[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
On Tuesday, West Virginia head coach Neal Brown addressed the media and gave another update on his club ahead of the team’s annual spring game on Saturday.
Brown started by highlighting some of the top performers on the defensive side of the ball, starting with the defensive line.
Brown mentioned two hometown players stepping up, and that is Sean Martin and Zeiqui Lawton. Brown said that Martin had a couple of tackles for loss and sacks in Thursday’s practice in Milan Puskar Stadium. As for the Cincinnati transfer Lawton, Brown said he did a nice job on Thursday while playing a multitude of positions.
With the loss of star defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor, the Mountaineers will be looking to Martin and Lawton to step up. WVU returns star Dante Stills, Jordan Jefferson, and Taijh Alston to the defensive line, but Lawton and Martin will be important in the rotation as well. Martin recorded 16 total tackles in 2021, while Lawton, the South Charleston product, redshirted last season for Cincinnati.
On the defensive side, Brown also highlighted the secondary. The WVU has taken its share of hits in the offseason, with Nicktroy Fortune, Daryl Porter Jr., and Jackie Matthews all entering the transfer portal. Here’s what Brown had to say about this year’s group so far.
“Those guys, you see them getting better,” Brown said. “I’ve been pleased with their communication. We’re really athletic, we can run. You can see them steadily improving as we’ve gone on and want to continue to do that through Saturday.”
Some new faces to look for in the secondary will be Davis Mallinger, Malachi Ruffin, Aubrey Burks, and true freshman Mumu Bin-Wahad. Ruffin had two interceptions in practice on Thursday and Bin-Wahad has had a practice this spring where he registered two interceptions.
Here’s what Brown had to say about Burks stepping into a new role and getting more snaps.
“Aubrey Burks had a nice day,” Brown said. “He’s starting to grow into that role and I like his demeanor. He’s calm, plays the pass well, and getting more comfortable getting downhill on the run-game.”
As far as leadership in the secondary goes, Charles Woods will be the guy in the locker room with the most game experience. Woods registered 31 total tackles and two interceptions in 2021 for WVU. Brown stated that Woods is the only secondary player with significant playing time going into the season. Brown also stated that Woods had a strong day of practice on Thursday.
On the offensive side, Brown talked about his quarterbacks. Where Georgia transfer J.T. Daniels has not officially signed his letter of intent, Brown only spoke on the quarterbacks on the official roster.
Brown started with redshirt sophomore Garrett Greene.
“I think Garrett (Greene) is operating at a better level than he has,” Brown said. I think the game has slowed down for him. He’s throwing the deep ball extremely accurately right now, which is a positive. He’s got to eliminate the big negative plays.”
Brown then spoke on Goose Crowder.
“For Goose (Crowder), it’s about confidence,” Brown said. The change of scheme probably affected him because he just now had gotten the previous scheme down, so he had to kind of restart after a year. He had his best day Thursday.”
Lastly, Brown spoke on true freshman Nicco Marchiol.
“I think that it is a really hard transition, especially in the first spring because the game is so fast,” Brown. “You can see some real flashes. What really sticks out to me on him, is he’s hungry. He hasn’t repeated the same mistake very often.”
Brown was asked about the new addition at the tight end position. Colorado State transfer Brian Polendey joined the team after T.J. Banks and Charles Finley elected to leave the program.
‘He’s been impressive,” Brown said about Polendey. “I love his approach. He’s a great teammate, guys love him. He’s the same every day. He’s consistent every day which I think is a great compliment. He’s extremely physical. He’ll contribute a lot in the fall. He’s going to help us in the run game without a doubt.”
WVU fans will have to learn some new faces with this team, but Coach Brown is confident in his group. The fans will have an opportunity to get familiar with the 2022 WVU team on Saturday when the team will host their annual spring game.
The spring game will be a traditional, four-quarter game and it will begin at 1 p.m. at Milan Puskar Stadium.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
