Coaching in the NIL and transfer portal era of college sports is one of the most challenging things that college coaches face everyday.
When coaching a system that is new to most players, many challenges come with the learning and development of players, especially if they have the option to pack up and go.
During his press conference Thursday afternoon, Rich Rodriguez discussed how important his players from Jacksonville State have been in teaching and helping other players learn his system during spring practice.
“I think that’s always the biggest benefit with guys following coaches that they kind of know the terminology more than anything else,” Rodriguez went on to say, “The schemes, the way they’re called are going to be different, so that helps.”
There is no denying that Rodriguez is a high intensity coach. When he see’s something he doesn’t like, he will let you know immediately.
Rodriguez went on to talk about how his Jacksonville State players are more accustomed to his high intensity coaching style.
“Maybe they’ve never been yelled at and so maybe if I yell at them, the guys from Jack State, everyone of those have been yelled at and probably quite a bit,” Rodriguez said.
As spring practice continues, the Mountaineers look to progress towards getting comfortable in Rodriguez’s system as they approach their spring game.
The annual Gold-Blue Spring Showcase will take place on Sunday, April 5 at Milan Puskar Stadium.
