Football: Coach Mullen and Player Quotes
August 18, 2009 12:32 PM | General
August 18, 2009
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - Quotes from coach Jeff Mullen and select players after practice 12 of fall training camp.
(opening remarks)
We had a nice practice this morning - very crisp, very clean. It was one of those no-padded practices after a day of contact. We worked on blitz-pickup by doing the little things. We also had a nice two-minute drill. That's something you like to do in the morning. We need to work clock situations - both the players and the coaches understand the importance.
One of the things that we've been preaching this entire camp is a physical toughness on offense. It's something we will get better at, but we've done a nice job so far. The beautiful thing is we get to go out again this afternoon and put pads on.
(on Geno Smith's progress and room for improvement)
He has a physical skill-set that I really like. He has a natural presence in the pocket. He does a real nice job of protecting the football, not seeing the rush, keeping his eyes down field and seeing a number of receivers throughout the progression. He also delivers the ball nicely. He has to work on the mental aspect, but that would be true for any freshman.
He hasn't surprised me. He is doing what we thought he could.
(on freshmen comprehension)
I've been very happy. The first week we found that there were a few freshmen that were out of position, so their heads are spinning because they are learning a new position this week. We moved Stedman Bailey from the inside to the outside, so he is scrambling now. Also, as we continue to try to involve Tavon Austin in the offense his is forced to learn a couple of positions. We moved some offensive linemen as well - Cole Bowers got bumped up and Joey Madsen is playing center and guard. They are going through some growing pains, but for the most part, the guys that have been in the same position for 12 practices, like Geno Smith, we're very happy with were they are.
(on the team's prospects if freshmen play)
I think you are a better team in the long run if you play freshmen. I'd like to play an older kid that's already been out before 60,000 fans and the TV cameras. Often times, you aren't afforded that opportunity. In the end, you just have to play the best talent - whoever can run, jump, block and tackle. It's our job as coaches to teach the players that do those things the best.
(most improved player thus far in camp)
I'm a little selfish, so I would say Jarrett Brown. I think they've all done a tremendous job. I've really noticed since the bowl victory a sense of team from everyone, and that's important. I think they've all done a nice job getting better. Jarrett just hasn't had the reps so far, so it was hard. You prepare as a backup your entire career, and now you have to prepare as a starter - those are two entirely different things. He's done well when called upon throughout his career. Now, we're going to call on him for 13-straight weeks. That's a process that you don't understand until you go through it.
(on what he still wants to work on in camp)
The young guys are still a little sloppy, so we need to make sure we limit what we call and get them better at what they're good at. Overall, Saturday's scrimmage was situational, and I think we did a decent job. Where I was most disappointed was in the small things. We had some cadence issues, some line issues and some hand-off issues. Those are the things you need to clean up. When you can focus in on those things, you get better.
(progress on short-yardage situations)
Every day, we do one of the most physical inside drills I've ever seen. We do that for 15 reps, and it's all smash-mouth football. I think as a whole, there has been a lot of improvement, which stems back to what Coach Stewart wanted to get done last spring.
(short-yardage role players)
We're looking at Shawne Alston. Chris Snook gets reps also. He had a couple of nice runs yesterday in the scrimmage situation. Right now, we're looking at Ryan Clarke.
(on team's toughness)
I think the team has always been tough. West Virginia has and will continue to play with that hard edge. I think they did last year. Defensively, it's recognition and reaction and you tend to play with more edge. Offensively, you have to think before you react, and sometimes that process makes you slow down a bit. No question, that's a process of learning a system, and we're not seeing that anymore. It's been fun to watch them get back to an aggressive form of play. No matter what formation we're in, you still need to play with an edge. I think the kids did that last year. What you are seeing now is an improvement mentally.
(on this year's progress compared to last year's)
It's not even close. Our coaches and players all feel a sense of understanding. We were able to put the whole package in in five days. We pushed them really hard mentally the first five days, and now we're breaking it down in to little parts. Once we get closer to the Liberty game, we'll see the whole picture again.
(on offensive line's performance)
They're working extremely hard. I think everybody needs to work harder. It's hard for me to pinpoint one group because I'm focused on the quarterbacks. I have all of the confidence in (offensive line coach) David Johnson.
(on Jock Sanders' conditioning)
He's resilient. He was a little tight Days 1 and 2. He's doing a great job now.
(on Tyler Urban's improvement)
He's bigger, stronger and smarter. If we're going to be a good short-yardage team, we need a fullback and tightend. That was an issues, but the improvement of both Ryan Clarke and Tyler Urban is exciting. I think he dropped some balls in the scrimmage, but those things will happen. I'm very happy with him. I think he's one of my most dependable guys. He's here every day, puts his hard hat on and gets to work. It's all match-ups. When we need bigger options, we might put both Urban and Will Johnson on the field. It's nice to have that card to play.
(on being a second-year coach)
I don't know if there's been a difference between this year and last. When you have to put it all in at once, it's difficult because you see what it's supposed to look like and it doesn't get there until later. It's been a lot more enjoyable this summer because they've known what they're doing and why they're doing it. I have to be careful because I don't want to mess things up and put too much in. We ned to go back to playing fast. I think fighting the urge and implementing more is not the right way to go with this group. I think going backwards and helping them play hard and fast is the way to go.
Senior defensive back Nate Sowers
(expectations for this season)
I just want to do everything I can to get on the field and help the team win a BIG EAST Championship. That is our goal and it all starts with Liberty. I'm excited to be out there with this group of guys. I have never felt more comfortable and it's been great so far. Hopefully we can go out on top.
(on defensive instincts carrying over from high school)
I was a little lost, but they eventually came back. It's a totally different ball game here, and I've had to learn a lot. I'm still learning. It's difficult at times, but I think I've adjusted well and I'm pretty comfortable with it.
Junior running back Noel Devine
(on play of freshman Tavon Austin)
Tavon is excited and ready for game time. He's been doing great at practice. He's improved a lot on the little things since he came. He finishes his runs and he gets the verticals on his routes. He's pretty much just learning the game. I don't think the coaches want to put too much on his plate right now. In game-week preparation, maybe they will throw something out there.
(on possibility of plays with him, Austin and Jock Sanders on field at same time)
It's scary. We haven't practiced any yet. We've been talking about how we need something with all of us on the field because of all of the speed. Hopefully we can get something where all of us can get on the field at the same time.
Freshman running back Tavon Austin
(on learning the WVU offense)
When I first started to learn the offense, it was hard. I was making mistakes every day - getting tied up on the wrong side, running the wrong things. Now I'm getting down the steps and it's getting better.
(difference between high school offense and WVU offense)
It's way different. I was in a pro-style offense, and now I'm in the spread. I'm playing receiver now instead of running back. It's different. The whole world has changed, except when I have the ball in my hands. I just try to put it in my mindset that I have to do what I did in high school.
