind sophomore quarterback Geno Smith, who has taken practically every snap for the Mountaineers this season. For the year, Brunetti is 4-0f-9 passing for a whopping 6 yards.
A source close to the situation told CFT that Brunetti felt he could be the starting quarterback for WVU over Smith.
Obviously, if a player is unhappy, it’s best to just cut the ties and move on amicably -- which appears to be the path Brunetti is taking -- but the departure does continue to put the Mountaineers’ quarterback situation into an ever-growing hole. Earlier this season, fellow backup quarterback and freshman Jeremy Johnson left the program, citing homesickness.
Prior to Brunetti and Johnson’s arrival, West Virginia’s lone scholarship backup at QB was Coley White, brother of former Mountaineer quarterback Pat White. White took every snap as the No. 1 QB in the spring while Smith recovered from a foot injury, but moved to wide receiver this fall with the hopes of seeing more playing time.
White has been known for being the ultimate “team player” by playing both WR and QB and, come this spring, he’ll likely be asked to do it again.