West Virginia held their second practice of the spring on Thursday. We break down what we learned:
QBs will be mobile
During West Virginia’s open portion of their practice to the media, it was obvious the quarterbacks are going to be involved in the run game. There was a whole session slotted to working on zone reads. The Mountaineers also keep talking about the ability to use the quarterback in the running game.
Running back Tony Mathis said, “I feel like all the running backs we get handoffs from both the quarterbacks,” when talking about how WVU works on ball security with these types of plays.
Marshall means Business + Brown working with WR’s
New wide receivers coach Bilal Marshall was one of the more vocal coaches during practice on Thursday. Marshall, who was a graduate assistant and then a coach at VMI, is still relatively new to the coaching ranks. Marshall was very vocal with his players and his intentions for them during practice. In addition, he had the help of head coach Neal Brown during some drills, who was working directly with the wide receivers during drills.
The Mountaineers receiving corps is not the strongest area of the team. A group which lacks depth, was highlighted by Devin Carter. The NC State transfer’s size was obvious and his big play ability was also on display, going down the sideline and connecting for passes from both quarterbacks today.
Figuring out the O-Line
The offensive line for West Virginia is certainly in flux as they look for depth. The Mountaineers are trying to expose their returning guys to multiple positions up front. This includes moving Doug Nester to right tackle, from right guard. Zach Frazier practiced, but was not in for 11-on-11 work, as expected.
“It’s going really well so far,” Nester said of the position change. “It’s nothing new to me, so I actually enjoy it a lot better. I feel like it’s more natural, not being inside and being contained.”
In drills, WVU’s offensive line went (from left to right), Milum, Rimac, Frazier, Hubbard, Nester.
Tight Ends Finding a Role
The tight ends were a focal point between special teams and offensive work. LSU transfer Kole Taylor has true size, and West Virginia wants to get the tight ends involved in the pass game more. With that being said, they are still working to get the tight ends to a point where they can become more consistent in the pass game.
