Football: West Virginia Player Quotes
October 07, 2008 07:52 PM | General
October 7, 2008
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - West Virginia Univeristy football player quotes following Tuesday afternoon's practice.
Mike Dent
On Rutgers’ scheme
They had a lot of blitzes on us this week but I think we did a good job of protecting. I know before the half, Pat (White) got hit when a Rutgers player got through. He threw the ball but then they ended up getting a shot on him. We have to try to eliminate that and the unnecessary hits that he takes.
On Rutgers’ defense
They did a lot of twisting, stemming and a lot of fire zone blitzing from the outside. They did a lot of safety walk downs and when they lined up, they were never in the same spot when we snapped the ball. That’s what people don’t realize, the big thing is communication. I have to communicate with my guards and tackles and they do a great job of telling me where the play went to – if it went from one technique to another. They all do a great job of telling me the changes when my head goes down.
On the fourth and inch play
I have confidence in Coach Mullen and whatever he calls. A couple times it didn’t go and we’ve been practicing that and we’re getting better. That is what we practice for.
Pat White
On the 40 second clock
I don’t think things have changed too much but I think some plays are a little bit faster than others. But, for the most part, that is plenty of time to get a play in. If we run the offense like we are supposed to, then it shouldn’t matter.
On getting hit on Saturday
I’ve never had my bell rung like that but playing football, you are going to get hit. I got hit. I feel pretty much normal.
On the Syracuse defense
They play the ball right now and the record might not show that but since I’ve been here, Syracuse always flies around and gets after it and they are going to do that for four quarters.
Mortty Ivy
On the loss of Reed Williams
You are going to miss him physically but he is going to help out the young guys just as much as I am. We’re not going to miss him that much. We’re going to miss him out there physically but he’s going to be out there mentally with us.
It’s hardly about me making plays. It’s about getting a win and how well the defense plays. Now the young guys have to play a bigger role. They didn’t get a lot of experience last year and now they will get experience and they will get better each week.
On Syracuse
Every team is hungry for a win, it doesn’t matter what your record is. They are a good football team; they just aren’t getting any breaks. They have two terrific backs, one of whom I know from home. It’s going to be a good game for us. Their defense runs hard. They are going to give us their best shot and we are going to be there to tackle them.
Ellis Lankster
On the season so far
I’ve worked on my zone coverage and my man-to-man coverage. I’m really pleased so far with my performance this season. Against Colorado, I had 12 tackles and a few punt returns. The inexperienced freshmen, they are finally learning what they are doing and they know their assignments.
On Coach Lockwood
Coach Lockwood is fun to work with because he is always making jokes and he always keeps us laughing. He helped me a lot with my man-to-man coverage.
