Earlier we talked about the depth chart on defense and how, barring something unexpected along the lines of an injury or one player falling off or another taking off, WVU’s starting defense may be in the opening game what it was in the opening practice.

Here’s the defensive depth chart handed out the first day. Not many holes or questions there as it relates to starters … and maybe even backups.

Well, on offense WVU returns nine starters as well and the quarterback spot belongs to Geno Smith. What this means — and the coaches will absolutely disagree with me, but I’m trying to make a point about how well-situated WVU is in camp — is the only true battle for a starting spot at one of the 22 positions is at right tackle between sophomore Jeff Braun — who never played the position before spring practice — and redshirt freshman Pat Eger — who was a LT in high school and hasn’t played in college.

Would you agree with that observation? Take a look.

Fortunately, there’s some action on special teams.

Senior Greg Pugnetti and sophomore Corey Smith, the Bunker Hill native who transferred from Alabama, are having a booming battle for the punting spot. John Howard, a walk-on redshirt freshman from Cincinnati, has been so good as the scout teak kickoff specialist that he’ll get a chance soon to compete for the real thing. And while you could and maybe should see more names among the returners, it’s hard to go wrong with those candidates.