Casteel Pleased
August 10, 2003 10:13 PM | General
August 11, 2003
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel has been pleased with the installation process so far during fall camp. The coach says about “50-60” percent of the defense was put in last week.
“We’re real happy with the install right now,” said the Paden City native. “We’ve thrown a lot at the guys early and now in the sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth practices we’ll go back over what we’ve already installed.”
Realizing his young defense is under the gun to get ready for Wisconsin because of NCAA limitations on the number of fall practices, Casteel demanded that his players pay closer attention at the start of camp.
“We asked them, ‘Hey you’re going to have to stay with us mentally because we’re not going to be able to practice like you’re normally used to practicing.’ Those kids have done a real nice job and we’re happy about that,” he said.
Despite having to face No. 19 Wisconsin in less than three weeks, Casteel believes there is enough time to get everything in.
“We’ll have enough time,” he said. “I don’t know whether or not we’re real good at it yet but at least when we call something they have an understanding of what it is. Now we need to get them to function when they’re tired and under pressure and things like that. We’ll continue to install as we go along for the next four or five days.”
Casteel says the remainder of this week will also be utilized evaluating players. After that, the defensive coaching staff will begin determining spots on the depth chart.
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| Defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel says a good portion of the defense has already been installed. (All-Pro Photography/Dale Sparks) |
“We’ll go through about the next four or five practices looking at guys before we try to get settled in and get guys used to playing with each other,” said Casteel. “In this defense the ‘backers have to get used to playing with the nose guard, the end and things like that. So they’ve got to learn to play off each other.”
Even after the coaching staff begins preparing for Wisconsin, Casteel says they will continue to evaluate players.
“We’re constantly evaluating and hopefully some things will come to the surface in the next four or five days and we can make a decision,” he said. “Guys are going to be evaluated throughout so we’re not just going to shut down on some guys after next week, but we want to try to get into where we are working the ones with the ones and the twos with twos to give them an opportunity to play off each other.”
In addition to the players becoming more comfortable with each other, West Virginia’s defensive wing has also had to make some adjustments. Only Casteel and defensive backs coach Tony Gibson are returning from last year.
Bill Kirelawich returned to the field this spring after spending two seasons as West Virginia’s administrative assistant for player development. Prior to that, Kirelawich spent 22 seasons as a successful defensive line coach for Don Nehlen.
And Bruce Tall joined the Mountaineer staff right before the start of spring practice after serving as a defensive line coach at Western Michigan. In both instances, Tall and Kirelawich had to get used to West Virginia’s unconventional defensive schemes.
“We’re way ahead of where we were at this time last year,” said Casteel. “I think that Coach Kirelawich and Coach Tall … obviously coming in the spring was tough on them. But now I think they’re comfortable with our system and we can utilize their abilities a little bit more now than we did in the spring.”
As the season wears on, Casteel envisions Kirelawich and Tall adding even more to the defense.
“Now I think they can bring their experiences in to what we’re doing,” he admitted. “Coach Tall and Coach Kirelawich have already put their personal touches and personalities on the defense and hopefully we’ll continue to do that as the season goes on.”
Briefly ...
"The doctor told me to sit out Sunday's practice but I can't do that," said Rodriguez. "That would be embarrassing."
"I'm worried about his mind," said Rodriguez. "He needs to fight through some of the soreness. The doctors and trainers have cleared him to play. He needs to get out into the fray and get into playing shape. I think he'll do that."
