Football: Coach Stewart and Player Quotes
August 02, 2008 08:28 PM | General
Head Coach Bill Stewart:
Opening Comments
I was very excited about our first practice. The guys were getting on and off the field very well, especially on defense. There was a swarm of blue jerseys out there today and I’m glad we don’t play our defense because it could have been trouble-they are very active.
The first part of practice I spent on the defensive side of the field. It was really a treat to see the warriors on the field and I didn’t do that much last spring.
I’m only going to mention the Fiesta Bowl once right now, but when we got on the bus, I thanked the defense for their effort because the defensive par of our family, I thought, won the Fiesta Bowl. We made some great plays, but the defense won. Right now, if they continue to play like they are, they will lead us in from Lakeview on the bus for our first game because they have earned the right. It’s nice to watch.
Offensively, I think Patrick White did a nice job today and I think the receivers did a good job. We don’t have a tailback right now behind Noel Devine right now so we have to get our T’s crossed and our I’s dotted because we need to find a backup.
Sammy Morrone and Maxwell Anderson did a nice job at fullback. The offensive line was really sharp and the coverage was good.
We lost two great starters in Keilen Dykes and Johnny Dingle but we’re going to be fun. We’re going to be fun to watch and they’re going to be better than what people think.
As for the linebackers, Mortty Ivy, Reed Williams and J.T. Thomas are very very special; explosive, fast and professional. Johnny Holmes was great to watch and he is very, very skilled.
I’m very pleased with our corner, Ellis Lankster right now and the way he came in. He is in the shape of his life, and I told him-cut him a deal, you can return punts and maybe a kickoff or two, but you have to be a certain weight and be in shape. Boy, he looks good.
We moved Brandon Hogan to cornerback just to look at him. We came to camp with 54 offensive players, 8 specialists, that’s 62, but just 42 defensive guys. We’re down about eight numbers so we put Hogan in there just to see what he could do. Hogan could be a hit in the secondary or he could be back on offense. Do we have to have him to get through the year? No. Is he essential? No. It would just be icing on the cake. Seeing that and making other changes is what camp is all about.
On the quarterbacks and offense
Offensively, we threw everything at them the first four days and then we go back and re-teach them. Some people might say take it slow, but that is how we’ve always taught. We will go back and re-teach once we have pads on.
Jarrett (Brown) looked pretty good and Patrick (White) was on top of his offense and they are going to be good and they are getting it. The receivers look pretty good. What I’ve heard, they have been working out all summer.
On the freshmen’s first practice
I am very excited what the freshmen will bring to the table. Robert Sands looks like what they are supposed to look like coming into camp. Courtney Stuart is a newcomer but he will be pretty good.
We had a very spirited practice. Next week, we will go to a pro mode and it will be very unique, very different and it’s going to be fun.
Noel Devine
On his sophomore season
I feel like a veteran helping the younger guys out and I know no starting position is guaranteed so I plan on working hard. I go out there, work hard and compete.
On helping the freshmen
I help them with the plays, try to make them comfortable, and welcome them to our offense. I kept telling them that I was the same way and that they just have to come out and play and relax.
On his role on the team
I want to help the team the best I can and play by role the best that I can. I want to take pressure off of Pat (White) and help the team pass blocking on the rest of the plays and work the best I can
On what he’s been working on this summer
I have been getting in shape and been running and working on my conditioning.
Reed Williams
On his injury
I’m not 100% yet but I have to be patient with it. I have to do things not to re injure and it’s a process. I’m going to go day by day. I haven’t been cleared yet and am waiting for the go-ahead; too many ifs and not enough definites yet. I think I’ll be wearing a green jersey when we start putting the pads on
On Coach Stewart’s compliments of the linebackers
I think we’re fast and it’s not just us. From top to bottom we have a lot of talent, even the young guys. Last year we had a great core group and this year is even better. We have to continue to build and camp will do that.
On the freshmen class
On our position we have a couple of young guys and they are good, yong guys with a lot of talent. They are just trying to take it all in because it’s a lot of information the first day so they will be trying to get it all in. We have a lot of talent and they will get their experience throughout camp and into the fall.
Pat White
On his first day impressions.
It felt great getting back out there and it was exciting to see my brother work out.
I thought that we had a good practice. We’re a new offense and we’re learning and everyone seemed to be having fun. We have great coaches that Coach Stew has put together and great athletes. It’s a great day to be a Mountaineer.
On the importance of being prepared
It’s very important to learn the plays and know what you’re doing and knowing whose behind you.
On his last first day of WVU pre-season
It’s my last year of college football so I’m going to do whatever I can to make it the best year. I want to be better then last year with fewer losses.
