MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (August 22, 2017) – West Virginia University assistant coaches and select members of the West Virginia University football team met with the media on Tuesday, August 22, 2017, at the Milan Puskar Center Team Room.
Associate Head Coach (Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers) Tony Gibson
On how the cornerback position looks
I’m feeling good. I think we have three guys right now that I’d be comfortable with in game action. Still, we have six or seven practices to go before we have to get into it, but with (senior cornerback) Mike Daniels (Jr.), (senior cornerback Elijah) Battle and (redshirt sophomore cornerback) Hakeem Bailey right now. Those guys have separated themselves from the rest and they’re going to be the three guys we throw out first and see what happens.
On narrowing down who will play the nose tackle position
We’ve got four of them. It’s getting close but we’re going to have to play with all four. We don’t have one guy right now that’s going to be able to be consistent for 70 or 80 snaps and that’s just a hard position to play with all the double teams and different things. I like where those guys are at. I think that (freshman defensive lineman) (Lamonte) McDougal is doing a great job. (redshirt senior defensive lineman), (Xavier) Pegues, (redshirt junior defensive lineman) Jaleel (Fields), and (redshirt junior defensive lineman) (Jalen) Harvey. So, all four of those guys are going to have to play. Is it going to be 15 snaps a piece? I don’t know. We’ll wait and see who’s doing what come Sunday over in Landover.
On how to prepare for the Virginia Tech offense
It’s hard because of their quarterback was so important to what they were doing a year ago. This year, they’re going to play two or three quarterbacks. I anticipate that. Are they going to try to make a living running (Virginia Tech redshirt freshman quarterback) (Josh) Jackson? I don’t know. We’ll be prepared for it. Are they going to run (Virginia Tech redshirt junior quarterback) (AJ) Bush? We’ll be prepared for it. I think that’s a big part of their offense even going back and studying them at Memphis with (Paxton) Lynch. He was a guy that would run at times. So, we’re going to have to be prepared for that. That’s going to be something a little different for us. Not a lot of people in the Big 12 are running quarterbacks. So, we have a lot of work to do and we’ve been cheating here the last couple of weeks of doing walk-throughs and just getting ready for some quarterback run stuff.
Assistant Coach (Defensive Line) Bruce Tall
On who is starting to emerge on the second team
Well we don’t even have a first team yet. No, we are all over the place. That whole group has done a nice job. At the end position, we have as many as seven guys that we feel like we can play in the game without any hesitations as far as getting them ready. We have about seven at end and about four nose guards. Obviously, we won’t play that many. Typically, we like to play between four and five ends and two to three noses would be the goal. Especially as we get later on in the season. I feel comfortable about all of them. The young kids are doing a nice job. Both (freshman defensive lineman) (Lamonte) McDougle and (freshman defensive lineman) Darius Stills have continued to progress. (Redshirt senior defensive lineman) Johnny (John) Lewis being a fifth-year senior, he is off the charts in everything he does. He is such a quality young man and his work ethic shows how you can be rewarded if you work hard. (Sophomore defensive lineman) Reese Donahue is leaps and bounds from the spring until now with what he is doing, we are really excited about that. (Redshirt sophomore defensive lineman) (Adam) Shuler (II) continues to improve his game. His athleticism, his focus is even more geared in now that he knows where he stands. (Junior defensive lineman) Ezekiel Rose, I am excited about having him in the program. He has so much energy and he continues to get better and better. We are on a good track right now.
On if this group has more depth than any year he has been here
I feel like we have more depth, yeah. I feel more comfortable with depth. You get secure when you have a lot of guys that have experience. The gap is a little bit bigger so you are a little more hesitant, but now there is no question there is more depth. I am ready to play more guys.
On if the young guys have a chance to play at this point
Yeah. It’s so early in the season you never rule out a young player. I tell them to come ready to play and if we get into the season and you aren’t playing then we will deal with it at that time. I always tell them to come mentally ready and we will continue to work to get you physically ready. It is a learning curve for them, but these guys are folks that have done a nice job.
Assistant Coach (Defense/Special Teams) Mark Scott
On the different kickers and if they are similar
I would say similar. (Redshirt freshman kicker) Evan Staley was our backup guy last year, and in terms of kicking the ball where we want the ball, he may have a little bit more experience. But none of them have game experience. So, we’re going to have to have at least two ready going into game 1 just because you don’t know how they’re going to react, especially with the environment and everything for our first game. I’ve got confidence in those guys; they’re all level-headed and they don’t get too high or too low, which is what you’re looking for. We have performed well and we’re going to go with whoever at the end of this week and leading into next week is the most consistent.
On if he could see a situation where the kickers play in different situations
You’d like to have one guy that you could really lean on. You want to put your confidence in one guy and build him up a little bit. If you’ve got a guy for some kicks and different guy for other kicks, you kind of tip your hand as far as tendencies and you try to stay away from that as much as you can. Again, we’ll do whatever we need to do that gives us the best opportunity to place the kicks where we need them and to help our coverage so we can try to pin opponents further back to help the defense and help the team. We’ll do that.
On how redshirt freshman kicker/punter Jonn Young and redshirt freshman kicker Evan Staley’s placement is coming along
(Redshirt freshman kicker) Evan (Staley) has had the most improvement in terms of getting the ball where we want it. Again, until you put all 11 out there and show them, “Here’s where we want the ball and here’s where our guys are going and here’s how they have to adjust because of the kick.” I think that really drives it home and reinforces it where they can see it and they’re being called out in front of the rest of their team in terms of, “Okay, we got 10 guys busting their butt trying to do their job and they’re all counting on you.” It doesn’t have to be out of the back of the end zone, but we need it in the proper location so these other guys can do their jobs. Again, as we’ve gone more and more, especially with the whole unit, we’ve gotten better and better.
Assistant Coach (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks) Jake Spavital
On the role of the tight end/fullback position
I think over the years that position has evolved a little bit. You’re going to move those guys all over the field, in and out of different sets to keep the defense a little off-guard. You look at (redshirt senior tight end/fullback) Eli (Wellman), who you see more as a fullback body type, but that kid is going to be attached, he’s going to be detached, he’s going to be split out, he’s going to be all over the place. That’s kind of what we’re asking with our tight ends. So, him and (redshirt junior tight end/fullback Trevon) Wesco are going to be the guys that you are going to see more.
On where redshirt junior tight end/fullback Trevon Wesco will play
I think he’s doing a little bit of both positions. He’s more of the tight end body type when you look at him. He’s had a great summer and a great fall camp. The improvements that he had from the spring going into the end of fall camp has been a tremendous jump. He’s put on good weight; he’s about 270 pounds. He’s moving really good. I think he’s going to give us some added body types in a game, and I feel comfortable putting him in.
On how tight ends can help redshirt junior quarterback Will Grier
I think it’s different when you go up against a guy like Bud Foster, who’s very intelligent in terms of how he matches up his defenders on certain guys. If they feel like (redshirt junior tight end/fullback Trevon) Wesco can stretch the field vertical enough, then they’ll put a faster body type on him when they match and cover. So, I think that does help and can clear up some other opportunities for other people to get the ball, but if we can find those teams that aren’t really going to match their personnel very well, then we can get a mismatch with Wesco in the game.
Assistant Coach (Offensive Line) Joe Wickline
On how the offensive line is looking
It’s going well. We’ve basically been working with the same guys. We’ve moved some guys around. We’ve looked at some different combinations in different areas and we’re still in the process of getting better, but we’re moving towards a concept of workable unitsfor the future.
On how the backup offensive linemen have played
We’ve established our third guard and our third tackle. They’re both solid players and they’re all first-line guys for us. You’ve got three first-team guards, three first-team tackles and you’re still getting better at your center position. Both the first team and second team are getting better and some other guys are just fighting to get on the depth chart. We’re just getting better.
On how redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Kelby Wickline and redshirt freshman offensive lineman Josh Sills are doing
They’re doing a good job and they’ve show they can play. Anytime we’ll need them, whether it’s first team or to rotate in and contribute, they can start. Like I said before, we’ve got three starting guards, three starting tackles, and they’ve all done a nice job.
Assistant Coach (Receivers) Tyron Carrier
On who has stepped up in the last couple of weeks
(Redshirt freshman wide receiver) Druw Bowen, (junior wide receiver) Dominique Maiden, (redshirt junior wide receiver) Ricky Rogers, (freshman wide receiver) Reggie Roberson Jr. and (redshirt senior wide receiver) Alejandro Marenco III. We have some really good backups.
On what he has seen out of the backups that makes them game ready
Just the consistency level has picked up and those guys knowing exactly what they’re supposed to do is the biggest thing. Just trying to see how we can use them more with their roles on special teams.
On if he is concerned at the lack of experience the newer guys have
It’s always a concern because you really never know what’s going to happen when the lights come on. Especially in this type of atmosphere, but we’ll jump that hurdle when we get there.
Redshirt Senior Tight End/ Fullback Elijah Wellman
On how his role has changed in the offense this season
It’s close to the same stuff. A few little things here and there that I might be doing that I wasn’t. A little tight end stuff, but for the most part it’s just blocking and working for those guys in the back field.
On how he feels being older on the team
A little bit, I’ve been here for a while and I’ve been working on a Big 12 Championship since I’ve been here and that’s what we’re trying to do this year.
On if he thinks there’s a potential to win the Big 12 Championship
Absolutely, we believe in our guys and who all is around us and our coaching staff. That’s our main goal.
On the team being ready to play an actual team instead of practicing
Absolutely, you get tired of hitting your buddies across the line all the time and you get worn out with that. After a while you’re ready to go hit somebody else and to see somebody else’s face in a face mask.
Redshirt Senior Offensive Lineman Kyle Bosch
On what he has learned about West Virginia versus Virginia Tech
The more and more I hear about Virginia Tech and the more the fans and media bring it up, it is a very big rivalry. It has been a bitter rivalry since pretty much the dawn of this program and the dawn of their program. It is pretty interesting to hear that and experience and learn that from the people of West Virginia.
On how much he is looking forward to the game being two weeks away
That is definitely nice. It has been a longer camp. It has been a very interesting growing experience as a team. To be able to get out there and finally put that finished product out there so to speak is going to be a fun experience.
On if he is ready to play
Absolutely. It is one of those things, you go through camp, you go through all of this from January until now. It definitely puts a chip on your shoulder, it definitely makes you want to get out there and compete.
Sophomore Defensive Lineman Reese Donahue
On what it is like having an extra week
It’s tough. The biggest part of it is trying to stay mentally focused because guys start getting tired of the day in and day out repetition. Now that camps are over, they are trying to save our legs and trying to tune us in to game week and things like that. The hardest part last week was staying mentally sharp. Now that we are starting to move in to look at our opponents now we are starting to really enjoy it.
On if Virginia Tech has any special meaning to him other than the first game
Right now, we are just looking for the first game. We haven’t even started digging into them yet so I can’t say anything about Virginia Tech right now.
On how redshirt senior linebacker Al Rasheed Benton’s is a leader
He leads by example on and off the field and in the classroom and around the facilities. Then, he is also verbal; he is a vocal leader. When we need the motivation, when we need the talk and to be honest with ourselves he is always there. The other day, we had the team meeting and the coaches got up and left. Al stood up and (redshirt junior quarterback) Will (Grier) stood up and after that they talked to us. The coaches didn’t even have to say anything and after that it was break up and go to meetings. I think that plays a role, not just on the field but in all aspects of the game.
On if you have to be a good player and have experience to be a leader
You need to walk the walk before you talk to the talk, that’s for sure. You gain respect by your actions, not by what you say. He backs it up so he has the right to say it. He has the right to tell you what you need to do. That doesn’t mean he can be loafing or slacking one day. That doesn’t mean he can still talk every day, you have to bring it. He knows that if he is slacking or if he is not doing what he is supposed to do that I am going to say something to him, (senior safety) Kyzir (White) is going to say something to him and (redshirt junior safety) Dravon (Askew-Henry) is going to say something to him. You have to bring it every single day to be that leader and to be on top of somebody.
Redshirt Senior Defensive Lineman Jon Lewis
On the Virginia Tech – WVU rivalry
I think that’s one of those things that if you’re a player, you have to understand not just what this game means for us, as a team, but you understand what it means to the state. I think that’s the biggest thing – that you can look at it from that way, with that passion that these people have and that they want you to go out there and put your best foot forward. They want you to win this game. I think that’s the thing that can help propel you.
On growing up watching WVU’s rivalry games but not getting to play in them
I think it’s one of those things that you have obviously grown up seeing and watching those games. It’s one of those games you want to take part in history and be part of history. Obviously, coming in with the Big 12, there’s new things that happen, there’s new teams that you may form a rivalry with later on. You kind of just have to go with that, but getting the chance to actually take part in this rivalry against Virginia Tech and actually play and have a little place in history is a thing that I really take to heart. I’m appreciative of the chance I have to be able to go out there and play.
On the depth of the defensive line
It’s one of the things I haven’t seen for a while. I’ve been here for a while, but to be able to have that many d-linemen that can go at any given time in the game and be able to get a fresh body in there, to go out there and rush the quarterback or make a play. That’s one of those things that helps you out as a defensive lineman. I think it’ll help production wise as a defensive line.
Senior Safety Kyzir White
On transitioning from fall camp into the upcoming season
I’m anxious to play against another opponent but you need practice to sharpen yourself. We’re ready to play against Virginia Tech. We still have work to do but, like you said, practice is pretty long. We need it though.
On what needs to be improved upon as the season starts
Just my game as a whole. Just focusing on all areas and trying to get better each day at something new.
On playing against mobile quarterbacks
You just have to have your head up and know what’s going on, know what you’re getting yourself into, and be ready for what’s to come.
Associate Head Coach (Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers) Tony Gibson
On how the cornerback position looks
I’m feeling good. I think we have three guys right now that I’d be comfortable with in game action. Still, we have six or seven practices to go before we have to get into it, but with (senior cornerback) Mike Daniels (Jr.), (senior cornerback Elijah) Battle and (redshirt sophomore cornerback) Hakeem Bailey right now. Those guys have separated themselves from the rest and they’re going to be the three guys we throw out first and see what happens.
On narrowing down who will play the nose tackle position
We’ve got four of them. It’s getting close but we’re going to have to play with all four. We don’t have one guy right now that’s going to be able to be consistent for 70 or 80 snaps and that’s just a hard position to play with all the double teams and different things. I like where those guys are at. I think that (freshman defensive lineman) (Lamonte) McDougal is doing a great job. (redshirt senior defensive lineman), (Xavier) Pegues, (redshirt junior defensive lineman) Jaleel (Fields), and (redshirt junior defensive lineman) (Jalen) Harvey. So, all four of those guys are going to have to play. Is it going to be 15 snaps a piece? I don’t know. We’ll wait and see who’s doing what come Sunday over in Landover.
On how to prepare for the Virginia Tech offense
It’s hard because of their quarterback was so important to what they were doing a year ago. This year, they’re going to play two or three quarterbacks. I anticipate that. Are they going to try to make a living running (Virginia Tech redshirt freshman quarterback) (Josh) Jackson? I don’t know. We’ll be prepared for it. Are they going to run (Virginia Tech redshirt junior quarterback) (AJ) Bush? We’ll be prepared for it. I think that’s a big part of their offense even going back and studying them at Memphis with (Paxton) Lynch. He was a guy that would run at times. So, we’re going to have to be prepared for that. That’s going to be something a little different for us. Not a lot of people in the Big 12 are running quarterbacks. So, we have a lot of work to do and we’ve been cheating here the last couple of weeks of doing walk-throughs and just getting ready for some quarterback run stuff.
Assistant Coach (Defensive Line) Bruce Tall
On who is starting to emerge on the second team
Well we don’t even have a first team yet. No, we are all over the place. That whole group has done a nice job. At the end position, we have as many as seven guys that we feel like we can play in the game without any hesitations as far as getting them ready. We have about seven at end and about four nose guards. Obviously, we won’t play that many. Typically, we like to play between four and five ends and two to three noses would be the goal. Especially as we get later on in the season. I feel comfortable about all of them. The young kids are doing a nice job. Both (freshman defensive lineman) (Lamonte) McDougle and (freshman defensive lineman) Darius Stills have continued to progress. (Redshirt senior defensive lineman) Johnny (John) Lewis being a fifth-year senior, he is off the charts in everything he does. He is such a quality young man and his work ethic shows how you can be rewarded if you work hard. (Sophomore defensive lineman) Reese Donahue is leaps and bounds from the spring until now with what he is doing, we are really excited about that. (Redshirt sophomore defensive lineman) (Adam) Shuler (II) continues to improve his game. His athleticism, his focus is even more geared in now that he knows where he stands. (Junior defensive lineman) Ezekiel Rose, I am excited about having him in the program. He has so much energy and he continues to get better and better. We are on a good track right now.
On if this group has more depth than any year he has been here
I feel like we have more depth, yeah. I feel more comfortable with depth. You get secure when you have a lot of guys that have experience. The gap is a little bit bigger so you are a little more hesitant, but now there is no question there is more depth. I am ready to play more guys.
On if the young guys have a chance to play at this point
Yeah. It’s so early in the season you never rule out a young player. I tell them to come ready to play and if we get into the season and you aren’t playing then we will deal with it at that time. I always tell them to come mentally ready and we will continue to work to get you physically ready. It is a learning curve for them, but these guys are folks that have done a nice job.
Assistant Coach (Defense/Special Teams) Mark Scott
On the different kickers and if they are similar
I would say similar. (Redshirt freshman kicker) Evan Staley was our backup guy last year, and in terms of kicking the ball where we want the ball, he may have a little bit more experience. But none of them have game experience. So, we’re going to have to have at least two ready going into game 1 just because you don’t know how they’re going to react, especially with the environment and everything for our first game. I’ve got confidence in those guys; they’re all level-headed and they don’t get too high or too low, which is what you’re looking for. We have performed well and we’re going to go with whoever at the end of this week and leading into next week is the most consistent.
On if he could see a situation where the kickers play in different situations
You’d like to have one guy that you could really lean on. You want to put your confidence in one guy and build him up a little bit. If you’ve got a guy for some kicks and different guy for other kicks, you kind of tip your hand as far as tendencies and you try to stay away from that as much as you can. Again, we’ll do whatever we need to do that gives us the best opportunity to place the kicks where we need them and to help our coverage so we can try to pin opponents further back to help the defense and help the team. We’ll do that.
On how redshirt freshman kicker/punter Jonn Young and redshirt freshman kicker Evan Staley’s placement is coming along
(Redshirt freshman kicker) Evan (Staley) has had the most improvement in terms of getting the ball where we want it. Again, until you put all 11 out there and show them, “Here’s where we want the ball and here’s where our guys are going and here’s how they have to adjust because of the kick.” I think that really drives it home and reinforces it where they can see it and they’re being called out in front of the rest of their team in terms of, “Okay, we got 10 guys busting their butt trying to do their job and they’re all counting on you.” It doesn’t have to be out of the back of the end zone, but we need it in the proper location so these other guys can do their jobs. Again, as we’ve gone more and more, especially with the whole unit, we’ve gotten better and better.
Assistant Coach (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks) Jake Spavital
On the role of the tight end/fullback position
I think over the years that position has evolved a little bit. You’re going to move those guys all over the field, in and out of different sets to keep the defense a little off-guard. You look at (redshirt senior tight end/fullback) Eli (Wellman), who you see more as a fullback body type, but that kid is going to be attached, he’s going to be detached, he’s going to be split out, he’s going to be all over the place. That’s kind of what we’re asking with our tight ends. So, him and (redshirt junior tight end/fullback Trevon) Wesco are going to be the guys that you are going to see more.
On where redshirt junior tight end/fullback Trevon Wesco will play
I think he’s doing a little bit of both positions. He’s more of the tight end body type when you look at him. He’s had a great summer and a great fall camp. The improvements that he had from the spring going into the end of fall camp has been a tremendous jump. He’s put on good weight; he’s about 270 pounds. He’s moving really good. I think he’s going to give us some added body types in a game, and I feel comfortable putting him in.
On how tight ends can help redshirt junior quarterback Will Grier
I think it’s different when you go up against a guy like Bud Foster, who’s very intelligent in terms of how he matches up his defenders on certain guys. If they feel like (redshirt junior tight end/fullback Trevon) Wesco can stretch the field vertical enough, then they’ll put a faster body type on him when they match and cover. So, I think that does help and can clear up some other opportunities for other people to get the ball, but if we can find those teams that aren’t really going to match their personnel very well, then we can get a mismatch with Wesco in the game.
Assistant Coach (Offensive Line) Joe Wickline
On how the offensive line is looking
It’s going well. We’ve basically been working with the same guys. We’ve moved some guys around. We’ve looked at some different combinations in different areas and we’re still in the process of getting better, but we’re moving towards a concept of workable unitsfor the future.
On how the backup offensive linemen have played
We’ve established our third guard and our third tackle. They’re both solid players and they’re all first-line guys for us. You’ve got three first-team guards, three first-team tackles and you’re still getting better at your center position. Both the first team and second team are getting better and some other guys are just fighting to get on the depth chart. We’re just getting better.
On how redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Kelby Wickline and redshirt freshman offensive lineman Josh Sills are doing
They’re doing a good job and they’ve show they can play. Anytime we’ll need them, whether it’s first team or to rotate in and contribute, they can start. Like I said before, we’ve got three starting guards, three starting tackles, and they’ve all done a nice job.
Assistant Coach (Receivers) Tyron Carrier
On who has stepped up in the last couple of weeks
(Redshirt freshman wide receiver) Druw Bowen, (junior wide receiver) Dominique Maiden, (redshirt junior wide receiver) Ricky Rogers, (freshman wide receiver) Reggie Roberson Jr. and (redshirt senior wide receiver) Alejandro Marenco III. We have some really good backups.
On what he has seen out of the backups that makes them game ready
Just the consistency level has picked up and those guys knowing exactly what they’re supposed to do is the biggest thing. Just trying to see how we can use them more with their roles on special teams.
On if he is concerned at the lack of experience the newer guys have
It’s always a concern because you really never know what’s going to happen when the lights come on. Especially in this type of atmosphere, but we’ll jump that hurdle when we get there.
Redshirt Senior Tight End/ Fullback Elijah Wellman
On how his role has changed in the offense this season
It’s close to the same stuff. A few little things here and there that I might be doing that I wasn’t. A little tight end stuff, but for the most part it’s just blocking and working for those guys in the back field.
On how he feels being older on the team
A little bit, I’ve been here for a while and I’ve been working on a Big 12 Championship since I’ve been here and that’s what we’re trying to do this year.
On if he thinks there’s a potential to win the Big 12 Championship
Absolutely, we believe in our guys and who all is around us and our coaching staff. That’s our main goal.
On the team being ready to play an actual team instead of practicing
Absolutely, you get tired of hitting your buddies across the line all the time and you get worn out with that. After a while you’re ready to go hit somebody else and to see somebody else’s face in a face mask.
Redshirt Senior Offensive Lineman Kyle Bosch
On what he has learned about West Virginia versus Virginia Tech
The more and more I hear about Virginia Tech and the more the fans and media bring it up, it is a very big rivalry. It has been a bitter rivalry since pretty much the dawn of this program and the dawn of their program. It is pretty interesting to hear that and experience and learn that from the people of West Virginia.
On how much he is looking forward to the game being two weeks away
That is definitely nice. It has been a longer camp. It has been a very interesting growing experience as a team. To be able to get out there and finally put that finished product out there so to speak is going to be a fun experience.
On if he is ready to play
Absolutely. It is one of those things, you go through camp, you go through all of this from January until now. It definitely puts a chip on your shoulder, it definitely makes you want to get out there and compete.
Sophomore Defensive Lineman Reese Donahue
On what it is like having an extra week
It’s tough. The biggest part of it is trying to stay mentally focused because guys start getting tired of the day in and day out repetition. Now that camps are over, they are trying to save our legs and trying to tune us in to game week and things like that. The hardest part last week was staying mentally sharp. Now that we are starting to move in to look at our opponents now we are starting to really enjoy it.
On if Virginia Tech has any special meaning to him other than the first game
Right now, we are just looking for the first game. We haven’t even started digging into them yet so I can’t say anything about Virginia Tech right now.
On how redshirt senior linebacker Al Rasheed Benton’s is a leader
He leads by example on and off the field and in the classroom and around the facilities. Then, he is also verbal; he is a vocal leader. When we need the motivation, when we need the talk and to be honest with ourselves he is always there. The other day, we had the team meeting and the coaches got up and left. Al stood up and (redshirt junior quarterback) Will (Grier) stood up and after that they talked to us. The coaches didn’t even have to say anything and after that it was break up and go to meetings. I think that plays a role, not just on the field but in all aspects of the game.
On if you have to be a good player and have experience to be a leader
You need to walk the walk before you talk to the talk, that’s for sure. You gain respect by your actions, not by what you say. He backs it up so he has the right to say it. He has the right to tell you what you need to do. That doesn’t mean he can be loafing or slacking one day. That doesn’t mean he can still talk every day, you have to bring it. He knows that if he is slacking or if he is not doing what he is supposed to do that I am going to say something to him, (senior safety) Kyzir (White) is going to say something to him and (redshirt junior safety) Dravon (Askew-Henry) is going to say something to him. You have to bring it every single day to be that leader and to be on top of somebody.
Redshirt Senior Defensive Lineman Jon Lewis
On the Virginia Tech – WVU rivalry
I think that’s one of those things that if you’re a player, you have to understand not just what this game means for us, as a team, but you understand what it means to the state. I think that’s the biggest thing – that you can look at it from that way, with that passion that these people have and that they want you to go out there and put your best foot forward. They want you to win this game. I think that’s the thing that can help propel you.
On growing up watching WVU’s rivalry games but not getting to play in them
I think it’s one of those things that you have obviously grown up seeing and watching those games. It’s one of those games you want to take part in history and be part of history. Obviously, coming in with the Big 12, there’s new things that happen, there’s new teams that you may form a rivalry with later on. You kind of just have to go with that, but getting the chance to actually take part in this rivalry against Virginia Tech and actually play and have a little place in history is a thing that I really take to heart. I’m appreciative of the chance I have to be able to go out there and play.
On the depth of the defensive line
It’s one of the things I haven’t seen for a while. I’ve been here for a while, but to be able to have that many d-linemen that can go at any given time in the game and be able to get a fresh body in there, to go out there and rush the quarterback or make a play. That’s one of those things that helps you out as a defensive lineman. I think it’ll help production wise as a defensive line.
Senior Safety Kyzir White
On transitioning from fall camp into the upcoming season
I’m anxious to play against another opponent but you need practice to sharpen yourself. We’re ready to play against Virginia Tech. We still have work to do but, like you said, practice is pretty long. We need it though.
On what needs to be improved upon as the season starts
Just my game as a whole. Just focusing on all areas and trying to get better each day at something new.
On playing against mobile quarterbacks
You just have to have your head up and know what’s going on, know what you’re getting yourself into, and be ready for what’s to come.
