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MORGANTOWN -- On the first day of West Virginia's spring football practice, new offensive coordinator Graham Harrell didn't expect much.
It's probably best to keep expectations low, being the first day back on the field in months, but something quickly stood out about the Mountaineers' offense, and in a positive light -- the early performance of the team's experienced offensive line.
When executing outside zone -- a concept that sees offensive linemen block specific assignments, cutting off defensive linemen and opening up lanes for the running back -- Harrell admitted he didn't anticipate much success.
"Day 1 we ran outside zone and I expected it to be a disaster with no pads on, and we actually hit some big runs," Harrell said Thursday after the second spring practice. "A lot of that's because that offensive line has played together, they know what they're doing together, they work together well and created some stuff for us."
Across the offense, the Mountaineers' offensive line stands to be the most consistent position group from last year -- even with months separating yesterday's spring practice and the team's first official depth chart later this fall.
Fairmont native Zach Frazier, who earned second team All-American honors last season, remains a stalwart at the center position. He's started 21 career games, with the bulk of which coming at the position last season.
To Frazier's right is Doug Nester, the Kenova native and Virginia Tech transfer, who ended the season with 33 knockdowns across 13 starts. To Frazier's left is James Gmiter, a redshirt senior who didn't register a sack or missed assignment in 10 games.
The only real difference comes at the tackle spots, with last season's right and left tackles switching sides. Sophomore Wyatt Milum is left-handed, making his move to left tackle a much more natural spot for him, according to head coach Neal Brown, while Brandon Yates brings 21 career starts to the right side.
Off the bench, guard Jordan White, tackle Ja'Quay Hubbard and others expect to allow for seamless rotations. Each offensive lineman currently listed on the roster has at least a year of experience in the Mountaineers' system.
For Harrell and the young quarterbacks, the unit's experience is a priceless asset.
"I think it's gonna really help, especially with having some young quarterbacks -- help their development because they can stand in that pocket a little longer and have a cleaner pocket ... Having that foundation is huge for us," Harrell said. "They're gonna really help us.
"I think that they can get us out of some trouble when we need to lean on those guys. If we've got to run the football or whatever the case may be, whatever it takes, having those guys is gonna help. You need some protection? They can usually do it. You need a little extra time? I think you've got a chance to have it because you've got an experienced offensive line."
Last season, with offensive line coach Matt Moore raving about the team's depth, the Mountaineers had arguably the best offensive season of the Neal Brown era, featuring highs in total yards and touchdowns.
The floor is high with everybody returning, while the ceiling is much, much higher.
"Being good up front makes everyone else's job a hell of a lot easier," Harrell said. "Having that group together has been fun for two days, and hopefully this spring they just continue to grow. You can't replace real reps, so getting them 13 more practices together hopefully makes them even that much better so, going into the fall, we really have a special group up there."