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Players and Assistant Coaches Media Session
August 13, 2016 04:55 PM | Football
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - West Virginia University assistant coaches and select members of the WVU football team met with the media on Saturday, August 13, 2016, at Milan Puskar Stadium.
Assistant Coach (Cornerbacks) Blue Adams
On the defense making three interceptions
Yeah, it would be awesome if we could get interceptions. As we play those big teams that would be awesome. That’s a go.
On his thoughts about the scrimmage
We had the opportunity maybe to get a couple more, but I thought the guys did well. They competed. It was a good day of work.
On what he’s seen from redshirt senior cornerback Maurice Fleming
He competes, man. He competes. He gets better day in and day out, and that’s all I can ask of him.
On if he was impressed on redshirt senior cornerback Antonio Crawford’s coverage on redshirt junior wide receiver Shelton Gibson
No, we’ve been doing it. That’s what we do. Impressed, that’s just par for the course. We cover not because it’s Shelton (Gibson). It’s because that’s what we do. It’s more about us than it is about them. It’s never about them playing.
On what they need to work on
Just continue to work. Continue to rep and get better. We’re not there yet. We’re making some strides, but we’re not there yet. We have to continue to work and get better by taking a look at the tape and try to improve on the things we need to improve on and continue to get better.
On preparing for opponents
It’s about us. It’s always about us. We’re always focusing on us. That’s all we can do.
Assistant Coach (Safeties) Matt Caponi
On junior safety Dravon Askew-Henry
Your heart aches for the kid. Just being able to be here the last eight months, and seeing what he does from a work ethic standpoint and the leadership he brings. He was having a great camp, and I think he knew that it was his year to be the guy and be the playmaker. Unfortunately with the injury [he can’t]. But the brighter side of things is knowing the kid and knowing how much he loves the game. It’s just a minor setback for him. There’s no doubt in my mind that a year from now he’ll probably be faster and stronger than he was coming into this season.
On if he’ll keep junior safety Jeremy Tyler at safety
Right now it’s kind of safety by committee. We have some really good athletic players who understand what we’re doing, so we can rotate some guys around and move some guys around. Nothing is set in stone right now. Just trying to feel with getting our best three starters out there. I feel confident in saying we’re five or six deep. We’re still creating that competition that last couple of weeks here, and we’ll be ready to go for Missouri.
On swapping safeties and corners
Not right now. We have those guys focusing on playing corner and the safeties focusing on playing safety. If it came to it and maybe we had some depth issues, then maybe, but we’re solid right now where we are.
Assistant Coach (Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers) Tony Gibson
On redshirt senior linebacker Sean Walters’ improvements
Yeah, I’ve said it about every day in these interviews. I think he’s a guy who waited his time. He’s a kid that has put in the work and you know he’s getting better. We’re happy with him, and he’s a guy we are counting on.
On redshirt senior cornerback Maurcie Fleming
I like Maurcie (Fleming). He works. He’s a kid that is relentless in every drill that we do, whether it’s turnover circuit, tackling circuit. Whatever it may be, he gives 100 percent. I like guys like that who are focused, they come here for a reason. He’s already got his undergrad degree. Just a good kid, and he’s focused and understands what he wants and how he’s going to do it. So just really happy with him.
On how he feels about the defense
Good. It hurts losing a guy, but we have to move on. I guess the only positive out of it is it is three weeks away when it happened and we have time to prepare to get another guy ready. If this would have happened to us the same time with Karl (Joseph), it would have been much harder.
On the importance of goal line defense
That’s something we have stressed. Coach (Dana) Holgorsen has stressed that and the one thing we have to do is get down in there. To let them score or holding them to field goals is a whole different deal. Our goal with that is to hit a 50 percent. We want make sure if we can hit around 50 percent that’s going to put us in the top 10-15 in the country in red zone defense. We have to have awareness of where we are. We have to buckle down. Maybe it’s more aggressive call wise, maybe it’s back off a little bit and play some coverages they run out of field position, run out of space. We mixed it up well today and thought our kids made some plays. The calls were the same calls we always use and our kids just made plays. When they don’t work they’re bad calls, when they work they’re great calls.
Assistant Coach (Offensive Line) Ron Crook
On evaluating starters and what criteria goes into picking them:
They all go into it, everything is important. We tell our guys every day everything we do is important, but I would say that there’s nothing more important than live reps, getting out there and playing football. That’s what we do on game day. That’s why we try to put them in these situations and scrimmages, to go out there and play real football. We’re not out there in the middle of the huddle coaching saying ‘hey you got to go play.’
On players thriving in scrimmages
There have been some instances where that happens, but we tell people all the time there’s really no such thing as a gamer. That’s talk that we use at times, but there have been a few times in my career I’ve seen a guy play really well on game day that didn’t practice well leading up to it.
On today’s performance
We weren’t executing well offensively. We couldn’t get into a groove and there could be 30 reasons for it or there could be one reason for it, you always know a lot more after you watch the film. I tell our guys all the time when I sit with the clicker in my hand and rewind the play 30 times and I can pause it and everything, ‘boy I can figure out what’s wrong.’ It’s figuring it out, out here and getting them together that’s important, and a lot of that falls on them. They have to communicate, they have to see things happen, they have to be on the same page, and that’s a work in progress.
On approaching those problems
You try to go back and go through your basics and fundamentals again. Where are your eyes supposed to be on this, who are you looking at, where do you need to set to in the pass game, who are you responsible for on the run on the ball. Go back to fundamental techniques - make sure you’re bringing your back leg, don’t step underneath yourself, keep your eyes through your target. All that stuff that you say a thousand times a day, that’s what brings guys back because when they start focusing on that again, they start playing better usually.
Assistant Coach (Offensive Coordinator/Fullbacks-Tight Ends) Joe Wickline
On looking at today’s results
I’d say that anytime you don’t have success, nobody’s happy. There were some good things, but mostly we’re concerned as a staff at where we are again and from a fit standpoint, from formational - getting the right thing on the field - playing fast, playing hard, taking care of the football and doing our job.
On today’s scrimmage
We didn’t get done what we wanted to get done. We’ve had a good camp, but today we kind of stepped backwards a little bit. That’s to be expected, we had some time off, but we need to get a lot better. We need to get more consistent, we need to take care of the football, we need to fit our fits and continue to strain on effort, execution, technique, fundamentals and all of the things that give us a chance to be where we want to be. But we’re not there yet.
On individual performances during today’s scrimmage
We haven’t watched the film yet. Obviously we were all there, and there were some good points and there were good things, but still as a group we’re just inconsistent right now and it doesn’t matter why. No excuses. It’s not about age, it’s not about injury, it’s about here’s the task and get it done. That’s where we’re at.
On the offense’s performance today
Anytime you have camp, it’s always going to be an up-and-down cycle. It’s always been that way. With that being said, we’re worried about today. To know that we were acute in our charge to come out and execute - we’re going to do these plays and these formations and these things - and they didn’t do a great job executing. There were some good things, don’t get me wrong there were some good things, but as a group, as an 11, as a staff, we need to continue to grind. It’s not far off. It’s effort, it’s focus, it’s chemistry, but we have a ways to go.
Assistant Coach (Receivers) Tyron Carrier
On today’s heat
Being up here, you don’t really get that many hot days. This was the day we got it and we’re playing at the same time that we started, so these guys have to get used to it. For God’s sake it’s football. Playing in the Big 12, we play in the heat. They have to get accustomed to it. If not, we’re going to lose a lot of games this season.
On trying to change the intensity level when it’s low
You can say what you want, the only person that can motivate themselves in that situation is them. I can’t say anything. I can curse them, I can put them through a punishment, I can praise them, and it’s not going to change anything. It’s self-inflicted.
On performances prior to today
The last two performances were very great, but it wasn’t hot. It wasn’t hot at all. This is what they need to hear. I told them there are no more good things said that’s going to be said from me about them. Everybody’s doing it, they need to know the truth. The truth is they’re not ready right now. The great thing about it is we have two to three more weeks.
On their performance being a third of the way through practices
Besides today yes, I think we’re a little bit ahead. Today was a really big setback, seeing that we are playing at noon and we do play in the Big 12 Conference.
Redshirt Junior Wide Receiver Ka’Raun White
On being able to go through live drills during today’s scrimmage
Yeah. It was pretty good, especially because it was hot out. Trying to get used to the heat. Game time we’re going to be playing at noon, so we have to get used to it. It was a good feeling out there.
On if he thinks about the heat
Not too much. I just go out there and play and when I’m on the sidelines I just try to hydrate and stay cool and relaxed. It doesn’t bother me.
On the energy level
I think the heat probably got to a few of our players. They’re still trying to get used to it. Full pads and being out here, it’s always hotter when you’re playing on turf. They just have to get used to it and get used to coach (Dana) Holgorsen yelling at us when we don’t execute. That’s the main thing right there. We lacked that today, execution.
On the mental aspect
A little bit a both. Mostly mentally. We just have to fight through it. Game time is going to be just as hot so we’re not going to be able to quit during game time because then we’re going to be getting booed by the fans. We just have to keep fighting and keep pushing. We’ll be okay.
On if the mental aspect can be contagious
It’s pretty contagious. That’s why, me or (senior wide receiver) Daikiel (Shorts Jr.) will say, ‘Ka’Raun make a play, so we can get it going again’. If we don’t make a play, it just keeps going throughout and everyone just gets out of it. It’s definitely contagious.
Redshirt Senior Safety Jarrod Harper
On junior safety Dravon Askew-Henry’s season-ending knee injury
I was heartbroken honestly. Working all offseason with Dra, we put in work. To see how hard he worked this offseason to prepare himself mentally, physically and then something like that happens, your heart goes out for him. We wish the best for him, we are praying for him. I talked to him yesterday, he is in good spirits. All we can do is pray for him and every time we come out and take this field we will play for six.
I was heartbroken honestly. Working all offseason with Dra, we put in work. To see how hard he worked this offseason to prepare himself mentally, physically and then something like that happens, your heart goes out for him. We wish the best for him, we are praying for him. I talked to him yesterday, he is in good spirits. All we can do is pray for him and every time we come out and take this field we will play for six.
On junior safety Dravon Askew-Henry’s season-ending knee injury helped bring the safeties together
It definitely helped bring us together. Our safeties are a close knit group. Outside of football we are always together. I think it will definitely bring us together a little bit more for sure.
It definitely helped bring us together. Our safeties are a close knit group. Outside of football we are always together. I think it will definitely bring us together a little bit more for sure.
On who is stepping up to replace junior safety Dravon Askew-Henry
You look at JT (senior safety Jeremy Tyler) and he can play all three positions. He definitely went out there today and held his ground, did well, made plays, so it’s always the next man up. The next man always has to prepare like the starter. In our room we work each and every day. First string, second string, third string, we are working, we are grinding. It’s always the next man up. When your name is called you have to be ready to step up and execute.
You look at JT (senior safety Jeremy Tyler) and he can play all three positions. He definitely went out there today and held his ground, did well, made plays, so it’s always the next man up. The next man always has to prepare like the starter. In our room we work each and every day. First string, second string, third string, we are working, we are grinding. It’s always the next man up. When your name is called you have to be ready to step up and execute.
On how Karl Joseph’s injury helped him in 2015
Definitely, playing a little bit here and there, in spurts, coming in for Zoe (Karl Joseph) whenever he was tired. Last year, stepping in and starting as many games as I did, really got to get my feet wet. I got to see what it was like, the speed, the tempo, so I’m ready for this year. I’m definitely a lot more prepared mentally and physically than I was last year.
Definitely, playing a little bit here and there, in spurts, coming in for Zoe (Karl Joseph) whenever he was tired. Last year, stepping in and starting as many games as I did, really got to get my feet wet. I got to see what it was like, the speed, the tempo, so I’m ready for this year. I’m definitely a lot more prepared mentally and physically than I was last year.
Senior Safety Jeremy Tyler
On what stood out on defense after the news of junior safety Dravon Askew-Henry
We just knew that we had to come in. We knew we had something to work for. We knew how hard (junior safety) Dravon (Askew-Henry) worked for this. Right now we’re trying to take a step at a time and keep working every day and get to our main goal.
On the picks
I just saw the end zone. I read the play by seeing (senior quarterback) Skyler (Howard) check. I did my job and made a play.
On playing free
It’s not really a tough change. I came in as a freshman playing in that position. I’m really familiar with it. It’s not too different from the bandit spot. You’re rolling in the post, you’re playing man-to-man, but the only thing different is you’re not coming down in the box area so he can play run.
On what you have to do well at the free safety position
Being the player, just reading the quarterback. Reading the run, reading the pass, making my right fits, because I’m the last minute defense, so if the ball gets past me then it’s kind of bad.
On if he saw any sense of deja vu with what happened to Karl Joseph
Yes sir. Once (junior safety) (Dravon) Dra (Askew-Henry) had the incident I immediately thought about what happened last year. I thought Dravon (Askew-Henry) was only going to be out for a little short time, short term, but when I got the news I felt devastated for him because I knew how hard he worked for this. He’s going to come back stronger than ever.
Redshirt Senior Defensive Lineman Christian Brown
On today’s performance for the defense
It’s just working hard. We put a lot of time into it in meetings. Just coming out here and executing everything. (Associate head coach defensive coordinators/linebackers) Coach Gibby (Gibson) calls and we come out and have a good practice.
On the backup squads
I was excited a lot. We have to have people come in and step up and be that role player to make big plays for us.
On junior safety Dravon Askew-Henry
It was really tough. I still haven’t talked to him yet, but I’m looking forward to talking to him just to keep his mind set right. Looking forward to seeing him play next year.
On how to rally around junior safety Dravon Askew-Henry after his injury
It’s all about having the right mindset. I was going through the same injury, but I didn’t sit out a whole year, so I don’t know how that feels. I’m pretty sure it’s hard on him, but we just have to keep supporting him. That’s it.
Redshirt Senior Cornerback Rasul Douglas
On goals for the next week
Just to keep getting better. We aren’t where we want to be right now as a defense, so we have to just keep working to get there.
On if the defense is still learning new plays
That’s honestly on (Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinators/Linebackers) coach Gibby (Tony Gibson), if he feels like he wants to run some more plays after he watches the film today to see what we could do. We might do more install, or he might just say ‘What we have is what we have and let’s just play like this.’
On what he looks for when he watches film of himself
Technique, what am I doing, if I am running to the ball every snap, my level, if I am high out of my back pedal. I’m 6-2, 6-3, so sometimes when I get tired I tend to rise up, so I watch for that.
On the comparison from the Baylor game last year to today
My confidence level is way higher than it was when I played Baylor. I know more of the defense. I know what I’m supposed to do, so it’s completely different.
On how difficult it is coming from a junior college
It’s difficult, but not difficult. You just have to come in and be eager to learn and stay in the playbook as much as you can. Watch a lot of film. Film doesn’t lie, so watching film you learn everything; tendencies, what the offense is looking for, what the quarterback is looking for, so I would just say that.
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