Cody Carrico’s Football IQ Puts Him on Fast Track in Mountaineer Defense
The West Virginia Mountaineers are no strangers to developing defensive standouts, and in 2025, one name that’s quickly climbing the ranks is sophomore linebacker Cody Carrico. A product of Ironton, Ohio, Carrico has shown an elite level of intelligence and awareness on the field that has earned him not just the trust of the coaching staff, but a potential starting role in one of the Big 12’s most physically demanding defenses.
For a player who came into Morgantown without the fanfare of a five-star rating or national hype, Carrico has steadily proved that football IQ, work ethic, and consistency can sometimes outshine raw talent. While still young, his knack for diagnosing plays before they happen and putting himself in the right place at the right time has the coaching staff excited for what’s to come.
A Natural Leader in the Making
Linebackers coach Jeff Koonz has been vocal about Carrico’s cerebral approach to the game. In meetings and film sessions, Carrico is often the first to speak up, asking questions and making reads as if he were already a veteran starter. Koonz praised Carrico’s ability to not only learn the defensive playbook quickly but to also elevate the players around him.
“Cody is one of those guys who gets it — and gets it fast,” said Koonz during spring camp. “He sees the game like a coach on the field, and that’s rare. You can’t teach instincts like his.”
Carrico’s understanding of gap responsibilities, blocking schemes, and coverage assignments has set him apart early in his career. He’s often seen helping teammates get lined up pre-snap, showing signs of a field general that the Mountaineers can build around.
High School Foundation, Big-Time Impact
Before arriving at WVU, Carrico was a two-way standout at Ironton High School, starring at both linebacker and running back. His all-around athleticism and physicality translated well to the next level, but it was his film study habits and commitment to understanding the game that gave him an early edge in college.
“He was the kind of player who was always watching extra film,” said his former high school coach. “Even in high school, he’d come in on weekends just to watch tape. That’s how seriously he takes football.”
That discipline and preparation have followed him to Morgantown, where strength coach Mike Joseph also raves about Carrico’s off-the-field habits. Whether it’s showing up early for workouts or staying late after practice to review footage, Carrico has embraced the grind that comes with becoming a top-tier collegiate linebacker.
Filling Big Shoes
The Mountaineers enter the 2025 season with some holes to fill on defense, particularly at linebacker following the departures of veteran leaders. That opens the door for Carrico to play a much larger role than many expected this early in his career. While he saw limited snaps as a true freshman, his performance during spring ball and into fall camp has made it clear: he’s ready for more.
Co-defensive coordinator ShaDon Brown commented on Carrico’s accelerated development. “We’ve got guys who are physically impressive, but Cody is the one making everyone else better just by understanding what we’re trying to do schematically. He’s a coach’s dream.”
Carrico’s blend of discipline and mental sharpness is crucial for a WVU defense that prides itself on communication and adaptability. In a conference known for high-scoring offenses and complex passing schemes, having a linebacker who can anticipate and adjust on the fly is a major asset.
Eyes on the Season
While it’s still early, there’s a strong sense that Carrico could be a breakout name for the Mountaineers this fall. Whether he starts or rotates heavily in the linebacker unit, his presence will be felt — not necessarily through gaudy stat lines, but in how the defense operates as a cohesive unit when he’s on the field.
Teammates have taken notice too. Senior safety Aubrey Burks recently said, “Carrico knows what everyone’s supposed to do. He’s young, but he already plays like a vet. That’s big for us.”
The Future Is Bright
With three years of eligibility still ahead of him, Cody Carrico is just getting started. But make no mistake — his football intelligence has already fast-tracked his rise within the West Virginia defense. If he continues on this trajectory, Carrico could become not only a foundational piece for WVU but also a future name to watch on NFL scouting radars.
For now, the Mountaineers are counting on his smarts, instincts, and leadership to help anchor a unit that’s hungry to return to the top of the Big 12 defensive rankings. And with Carrico calling the shots, they might just get there sooner than expected.
