MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -  West Virginia University assistant coaches and select members of the West Virginia University football team met with the media on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at the Milan Puskar Center Team Room.
 
Associate Head Coach (Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers) Tony Gibson
 
On how important Malik Jefferson is to the Texas defense
Any linebacker in any scheme is very important to stopping the run. You can't ask your down guys to stop the run by themselves. Every linebacker in every scheme is very important. (redshirt senior linebacker) Al (Rasheed) (Benton) and (redshirt sophomore linebacker) David Long (Jr.) right now for us are making a lot of tackles, a lot of plays, they are important to what we do.
 
On the senior class
Starting out, obviously the first one that comes to mind is (redshirt senior linebacker) Al (Rasheed) (Benton), being here for five years and putting the blood, sweat and tears into the program. He is just a great young man that will be missed. He is a great kid and I will miss him a lot. (senior safety) Kyzir (White) has only been here a couple of years, but still he has been a part of the program and means a lot to the defense. He is a special player. We will miss those guys. The corners, (senior cornerbacks) Mike Daniels (Jr.) and (Elijah) Battle, again two year guys. They have played a lot of football for us, making plays. (Redshirt senior linebacker) Hodari Christian (II) is a special teams guy, obviously a linebacker, has played a bunch. (Redshirt senior safety) Shane Commodore same role, special teams guy. (Redshirt senior linebacker) Xavier (Pegues) up-front. We are going to miss all of those guys. It is an emotional day on senior day we have to overcome that quickly and play football and then reflect them afterward
 
On freshman safety Kenny Robinson Jr.
He is a special player. I have said that since day one. Anywhere we put him on the field he seems to be making a play. He is going to have one heck of a career here.
 
Assistant Coach (Safeties) Matt Caponi
 
On freshman safety Kenny Robinson
He's instinctive. He has a really good feel for the game. He has those instincts that you really can't coach. As much as I can tell a guy "do this, do that", he goes out there and plays and reacts to what he sees and comes up with some big plays. The pick-six against Oklahoma State changed momentum a little bit towards the end of that game. Saturday, late in the game, with K-State driving to take the lead, he came up with the play and just read the quarterback and broke on the ball. He has those instincts that you can't really coach.
 
On if Kenny Robinson's natural position is safety
I hope so, I don't want to give him up. We have really unselfish guys that are willing to do whatever it takes to help the team. If we told him to go play linebacker or go rush the passer, I think he would do it. It's a situation where we feel comfortable with him right now and he'll only get better. Wherever we need him to be I'm sure he'll play great, practice hard and do the right things.
 
On freshman safety Kenny Robinson when he came off of the field after his interception against Kansas State
Tired. He got caught by the quarterback. I don't know how he didn't score and I told him that. He plays with confidence. He's young and gets yelled at a lot, but he doesn't let that bother him, he almost takes it up to the next level. He understands why he's out there and sometimes he has to make some plays and he does. He plays with a lot of confidence and doesn't get rattled no matter the game or how big the situation is.
 
Assistant Coach (Special Teams/Linebackers) Mark Scott
 
On what helps sophomore wide receiver Marcus Simms succeed on special teams
A lot of it is what we do week-in and week-out and him maturing and being able to take care of his body and getting him to the point where he's feeling his best going into Saturday. He's a lot more confident. I can't really speak in terms of his offensive production. Obviously, his speed brings a different dynamic to our offense that teams need to account for. Special teams wise, he's just gotten more and more confident in both kickoff and punt return, the schemes we're putting in place and how to read the blocks. The biggest thing with punt return is that we're doing a really good job up front of giving him space and he's getting the ball and getting vertical. 
 
On how the punt return team has improved throughout the season
We've been putting a huge emphasis on it from last spring moving forward and we've been getting the right bodies in there. We work the heck out of it week-in, week-out and we come up with schemes that we think can help us get first downs. Again, we're not trying to score a touchdown every time we touch the ball. We want to get first downs. Every time we get a return, our goal is to get first downs. (Sophomore wide receiver) Marcus (Simms) has done a good job of understanding that and being able to catch the ball, not trying to do too much, take what they give you, go vertical and get positive returns.
 
On redshirt sophomore linebacker David Long Jr.'s instincts on defense
A lot of it is instinct. Regardless of whether they are running the ball away from him or to him, he seems to just have that knack. He's always around the football. He's able to read things extremely well, and he's so explosive and can slip blocks so well that he may not always take the same path to that backside. He understands and on Sunday, we talked to him and said, 'If you take that route, then you know you have to make that play.' He said, "Coach, I got it." A lot of things go into if we're solid on that side and we leverage the play, then that really frees him up to be able to go and make those pays behind the line of scrimmage like he does. He sees things extremely well. He's incredibly instinctive and he's willing to take those chances to make those plays.
 
Assistant Coach (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks) Jake Spavital
 
On the recent inconsistencies for the offense
Some of the things are the inconsistencies of us. Sometimes we look like the greatest offense to ever walk on this planet and then the next drive we look like the worst offense to ever play the game. It's a lot of up's and down's with where we're at, but a lot of it comes down to execution, some of it comes down to play calls and some it comes down to communication that's out there on the field. I have to do a better job of putting us in better positions, especially on third down. It's just all got to come together. It's a mixture of all of us, and we all have to get back on the same page and be consistent in more situations. They see it. They know how explosive they can be, and they know how good they can be if they play consistently for four quarters. You have to play four quarters as an offense this year. I challenge them every week, and they know it. That's something that they're still trying to work towards putting it all together.
 
On what the offense would be like if it overcame its recent struggles
It's unbelievable. I can say that. We're one of the Top-10 offenses, I'm guessing. We probably are. They're explosive, and they see their inconsistencies in themselves. That shows them that they're a good offense, but there is so much that they've left out there on the field. They can be a lot better. It could be a scary deal if we could put it together for four quarters.
 
On how rhythm effects the offense's ability to overcome adversity
It's amazing how that works. A lot of that, too, is the immaturities of us. We've just got to overcome adversity. If you drop a ball, which we had a lot of drops in this past game, but where I was disappointed is where we didn't come back out and overcome that. At some point, we've got to be able to know that, in football, there's not going to be a perfect game but you've got to be able to man up, play the next play and overcome adversity.
 
Assistant Coach (Wide Receivers) Tyron Carrier
 
On what the receiving corps needs to do on third down situations
Catch the ball. That's just routine plays that we have to make. The biggest emphasis is just catching the ball, no matter what the conditions are we have to make that play.
 
On if the receivers have to do anything different when they are being challenged physically by the cornerbacks
They got open. They worked technique and got open. That wasn't a problem playing man coverage. We play that every day with our defense. They are coached up on that. It was just catching the ball more than anything. 
 
On how difficult David Sills V touchdown second touchdown reception against Kansas State was
I had one similar, a couple of guys that I played with had one similar to it. Odell's (Beckham Jr.) is probably one of the toughest ones you will ever see. He just did a great job of tracking down the ball. Unfortunately, the other side of the end zone is really cement with just a little turf laid over it. He felt it that's why he didn't get up and celebrate a little bit. Other than that, I thought it was a great catch. That kid is really amazing down in that red zone area. Uses perfect technique every time. He is rarely caught off-guard with being lazy with technique down there, he uses it very well. That's why he leads the nation in touchdowns. 
 
Assistant Coach (Running Backs) Tony Dews
 
On sending senior running back Justin Crawford off well to end the season
First of all, we've got these three more games with him and it's gone fairly quick. It's only been like six to 10 months that has gone fast and he's been a pleasant guy to coach and fun to be around. I'm hoping that we can send him out, along with all the other seniors, the best way we can. Coach (Dana Holgorsen) talks about our #13. Whatever that 13th game is, whether it's a bowl game or championship game that leads to other things, who knows. You've just got to focus on the one Saturday or else this team won't be any fun to deal with. Hopefully, Justin can come and bring his A-game and perform as well or better than he has all season.
 
On preparing for Texas' defense on third down
As a staff, we'll prepare like we always do. We'll look at the film and develop the game plan based on what we do best and then try to find out their weaknesses and see if we can get a first down.
 
On what makes Texas' run defense stand out from other teams
They're extremely good, in my opinion, in the front seven. Not that their secondary isn't, but watching them play, they have a lot of good looking kids on film. They play extremely hard and run around very well. Their defensive line is a big strong group. That nose guard makes it all go, and Malik Jefferson there in the middle. I have heard, in my career, when people talk about a defense that is strong down the middle, then they usually have a pretty good defense. We're starting with the nose guard, the three-man front, then the middle backer and then their safeties (numbers) 19 and four. They do an excellent job. They're pretty strong, solid down the middle and they obviously have a bunch of guys of other guys that are running around over there. In their nickel and dime personnel, they have some very athletic guys who, when there's a hole or it looks like a hole is there, are able to close things quickly because they close on the ball well and attack the football. Then, they do a great job of mixing up a ton of blitzes. So, they're coming from all over the place. Sometimes I think there's 13 guys out there.
 
Junior Wide Receiver David Sills V
 
On being named to the Biletnikoff shortlist
I didn't really come into the year thinking about a lot of the things that have happened during the season. I have always had high expectations for myself. I really didn't know where I could go with it, just tried to be the best receiver I could be. I made the top 10 right now, there is still a lot of things that can be done, but right now we are focused on getting the win against Texas. 
 
On how much of the honor belongs to his fellow receivers
They could all be on the list, I believe as well. They are all great players. It comes down to voting and if someone votes that doesn't mean the other player shouldn't be on there or whatever. Obviously, I am very happy to be on the list, but there is still a lot that needs to be done.
 
On how to attack the Texas defense
I still have to look at more film on them and figure out what they are doing defensively. Assistant Coach (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks) (Jake) (Spav) (Spavital) will go in there with a great game plan, and we will be ready. We know it is a big game. Texas always has a good defense. They have a lot of athletes, and they are usually pretty big, pretty long on defense. We just have to be able to run the ball, throw the ball, not stall out drives when we get close to the end zone. Really just playing a full game, playing a complete game and not hurting ourselves.
 
Redshirt Senior Halfback Elijah Wellman
 
On the importance of the matchup with Texas on his senior day
It's coming to an end and I wish it wasn't, but everybody's time here comes to an end. This week, I'm going to enjoy it and, come this Saturday, we're going to try and sing "Country Roads" after the game. I'm excited to see that, get out there with my teammates one last time in front of Mountaineer field and see if we can get a win to send us out the right way. 
 
On his excitement level for Saturday's matchup with Texas
I'm excited. It's a big opponent. It's a cool game to end the season in Morgantown. Like we say every week, we need to respect our opponent no matter who it is. It wouldn't matter who it was. It's going to be a big game for us.
 
On seeing the football program grow over the course of five years with the team
I've seen it grow a lot. The year before I got here was our first year in the Big 12 and then we had a 4-8 season in the Big 12. We've made strides since then and we're still in the conversation right now to be in the Big 12 championship. This week and next week, that's what we're working towards and we're going to take it one week at a time. This week our goal is to have a "W" at the end of the week.
 
On what he sees from Texas' defensive front
They're athletic, they're good and they're big. Their defense is really good and we're going to respect them. We'll get a game plan going and see if we can attack it.
 
Redshirt Sophomore Offensive Lineman Matt Jones
 
On if he has noticed a difference in the offensive line since being challenged by the coaching staff
Yeah, we are more physical. I would say we are a lot more angry; just trying to drive the ball down the field.
 
On the goals for the offensive line this week against Texas
Play a whole game, be more physical and score more points.
 
On what he has seen from the Texas defensive line that is impressive
Everything. They are just a good front, like you said. They are well-rounded and physical up-front and we need to be physical as well.
 
On how he has changed from the beginning of the year until now
Everything has slowed down more. I am seeing the fronts easier compared to week one against Virginia Tech. I'm starting to understand everything a lot more and being able to hold my own a lot better.
 
Redshirt Sophomore Linebacker David Long Jr.
 
On taking untraditional routes to get to the ball carrier
Trying to. It's just instinct, honestly. I don't really practice it; it just happens. I try to figure out the quickest way to get to the ball carrier. I don't want to wrestle with the big fellas up front. It takes too much time.
 
On redshirt senior linebacker Al-Rasheed Benton helping fill gaps when he takes different angles
That started last year when I began to do it. Al just looked at it over time and played off of me and I play off of him. We just work together on that.
 
On when he felt the defense turned the corner to being the defense they want to be
Oklahoma State we showed some glimpses of what we could do. Iowa State, we showed up that game it is carrying us over. The last two games we definitely have to bring it, because it is two good teams. Starting with Texas.
 
Redshirt Senior Safety Dravon Askew-Henry
 
On what safety position he prefers to play
I am an athlete and I can do whatever (Associate Head Coach (Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers) Tony Gibson asks me to do. Wherever he wants me to play, that's where I will play.
 
On if he has to change his body at all if he wants to stay at the bandit position
I just have to continue to do what I do, hit the weights hard. Just play tough.
 
On the biggest learning curve moving to free safety to bandit
Your gap fits. In the run game, your gap fits, you will see pullers. You just have to track the pullers. It is a lot to go into it, but I feel like I am starting to get the hang of it.

Sophomore Defensive Lineman Reese Donahue
 
On how important it is to send the seniors out with a win on Saturday
It's important obviously. You all know how much it means for me to play for WVU. I understand by this time in their career, they've been here for half a decade and they've definitely developed that Mountaineer mentality. I can't imagine what it would feel like to walk off that field without singing Country Roads. It's very important. Also for some of the younger guys like myself and guys that haven't been here for a while, it's a way for us to say thanks for everything you've done for us.
 
On how the defense has prepared for Texas
Just the same way we prepare every week. Ultimately it comes down to the fundamentals, who's tougher. There's no other way to prepare for it except for the way that we do every week. When you start changing stuff up, that's when you run into issues. You have to prepare for a I-AA team (FCS) the same as if you were going to play the top team in the country. It has to be the same every week. You have to bring the same intensity, mentality, mindset, everything.
 
On his thoughts of Texas
They can hurt you. They're a pretty impressive team, and they're doing something right down there. You have to respect your opponent, and I definitely respect them. You have to approach it just like any other game, you can't change anything.