Mind Over Matter
April 11, 2005 10:34 AM | General
April 11, 2005
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University junior linebacker Jay Henry is using his head when it comes to cracking the Mountaineers’ starting lineup – literally.
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| Linebacker Jay Henry recorded 39 tackles and a sack last year as Scott Gyorko's backup.
Brian Persinger photo |
“I’m just working and learning what I can do so I can play fast,” said the Tulsa, Okla., native. “The coaches have stressed this spring the more you know the faster you can play.”
If brainpower is considered an important attribute for playing linebacker then Henry has got the job hands down.
“He’s one of the smartest guys we’ve got,” said West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez. “He can play several of the linebacking positions, and he’s played a lot for us in the past. He’s a very heady guy who has come from a successful program and he knows how to win.”
Henry played a great deal as Scott Gyorko’s backup last year at outside linebacker, producing 39 tackles, two tackles for a loss and a sack. Henry says getting a taste of the action the past two seasons has given a resolve to get even more playing time this fall.
“I played some my freshman year and I got to play a lot more my sophomore year, about 20-25 snaps a game,” he said. “Getting out there and getting into the mix is something I want to do. Special teams are fun but I love playing linebacker.”
This spring Henry is working with the first defensive group at middle linebacker alongside Boo McLee and Jeff Noechel. He spent some time at middle linebacker in the past and admits he’s “just getting accustomed to playing there again.”
He is pleased with where he’s at but he also isn’t about to take anything for granted.
“I feel like I’ve been putting in the same work as before it’s just that it’s finally paying off. I don’t consider myself a starter yet,” Henry noted. “We’ll see when September comes around if I’m a starter or not.”
Despite his cautious outlook, Henry understands there is a great opportunity sitting out there for him to capitalize on.
“There is an opportunity and I’m taking advantage of it, putting in my work, getting in film room and trying to learn as much as I can because I believe that’s my biggest advantage – knowing what to do out there and knowing what plays are going to be run out of certain formations and what we’re looking for out of certain defenses,” he said.
Diagnosing plays is a valuable attribute to have as a linebacker and that is probably his best asset.
“You learn so much over the course of a year: what you’re trying to do, what you’ve got to do on each play and on each blitz. By preparing I feel like I got better each game last year,” he said.
Henry, who stands 6 feet 2 and weighs 225 pounds, is on the small side for a major college inside linebacker. Yet he believes his weight is about where it should be.
“I’m there weight wise and I’m just trying to stay strong and work on my feet. I don’t need to gain much more weight,” he admitted.
Making Henry’s job much easier is the fact that West Virginia has a very experienced and physical defensive front. Those three will take some of the pressure off Henry having to constantly take on guards weighing as much as 100 pounds more than him.
“I’m going to get a blocker on me regardless but that guard is going to have to stay on Ernie (Hunter) a little bit longer this year so that’s always helpful,” Henry said.
As the one person closest to West Virginia’s down three, Henry is developing a healthy appreciation for their talents.
“Those guys are playing great,” he said. “A couple of years ago those guys only weighed 265 and now they’re almost 300 pounds and I think that’s making a big difference. Those guys are playing really well.”
So is West Virginia’s defense, which has controlled both scrimmages so far this spring. The first defense only permitted 47 yards rushing on 31 carries during last Saturday’s scrimmage.
“We’ve got potential but that doesn’t mean anything,” Henry said. “I think if we keep working like we have been I feel like the defense has been getting better each day. If we put our work in we can be a good defense.”
West Virginia will practice Monday and Wednesday and has another workout to makeup. The Gold-Blue scrimmage on Saturday will feature the offense versus the defense. The scrimmage will get underway at 12:30 and there will be an autograph session on the field afterward.
Note: The Mountaineer Ticket Office is now accepting season ticket orders for the 2005 season. Fans can purchase or renew their orders by calling toll-free 1-800-WVU GAME.
