West Virginia University
Players and Assistant Coaches Media Session
November 17, 2015
Kansas Week
LINK:http://wvusports.co/1Oe63JJ
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (November 17, 2015) – West Virginia University assistant coaches and select members of the West Virginia University football team met with the media on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015, at the Milan Puskar Center Team Room.
Assistant coach (defensive coordinator/linebackers) Tony Gibson
On what redshirt junior defensive lineman Noble Nwachukwu needs to do to improve against the run
We thought coming into the season that (redshirt junior defensive lineman) Noble (Nwachukwu) was a pretty good run defender. The other day, Texas’ tackle was pretty dang good. That kid is a good player. He got knocked off the ball a few times, but he recovered and did some things. When you’re playing with three down linemen, and the way that they run their offense, you are going to run into some issues. We were trying to penetrate gaps and stop the run, and that was a little different for us. We struggled with it. When that happens against bigger, stronger guys, you’re going to get blown off the ball. I think after watching, studying it and seeing how big their tackle was, that was the problem. (Redshirt junior defensive lineman) Noble (Nwachukwu) needs to keep playing football and improve. He doesn’t have to go back to where he was. He has had some good games this year, and he has been active. Every week, he needs to keep getting better. The other thing with him, in fairness to the kid, is that he plays more than anybody. We need to give him a breather, but it’s hard to take him out, because he’s a kid we can count on. We need to do a better job as a staff to keep him fresh.
Assistant coach (defensive line) Bruce Tall
On Kansas freshman quarterback Ryan Willis being underrated
Absolutely. If you watch some of his throws on a deep out, they’re pretty special. He can throw it out on a rope. That’s pretty special. He takes a lot of shots deep and is on the mark. If you really analyze it and break it down, he is making some big time throws.
On Kansas freshman quarterback Ryan Willis’ pocket presence
He’s like most guys nowadays. He likes to get rid of the ball quick. He can get out of trouble, because he’s aware of what’s going on around him. Statistics are misleading as to how many times he has been sacked. You can get caught up in the numbers, but when you get down in games and need to pass more, those numbers can get skewed.
On the WVU defensive line’s key components to success against Kansas
I don’t know if they’re going to utilize a two quarterback system like Texas did. That was a big quarterback last week. For us, it’s about being in position to make a tackle, and when you’re there, you have to make that tackle.
Assistant head coach (receivers) Lonnie Galloway
On WVU running the ball at a high percentage of plays against Texas as opposed to passing
It’s one of those things where the biggest thing we need to do is win. Whether it’s one of those things where we need to throw it 50 times or if we need to throw it 12 times. (Junior running back) Wendell (Smallwood) and (junior wide receiver) Daikiel (Shorts Jr.) are really close, because they went to the same high school. We’re blocking for them, and they’re making good plays. Obviously, (junior running back) Wendell (Smallwood) has been running well, and (junior wide receiver) Daikiel (Shorts Jr.) has made some big catches, so we need to do what’s best for us to win right now.
On how low passing attempts influences the WVU receivers
We’re catching balls Sunday through Friday. Do they want them? Yes. (Redshirt sophomore wide receiver) Shelton (Gibson) was targeted a few times, and one time, he ran right into the defender. We’re going to do what’s best to win, and for Saturday, it was running the ball.
On the intermediate passing game
We’ll take shots down field when we need to, but the best thing about our offense is that you have multiple people that can catch the ball. Right now, our guys know that it really doesn’t matter to me. I’m not into their feelings. That was in preseason. Right now, if the ball comes your way, make a play. Other than that, we have to do what’s best for us to win ball games.
Assistant coach (running backs) Ja’Juan Seider
On the improvements of Kansas football
Their scheme is really good. I remember going into the game against them last year, we were so stressed about coming up with an offensive package to go against what they do defensively. They do a really good job of squeezing you in with their corners. They lost a few guys this year, but their scheming is still really good. They’re developing an identity with some players over there, and you have to go out there and work hard.
On junior running back Wendell Smallwood’s breakout season
It’s good to see what we talked about come true. We have been seeing it in practice, and we have seen him progress up to this point. He’s not satisfied yet, and I’m not going to let him be satisfied. We have been so close to breaking some long runs and finishing drives with touchdowns. I don’t fault the kid for not having a lot of touchdowns. A lot of credit goes to the defense. He has a lot of pride in himself, and he wants to get better. You always want to try and get better.
Redshirt senior linebacker Jared Barber
On pursuing WVU’s sixth win to obtain bowl eligibility
It’s always good to get that sixth win, but we are just focused on winning right now. We’re focusing on day-to-day stuff and game-to-game stuff.
On consist improvement from Kansas
If you turn on the film, they have improved for sure. Their head coach has done a great job maintaining them, and they are making a lot of strides. We have to go in there and not beat ourselves. Two years ago, we went in there and beat ourselves, and we made a lot of mistakes. We have to do what we do and play disciplined. I wasn’t there two years ago, but I know it’s a tough atmosphere to play in. So we have to play hard and stay focused.
On getting up for a game against an 0-10 Kansas game
Personally, I only have three more guaranteed games left. We could be playing in front of five people, and I would get pumped up. I’ve never been there, so I’m excited to make the trip. I have heard it is a tough atmosphere to play in.
On scoring against Texas
It was cool, and it was one of the biggest plays I have ever had. I’ll never forget it. With that being said, I am already over it, and I am focused entirely on Kansas.
Redshirt junior Linebacker Sean Walters
On the continuity of the WVU special teams unit
We all have a sense of pride out there when we are on special teams. It’s like being on defense. It’s just another phase of the game. We approach it the same way, and it’s going to help us win when we make a play and help the team out. Most of our kickoff team is made up of defensive players, so when we’re out there, we want to make the most out of it. Just being able to see each other out there wanting to make a play is heartwarming.
On the WVU kickoff team’s dramatic improvement this season
It’s all about preparing like it’s your only play on defense. You have to go out there with tremendous effort and just try to make plays.
Redshirt junior defensive back Nana Kyeremeh
On staying motivated against Kansas
It’s easy to stay motivated. This is the same Kansas team that beat us two years ago in Kansas. We were sleep walking through the season thinking we would beat them. They took away our bowl hopes. It’s easy to be motivated against Kansas. They’re going to play hard against us.
On the competitive balance of the Big 12 Conference
The Big 12 is definitely one of the hardest conferences in the country. A team can be 0-10, and they can still come out and beat one of the best teams in the conference any given day. You have to stay hungry every single game.
On Kansas’ performance against TCU
They played hard. If you play hard and play with a lot of effort you can eliminate a lot of mistakes on the field.
On his role on the WVU kickoff team in hopes that it leads to defensive playing time
You have to go hard. Kickoff is the first play on defense, so if you want to play, you have to go hard on kickoff. That’s what (assistant coach/defense/special teams) Mark (Scott) has preached to us all season.
Redshirt senior defensive lineman Kyle Rose
On the 2013 loss to Kansas
I hate losing. Anytime you lose a game, it makes you question what you’re doing wrong. Is the process wrong? What aren’t we getting across? You can only learn from experiences like that, and its two years behind us now. We had a good year last year, and we’re doing alright this year, too. It’s one game at a time, and this is the next one up.
On WVU handling adversity and bouncing back from a tough October stretch
It says that we can handle adversity. It’s something that we’ve been preaching to our guys. It’s all about whether or not you can handle that. It’s about rolling through adversity whether it’s during a game or during a season. Our guys have really stepped up and handled that adversity this year.
On what characteristics make a good leader
There’s a lot of characteristics that make a good leader. Some guys have it naturally, and some guys are molded into it by our coaching and strength staff. It’s about what a guy wants to accomplish in his college career, and we preach every day that there’s going to be adversity in life and in football. That what makes it a great game. I have gone through some adversity here, and I want to win these last three games and go to a great bowl game. I want to finish my legacy here and go out on top. I think this whole team wants to do that and fight hard.
Redshirt sophomore halfback Elijah Wellman
On an increasing role in the offense over last season
Last year, we didn’t run the ball as much, and we have gone to the run game a lot more this year. With that in mind, I am going to be on the field and blocking a whole lot more.
On his blocking role in high school and how it has progressed
Usually, I carried the ball and tried to keep the ball in my hands in high school. We did have another good running back and sometimes I would block for him a little bit. It’s nothing new for me really.
On having a physical attitude
My mentality is to go in there and smack some guys. I think that mentality helps me a little bit out there when going against defenders.
Junior running back Wendell Smallwood
On if there is any fatigue from high carry totals
I’m fine. I don’t think the carries have been bothering me at all. I am more comfortable against defenses, and the carries actually get easier. Sunday was the best I’ve felt after any game this season.
On field vision
It’s a lot of pre-play for me. I see where the teams are at and then I recognize what I saw on film. I think I am more comfortable with it over the course of the game. Once I get the ball, I think its instinct, but pre-play, I recognize a lot of things from film.
On developing comfort level with redshirt freshman offensive lineman Marcell Lazard
I haven’t really paid attention to him, and I told him that’s a good thing. I haven’t noticed anything bad out of him. To be honest, I think he is doing a really good job.
Junior quarterback Skyler Howard
On his progression as a quarterback in a power run system
I’m getting a better feel for it. You need to work inside out, and you have to know when to bounce it. It’s a work in progress of understanding tendencies, but I’m getting better at it.
On the improvement of Kansas
I dove into cutups of formation, and I have been going through what they’ve been doing all season. They’re a tough bunch that’s not going to give up. They’re pretty sound, and you can’t sleep on these guys. We’re going to prepare all week.
Players and Assistant Coaches Media Session
November 17, 2015
Kansas Week
LINK:http://wvusports.co/1Oe63JJ
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (November 17, 2015) – West Virginia University assistant coaches and select members of the West Virginia University football team met with the media on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015, at the Milan Puskar Center Team Room.
Assistant coach (defensive coordinator/linebackers) Tony Gibson
On what redshirt junior defensive lineman Noble Nwachukwu needs to do to improve against the run
We thought coming into the season that (redshirt junior defensive lineman) Noble (Nwachukwu) was a pretty good run defender. The other day, Texas’ tackle was pretty dang good. That kid is a good player. He got knocked off the ball a few times, but he recovered and did some things. When you’re playing with three down linemen, and the way that they run their offense, you are going to run into some issues. We were trying to penetrate gaps and stop the run, and that was a little different for us. We struggled with it. When that happens against bigger, stronger guys, you’re going to get blown off the ball. I think after watching, studying it and seeing how big their tackle was, that was the problem. (Redshirt junior defensive lineman) Noble (Nwachukwu) needs to keep playing football and improve. He doesn’t have to go back to where he was. He has had some good games this year, and he has been active. Every week, he needs to keep getting better. The other thing with him, in fairness to the kid, is that he plays more than anybody. We need to give him a breather, but it’s hard to take him out, because he’s a kid we can count on. We need to do a better job as a staff to keep him fresh.
Assistant coach (defensive line) Bruce Tall
On Kansas freshman quarterback Ryan Willis being underrated
Absolutely. If you watch some of his throws on a deep out, they’re pretty special. He can throw it out on a rope. That’s pretty special. He takes a lot of shots deep and is on the mark. If you really analyze it and break it down, he is making some big time throws.
On Kansas freshman quarterback Ryan Willis’ pocket presence
He’s like most guys nowadays. He likes to get rid of the ball quick. He can get out of trouble, because he’s aware of what’s going on around him. Statistics are misleading as to how many times he has been sacked. You can get caught up in the numbers, but when you get down in games and need to pass more, those numbers can get skewed.
On the WVU defensive line’s key components to success against Kansas
I don’t know if they’re going to utilize a two quarterback system like Texas did. That was a big quarterback last week. For us, it’s about being in position to make a tackle, and when you’re there, you have to make that tackle.
Assistant head coach (receivers) Lonnie Galloway
On WVU running the ball at a high percentage of plays against Texas as opposed to passing
It’s one of those things where the biggest thing we need to do is win. Whether it’s one of those things where we need to throw it 50 times or if we need to throw it 12 times. (Junior running back) Wendell (Smallwood) and (junior wide receiver) Daikiel (Shorts Jr.) are really close, because they went to the same high school. We’re blocking for them, and they’re making good plays. Obviously, (junior running back) Wendell (Smallwood) has been running well, and (junior wide receiver) Daikiel (Shorts Jr.) has made some big catches, so we need to do what’s best for us to win right now.
On how low passing attempts influences the WVU receivers
We’re catching balls Sunday through Friday. Do they want them? Yes. (Redshirt sophomore wide receiver) Shelton (Gibson) was targeted a few times, and one time, he ran right into the defender. We’re going to do what’s best to win, and for Saturday, it was running the ball.
On the intermediate passing game
We’ll take shots down field when we need to, but the best thing about our offense is that you have multiple people that can catch the ball. Right now, our guys know that it really doesn’t matter to me. I’m not into their feelings. That was in preseason. Right now, if the ball comes your way, make a play. Other than that, we have to do what’s best for us to win ball games.
Assistant coach (running backs) Ja’Juan Seider
On the improvements of Kansas football
Their scheme is really good. I remember going into the game against them last year, we were so stressed about coming up with an offensive package to go against what they do defensively. They do a really good job of squeezing you in with their corners. They lost a few guys this year, but their scheming is still really good. They’re developing an identity with some players over there, and you have to go out there and work hard.
On junior running back Wendell Smallwood’s breakout season
It’s good to see what we talked about come true. We have been seeing it in practice, and we have seen him progress up to this point. He’s not satisfied yet, and I’m not going to let him be satisfied. We have been so close to breaking some long runs and finishing drives with touchdowns. I don’t fault the kid for not having a lot of touchdowns. A lot of credit goes to the defense. He has a lot of pride in himself, and he wants to get better. You always want to try and get better.
Redshirt senior linebacker Jared Barber
On pursuing WVU’s sixth win to obtain bowl eligibility
It’s always good to get that sixth win, but we are just focused on winning right now. We’re focusing on day-to-day stuff and game-to-game stuff.
On consist improvement from Kansas
If you turn on the film, they have improved for sure. Their head coach has done a great job maintaining them, and they are making a lot of strides. We have to go in there and not beat ourselves. Two years ago, we went in there and beat ourselves, and we made a lot of mistakes. We have to do what we do and play disciplined. I wasn’t there two years ago, but I know it’s a tough atmosphere to play in. So we have to play hard and stay focused.
On getting up for a game against an 0-10 Kansas game
Personally, I only have three more guaranteed games left. We could be playing in front of five people, and I would get pumped up. I’ve never been there, so I’m excited to make the trip. I have heard it is a tough atmosphere to play in.
On scoring against Texas
It was cool, and it was one of the biggest plays I have ever had. I’ll never forget it. With that being said, I am already over it, and I am focused entirely on Kansas.
Redshirt junior Linebacker Sean Walters
On the continuity of the WVU special teams unit
We all have a sense of pride out there when we are on special teams. It’s like being on defense. It’s just another phase of the game. We approach it the same way, and it’s going to help us win when we make a play and help the team out. Most of our kickoff team is made up of defensive players, so when we’re out there, we want to make the most out of it. Just being able to see each other out there wanting to make a play is heartwarming.
On the WVU kickoff team’s dramatic improvement this season
It’s all about preparing like it’s your only play on defense. You have to go out there with tremendous effort and just try to make plays.
Redshirt junior defensive back Nana Kyeremeh
On staying motivated against Kansas
It’s easy to stay motivated. This is the same Kansas team that beat us two years ago in Kansas. We were sleep walking through the season thinking we would beat them. They took away our bowl hopes. It’s easy to be motivated against Kansas. They’re going to play hard against us.
On the competitive balance of the Big 12 Conference
The Big 12 is definitely one of the hardest conferences in the country. A team can be 0-10, and they can still come out and beat one of the best teams in the conference any given day. You have to stay hungry every single game.
On Kansas’ performance against TCU
They played hard. If you play hard and play with a lot of effort you can eliminate a lot of mistakes on the field.
On his role on the WVU kickoff team in hopes that it leads to defensive playing time
You have to go hard. Kickoff is the first play on defense, so if you want to play, you have to go hard on kickoff. That’s what (assistant coach/defense/special teams) Mark (Scott) has preached to us all season.
Redshirt senior defensive lineman Kyle Rose
On the 2013 loss to Kansas
I hate losing. Anytime you lose a game, it makes you question what you’re doing wrong. Is the process wrong? What aren’t we getting across? You can only learn from experiences like that, and its two years behind us now. We had a good year last year, and we’re doing alright this year, too. It’s one game at a time, and this is the next one up.
On WVU handling adversity and bouncing back from a tough October stretch
It says that we can handle adversity. It’s something that we’ve been preaching to our guys. It’s all about whether or not you can handle that. It’s about rolling through adversity whether it’s during a game or during a season. Our guys have really stepped up and handled that adversity this year.
On what characteristics make a good leader
There’s a lot of characteristics that make a good leader. Some guys have it naturally, and some guys are molded into it by our coaching and strength staff. It’s about what a guy wants to accomplish in his college career, and we preach every day that there’s going to be adversity in life and in football. That what makes it a great game. I have gone through some adversity here, and I want to win these last three games and go to a great bowl game. I want to finish my legacy here and go out on top. I think this whole team wants to do that and fight hard.
Redshirt sophomore halfback Elijah Wellman
On an increasing role in the offense over last season
Last year, we didn’t run the ball as much, and we have gone to the run game a lot more this year. With that in mind, I am going to be on the field and blocking a whole lot more.
On his blocking role in high school and how it has progressed
Usually, I carried the ball and tried to keep the ball in my hands in high school. We did have another good running back and sometimes I would block for him a little bit. It’s nothing new for me really.
On having a physical attitude
My mentality is to go in there and smack some guys. I think that mentality helps me a little bit out there when going against defenders.
Junior running back Wendell Smallwood
On if there is any fatigue from high carry totals
I’m fine. I don’t think the carries have been bothering me at all. I am more comfortable against defenses, and the carries actually get easier. Sunday was the best I’ve felt after any game this season.
On field vision
It’s a lot of pre-play for me. I see where the teams are at and then I recognize what I saw on film. I think I am more comfortable with it over the course of the game. Once I get the ball, I think its instinct, but pre-play, I recognize a lot of things from film.
On developing comfort level with redshirt freshman offensive lineman Marcell Lazard
I haven’t really paid attention to him, and I told him that’s a good thing. I haven’t noticed anything bad out of him. To be honest, I think he is doing a really good job.
Junior quarterback Skyler Howard
On his progression as a quarterback in a power run system
I’m getting a better feel for it. You need to work inside out, and you have to know when to bounce it. It’s a work in progress of understanding tendencies, but I’m getting better at it.
On the improvement of Kansas
I dove into cutups of formation, and I have been going through what they’ve been doing all season. They’re a tough bunch that’s not going to give up. They’re pretty sound, and you can’t sleep on these guys. We’re going to prepare all week.
