He last started a game for West Virginia University when the Mountaineers were in the Big East and were curb-stomping Clemson in the Orange Bowl. Now, several years later, Bridgeport High School alum Wes Tonkery appears to be a starter as a fifth-year senior.

 

WVU Defensive Coordinator Tony Gibson sang Tonkery's praises as the pre-season practices began to unfold. And apparently, it wasn't just a way to motivate the player or others around him. On the WVU depth chart that was released Monday, Tonkery is listed as the number one Sam linebacker on the two-deep roster. He is ahead of redshirt junior Isaiah Bruce.

 

 Tonkery's return to the starting lineup is again on the big stage. He'll be going up against nationally ranked Alabama Saturday in Atlanta. Game time is set for 3:30 p.m.

 

 

The return to the starting lineup is even more impressive considering Tonkery is coming off of an injury that cut his junior season short. Tonkery is a redshirt senior who played a big part in WVU's special teams last year before getting injured.

 

Click HERE to read this  report, which includes the entire depth chart, from MetroNews.com.

 

Editor's Note: Photo courtesy of WVU Sports Communications.