The West Virginia football team has begun the week with a bang, which will most likely result in a significant shift in on-field defensive productivity in 2024.
Former Northwestern defensive back Jaheem Joseph revealed on Monday via X/Twitter that he will be transferring to West Virginia for the 2024 season, giving a new face to a position group that battled for depth last fall.
And it just so happens that he will not be arriving alone.
On Tuesday, Northwestern defensive back Garnett Hollis Jr. revealed that he will join his buddy in Morgantown.
While Joseph and Hollis Jr. don’t receive a lot of public attention, their addition to the program should not be underestimated.
Last season, Northwestern finished the season ranked 15th in the nation in passing yards allowed, giving up just 182.9 yards through the air. In addition, they finished tied for 25th in the country in total interceptions recorded.
West Virginia, on the other hand, had less success defending against the pass. The Mountaineers were a dismal 85th nationwide in passing yards allowed (237.4 per game) and tied for 52nd in interceptions.
Both Joseph and Hollis Jr. played a prominent role in Northwestern’s stout pass defense last season, as they each registered playing time in all 13 games.
Joseph managed 24 tackles and one pass breakup on the season and also nabbed three interceptions. He ended the Northwestern era of his career in style with two interceptions in a 14-7 bowl win over incoming Big 12 program Utah.
After the game, Joseph discussed how first-year Northwestern coach David Braun’s defensive style helped him hone his ballhawk skills.
“When bringing in (Braun’s) new system, it was always a heavy emphasis on eyes on the ball,” Joseph told ESPN. “We practice turnover drills and a circuit every Thursday before practice…”It’s ingrained in our thoughts to find the ball and acquire it.
Meanwhile, Hollis Jr. finished his 2023 season with 49 tackles, three pass breakups, and one interception. Following Northwestern’s victory over Purdue last fall, Braun heaped praise on Hollis Jr. and teammates Rod Heard II and Bryce Gallagher.
