Karl Joseph

Joseph entered 2015 already with three seasons of starting experience under his belt and was tied for the FBS lead with five interceptions when he suffered a season-ending knee injury in a non-contact drill during a practice in the first week of October. "I want to thank my teammates and my coaches for their outpouring of support," Joseph said. "This has been difficult for me and my family, but I know I will come through this stronger than ever. I will forever be a Mountaineer and will be cheering on our team every step of the way." The injury came after Joseph decided to return for his regular season rather than make the leap into the 2015 draft. "I am devastated and heartbroken for Karl," Mountaineers coach Dana Holgorsen said. "He is a young man who has given everything he has to our football program and University over the past four years and who elected to return to WVU for his senior season to earn his degree and be part of something special with this team. He exemplifies what it means to be a Mountaineer. Karl is an All-American, a fierce competitor, a leader and I know he will have a full recovery, and I can't wait to watch him on Sundays next fall." Joseph was a first team All-Big 12 pick by the coaches after recording 92 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and an interception while starting all 13 games in 2014. Joseph started all 13 games as a true freshman in 2012 and was named WVU's defensive player of the year while leading the team with 104 tackles. He backed that up with honorable mention all-conference honors in 2013, registering 68 tackles.

as long as his recovery goes according to plan, joseph still projects as a mid-round pick, but his landing spot will depend on the medical reports.

--Dane Brugler (2/10/16)

joseph doesn't have ideal size. although he has his highlight-reel hits, joseph needs to be a smarter striker to avoid flags at the next level and he also needs to improve in the open field, often overpursuing and losing the ballcarrier in space.

IN OUR VIEW

strengths

Pound-for-pound one of the most physical players in the country, and plays much tougher than he looks. He loves violent contact and times his hits well to jar the ball loose. He plays fast and low to the ground to generate his power as a tackler, using leverage and reckless abandon as a finisher.

joseph has quick reflexes to make explosive decisions and movements, shooting out of a cannon with an aggressive play style and never attacking half-speed. he strikes through his target and is a big hit waiting to happen.

WEAKNESSES

injury history

2015

Coached by Zac Yarbrough at Edgewater High School

Finished 2011 with 126 tackles (97 solo), three sacks, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, four blocked punts and two blocked field goals

Two-time Orlando Sentinel Defensive Player of the Year.

Birthday is September 8

Son of Marie Joseph

One of two children

Majoring in multidisciplinary studies

Garrett Ford Academic Honor Roll

Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

2015

interceptions
TD	AVG	YDS	INT
0.0	1.4	7.0	5.0