--West Virginia head coach Neal Brown said that what they need to sustain from the start is their energy. Guys that have been in the program more than just this summer have a really good idea of what to do. Fundamentals are above where they need to be and situational knowledge is better, too. They need to do a better job staying off the ground and some of that is due to two-spotting and playing everybody on the roster reps.
--It's a trial and error deal at least through the first scrimmage to see what players can do. The first group of receivers they know what they do well, same with the offensive and defensive lines but they are still trying to figure out things at quarterback and various other spots. They have up to six guys that can play in the secondary and they will trial and error. This Thursday will be the first true scrimmage.
--Asani Redwood has a great story and this is his third ball. He has put on a good amount of weight and he moves well and is strong. He doesn't have a lot of bad habits. Jaylon Shelton has made a positive impression through five practices. Tirek Austin-Cave runs well but he's still learning what to do. Both transfer CBs in Rashad Ajayi and Wes McCormick are going to push to play and start. CJ Donaldson is going to play and he is going to give defenses some personnel issues. Cortez Braham is definitely going to help, while Jeremiah Aaron is a little behind.
--Jasir Cox is going to give them a bunch at different spots and they tried to do that intentionally to get some guys that could play different roles.
--Kolton McGhee has punted the ball as well as anybody. Oliver Straw had a better day today, but McGhee has hit the ball well and he likes the specialists. Casey Legg and Austin Brinkman have been sollid and Parker Grothaus has been big in terms of field position.
--Corbin Page has been out sick. He is further away from being ready. Brian Polendey is what they thought he would be. Mike O'Laughlin moved around well today, while Treylan Davis and Victor Wikstrom need to come on and they will get opportunities.
--Did some situational drills, Nicco Marchiol threw the ball the best he has through the five practices and the game is slowing down. Goose Crowder has been solid since missing the first day and has some growth. JT Daniels has more expeirence and Garrett Greene led a great two-minute drive.
--Daniels has been through some real highs and real lows so his approach is that of a veteran. He's really been encouraged by how he's been in the meeting room. Him and Marchiol have gotten really close which has been huge for the freshman because he understands defenses.
--There are very few gamers that have the ability to practice poorly and play at a high level in a game. There are a lot of really good practice players and it doesn't translate to a game.
--Work in progress at depth at running back behind Tony Mathis. He is really confident in the progress that Justin Johnson has made, but there is some pressure on Jaylen Anderson to get ready and Marquan Rucker. They have enough bodies they just have to get them some reps to make them comfortable.
--West Virginia lost two fumbles on punts last year that completely changed the momentum of the game so they are emphasizing that to improve the return team. They feel good with four or maybe five guys back there and are going to work some pressure situations. They haven't been good enough on return teams.
--Anthony Del Negro walked on during the spring and takes a lot of pride on special teams. He has gained some momentum as far as being a guy that can help on special teams and do the dirty work.
--Full pads tomorrow and will get after it the next two days and will go back-to-back hard physical practices. Then slow it down and go back to full pads. They will go more into an evaluation period. Tomorrow will be the first time in full pads so they will be under control and Monday will be a lot of 11-on-11 work so it will be a big evaluation day. They need to see how the newcomers react.
--They want to go three deep on the defensive front and it's going to be an interesting battle.
--Right tackle has to get better and it's a competition. There has been some ups and downs but Brandon Yates and Ja'Quay Hubbard are more than capable. Their good is good enough to win games but they've got to push on that. They have high expectations for the offensive line and they have certain standards that must be met in that room.
--It's a trial and error deal at least through the first scrimmage to see what players can do. The first group of receivers they know what they do well, same with the offensive and defensive lines but they are still trying to figure out things at quarterback and various other spots. They have up to six guys that can play in the secondary and they will trial and error. This Thursday will be the first true scrimmage.
--Asani Redwood has a great story and this is his third ball. He has put on a good amount of weight and he moves well and is strong. He doesn't have a lot of bad habits. Jaylon Shelton has made a positive impression through five practices. Tirek Austin-Cave runs well but he's still learning what to do. Both transfer CBs in Rashad Ajayi and Wes McCormick are going to push to play and start. CJ Donaldson is going to play and he is going to give defenses some personnel issues. Cortez Braham is definitely going to help, while Jeremiah Aaron is a little behind.
--Jasir Cox is going to give them a bunch at different spots and they tried to do that intentionally to get some guys that could play different roles.
--Kolton McGhee has punted the ball as well as anybody. Oliver Straw had a better day today, but McGhee has hit the ball well and he likes the specialists. Casey Legg and Austin Brinkman have been sollid and Parker Grothaus has been big in terms of field position.
--Corbin Page has been out sick. He is further away from being ready. Brian Polendey is what they thought he would be. Mike O'Laughlin moved around well today, while Treylan Davis and Victor Wikstrom need to come on and they will get opportunities.
--Did some situational drills, Nicco Marchiol threw the ball the best he has through the five practices and the game is slowing down. Goose Crowder has been solid since missing the first day and has some growth. JT Daniels has more expeirence and Garrett Greene led a great two-minute drive.
--Daniels has been through some real highs and real lows so his approach is that of a veteran. He's really been encouraged by how he's been in the meeting room. Him and Marchiol have gotten really close which has been huge for the freshman because he understands defenses.
--There are very few gamers that have the ability to practice poorly and play at a high level in a game. There are a lot of really good practice players and it doesn't translate to a game.
--Work in progress at depth at running back behind Tony Mathis. He is really confident in the progress that Justin Johnson has made, but there is some pressure on Jaylen Anderson to get ready and Marquan Rucker. They have enough bodies they just have to get them some reps to make them comfortable.
--West Virginia lost two fumbles on punts last year that completely changed the momentum of the game so they are emphasizing that to improve the return team. They feel good with four or maybe five guys back there and are going to work some pressure situations. They haven't been good enough on return teams.
--Anthony Del Negro walked on during the spring and takes a lot of pride on special teams. He has gained some momentum as far as being a guy that can help on special teams and do the dirty work.
--Full pads tomorrow and will get after it the next two days and will go back-to-back hard physical practices. Then slow it down and go back to full pads. They will go more into an evaluation period. Tomorrow will be the first time in full pads so they will be under control and Monday will be a lot of 11-on-11 work so it will be a big evaluation day. They need to see how the newcomers react.
--They want to go three deep on the defensive front and it's going to be an interesting battle.
--Right tackle has to get better and it's a competition. There has been some ups and downs but Brandon Yates and Ja'Quay Hubbard are more than capable. Their good is good enough to win games but they've got to push on that. They have high expectations for the offensive line and they have certain standards that must be met in that room.
