Photo by: All Pro Photography/Dale Sparks
Assistant Coaches and Players Media Session
October 30, 2018 05:33 PM | Football
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University associate head coach/defensive coordinator Tony Gibson, offensive coordinator Jake Spavital and select members of the West Virginia University football team met with the media on Tuesday, Oct. 30, at the Milan Puskar Center Team Room.
Associate Head Coach (Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers) Tony Gibson
On the Texas passing game and wide receiver corps
I think (Sam) Ehlinger does a really good job of distributing the ball to all of those guys, but the two big guys, (Lil'Jordan) Humphrey and (Collin) Johnson, they have great ball skills. It's a lot like what we've played the last few weeks. They're big-play guys, and they do a good job of moving them around and not keeping them in the same spot. Humphrey will play in the slot a lot, they'll move him. For Johnson, they'll move him to the left or right. It doesn't really matter. We have to do a good job and know where they're at.
On if the size of wide receivers is a unique aspect of the Big 12 Conference
I think that everybody has big wideouts right now. Obviously, we're in a run where, for four weeks straight, we're going to play the (Hakeem) Butler kid, the (Jalen) Hurd kid from last week and these two guys. What we need to do is recruit bigger corners and (defensive backs). They're long, and I think everybody is starting to go that way with it.
On redshirt junior linebacker Shea Campbell
I think Shea is playing really well right now. Obviously, it started at Iowa State. Just seeing his consistency over the last couple of weeks, he's getting better. I really enjoy watching him play right now. He's making a lot of plays and making things happen. So, I'm happy with where he's at, and he'll continue to get better with the more reps he gets. It's a good problem to have when you have two or three guys that you can play with at one position and not have to pull a safety down or move a guy. So, it's good.
On who will make the call for when senior linebacker Quondarius Qualls and redshirt sophomore linebacker Brendan Ferns can play
The doctors. If they tell me they're ready to go, then we look at them in practice. That's something Dana (Holgorsen) and I will talk about. When we feel like they're ready and the doctors clear them, then we'll play them.
On how he will use senior linebacker Quondarius Qualls and redshirt sophomore linebacker Brendan Ferns when they're healthy
The good thing is they haven't missed anything from a meeting standpoint. They're in every meeting. They know the game plan every week moving forward and going into each game. Those guys will play a big role in every-down defense. Qualls is a guy that we'll like to use on third down to be that extra pass-rush guy and things like that.
On if he is surprised so many players have stepped up at linebacker this season
Not really. I thought after spring ball, and I told you guys this back in April, I thought (redshirt junior linebacker) Shea Campbell was going to be a guy that we could count on, and he's done that for us. Now moving (junior linebacker) JoVanni (Stewart) there, that wasn't in the works or in the plans, and it happened. But I think he's holding up really well.
On how much the defensive line's play influences the linebacker corps
A lot. They do a really good job of taking on blocks, two-gapping some things and holding some off to let us run. That's what we do best at linebacker right now. We have some guys that can run, make plays and get some penetration in the backfield. It frees them up. If (junior linebacker) JoVanni (Stewart) has to take on a 300-pound lineman every snap, he's not going to be very productive.
On if senior linebacker Quondarius Qualls' return will help him be more versatile with using junior linebacker JoVanni Stewart
Yes and no. Maybe we can rest him on third down, but I'm not going to mess up what we've built and where we're at right now. We have pretty good momentum, and our kids are playing well together. We're not going to screw that up right now.
On what makes Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger hard to defend
His running and all of the quarterback-designed runs they have for him. He's a big kid. He's hard to bring down, and you see that against everybody – breaking tackles. You have to get a lot of people to the ball. Then, he can throw the ball. You can't take away one part of his game and say, 'Okay, we have him stopped. Now, let's focus on the wideouts or the tailbacks,' because he does everything pretty well.
On how Texas' offensive line challenges the defense
I think the big advantage they have right now is the quarterback-run game. You're getting that extra guy, getting that extra hat with the tailback, or the fullback, or both, with their five offensive linemen against us. We all know we're undersized. So, if they get big and run quarterback zone, lead power and things like they do, then that can create some issues for us.
On why recruiting in the state of West Virginia has improved
I just think it happens. I think, also, it's about letting these kids work with the coaches a little more. I think it helps. I think these kids are going to camps and more people are getting their eyes on them. They're getting evaluated. So, I think that's it. But the numbers are up right now, especially for linemen. Offensive and defensive (linemen) in the state have been really good for the last three years.
On why Texas is good at not turning the ball over
I think that (Sam) Ehlinger does a good job of if something is not there, then he's not going to force it. He's not afraid to throw the ball away, number one. Number two is he can tuck the ball away and run with it. I think that he keeps plays alive with his feet. He gets away from pass rush and steps up, but he never tries to force the ball into traffic. He'll make the easy throws, if he has it. Then, he'll throw some vertical shots, some one-on-one stuff, but he sees what you're in. He identifies it and doesn't take a lot of chances with it.
On how to defend Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger
Well, I'm not going to give you our game plan. There's a little bit of everything involved. When we're rushing three and dropping eight, we have to have somebody accounting for him, because if he can't find it, he's going to take off and run on us. If we blitz him, then you have to take the chance of being able to tackle him once we get there. That's going to be a big challenge for our guys.
On the importance of spying Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger
It's important, and he runs well. It's not like he's a 5.5 guy in his 40 time, but he can run, make you miss and he can run over you. He's different, but yes, I don't know if it's going to do any good with (junior linebacker) JoVanni (Stewart) trying to spy him. I don't know if JoVanni could tackle him.
On the Texas running back corps
They're playing three tailbacks, but the (Keontay) Ingram kid you're referencing, he's a good player. He's big, he's explosive. So, he's really what they've had there in the past. He fits that mold. He's a big kid, and again, it's going to be rough trying to bring him down with one guy. We have to get guys to the football. Again, when you have a running quarterback, you can't commit too many, because then, (Sam) Ehlinger is going to pull the ball and get on the perimeter one-on-one. We have to do a really, really good job on the run, and we have to stop that to make them one-dimensional.
Assistant Coach (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks) Jake Spavital
On how tempting it is to try executing big plays against Texas
They're a very solid defense. I think they're one of the better ones in our league. When you look at the explosive plays, there's a lot of variables to that. I think they play extremely hard, and I think they're very multiple as well. You probably heard Coach (Dana) Holgorsen talk about that and how they can move in and out of a lot of different fronts. They do the same with their coverages, as well. There's times where they're going to be playing drop-eight and keeping their safeties very deep to keep everything underneath. You have to be pretty disciplined in getting through your progressions if you have a shot play on and getting down through your check-downs. This is a team that you can't have one or two receivers out on a route, hoping they're going to play really heavy into the run fit, because they might drop out on second-and-one when they think you're going to throw it. They shot play and drop eight. It's going to be one of those games that we all have to be disciplined with what they're doing. We have to be disciplined with our progressions, make sure we get a flow for the game, how we're going to call it and make sure we're putting those kids in the best position.
On which 2018 opponent Texas reminds him of
They're Iowa State-ish at times, but they're more multiple. They're going to play a four-down front 25 percent of the time. I think they're very confident in their pass rushers. Their guys have good motors when they rush the passer. So, it's going to be a challenge for the offensive line, in terms of the run game and with protection. With the back end, they are very multiple like Iowa State. You're going to get a lot of different looks. You're going to get man, you're going to get drop eight, you'll get quarters and cover three. It's going to be to a point where we have to keep it simple on these kids, make sure they're not blinking and that there's no hesitation when they execute.
On improving third-down efficiency after the Baylor game
We're overthinking it a little bit. We're getting into a little too many checks. They were a very multiple defense. A lot of those times, we were checking into different looks, and they were baiting us on things. It was a little skewed, the number was. At the end of the game with (redshirt sophomore quarterback) Jack (Allison), we were trying to run the clock on certain things. There were too open when we were in four-down territory, and we had a fourth-down opportunity, if needed. But still, it's not where we want it to be. We have to sustain drives, and that has been an emphasis throughout these couple days off and through our meetings as a staff. We've been looking through it pretty hard and making sure that we're going to get something that will let them get out there, execute and put the ball in play.
On how an offense can get baited on third down
They'll show you a man look, and you're trying to get into to man to answer it. Then, they drop out and bluff into cover three, or they drop eight and put you into a position that those man answers aren't good for. Partially, that's on me, in terms of giving too much freedom on some of those things and not thoroughly explaining some of those looks. It gets to a point now where these third-down teams are so multiple, and they try to keep you on the edge of your seat. They can zero-pressure you, drop eight and you have to have answers to get the ball out of your hand, but you have to have answers to go through your progression and zones. It's going to be very multiple with what we do.
On Texas's experienced defensive personnel
You see a lot of familiar bodies from what we faced last year. They were a very solid defense last year. They've gone through some injuries this year, and they're moving guys into a lot of different positions. They starting to get comfortable with where they are at. It's interesting how when one guy does down, how many other bodies, players play different spots. I think they're going to be healthier this week, in terms of getting the bodies they want back, so they can get back to what they're doing and being more comfortable with. Again, with being multiple, they've had guys who've played so many different games. There are games where they've come out, had an injury and they played four down for the majority of it, because that was the best thing for them. That was the best 11 they believed they could put out on the field. It's a battle of attrition right now, in terms of how we can prepare for them, because you're going to get a good idea what direction they're going to go based on what guys they put out there on the field.
On if he'll use redshirt senior quarterback Will Grier as a runner against Texas
We have some of that in the playbook. You have to be able to be multiple at this point in the season. You're in the grind. There's a lot of important games, obviously. Everything is close. So, you have to do whatever it takes to make sure that we're moving the ball and doing things right in situations. That was the fourth-down call against Baylor. We were stalling out on drives, and I thought that fourth-down keep with Will sparked momentum for the rest of the game. That's something that you always have to keep in your back pocket, because Will is capable of extending plays. He's capable of being a pretty good runner.
On having redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Josh Sills play right guard and his versatility
It says a lot about his versatility. I've never experienced it. You talk to offensive linemen about it, and there's a comfort level with it. People think it's pretty easy to move from the left side of the line to the right side of the line. There's actually a psychological effect to that and a practical aspect. But I think he's had plenty of reps at left and right guard. With his demeanor, nothing is really going to faze him. It was a pretty easy transition for him over there. When you have a guy like that who that is not going to mess with him that much, then that can allow the backups and these younger guys to work at one position only, so they can get comfortable in that spot. So, if you can take a younger guy or an experienced guy that's maybe struggling and move him to the other side of the line, then might make him play worse and think more than he actually should. That's the thing about Josh's versatility. You can move him here and bump people in the game to where they're comfortable at that left guard position.
Redshirt Senior Defensive Lineman Kenny Bigelow Jr.
On making a statement early against Texas
We know we have to go out and start fast against a team like this. Like you said, they're going to be emotional. This a really good football team that we're playing this weekend. They have a lot of talent, and they're really big. So, we're expecting them to come out and try to punch us in the face fast, but we're going to be prepared for it.
On what makes WVU's linebacking corps so versatile
Our linebackers do a great job at just finding open spacing. It's find the ball, get the ball. You may think they're undersized, but they all play way passed their sizes. All of them play with tremendous heart. They're very physical guys, and I think that helps them out a lot.
On if it's tough being a selfless defensive lineman and allowing others to make plays
No, it's not tough at all. I'm excited to be here. I'm excited to help this defense the way that I have. So, if that means I have to take on two or three people at a time, then I'm excited to do it.
Redshirt Junior Linebacker Shea Campbell
On being more comfortable at MIKE or SAM linebacker
I think it's interchangeable. Right now, I'm getting more comfortable at MIKE. From where I view it, I feel more comfortable there. I'm not 220 (pounds), I'm 235 (pounds). I think that I can hit players more than other guys because of my size at MIKE.
On if he is asked to spy Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger
If that's the case, then I'm up for it. I'm not really too worried about it. I'm more focused on our game plan and what we need to do to help us.
On the challenges Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger presents to the defense
He's a good player; you can see it. They win games. He does move well for his size. I think he's about my size. Watching him play, he brings a lot to the table. It's interesting to see what's going to happen.
Redshirt Senior Quarterback Will Grier
On Texas' defense
They're really good. They have good players. That's obviously an unbelievable program that they've built there. Programs like that know how to play football at a high level. They're going to play hard, and we have to match their energy and their passion. We have to respect the game and go in there and execute. This is a really good team, a really good defense, but a really good team as well. They've obviously won some big games this year, and we have to step up and play well.
On how offense is trying to improve on third downs
I was really proud of our third-down percentage at the beginning of the year. It's a little bit of everything. You're never going to be perfect. The goal is to win football games, and we won. Our third-down percentage was down, and it's something we have to fix. The main goal is to win games. We've moved on, and we're going to try to be more efficient on third down, but a lot of it is just little things – some effort things. I believe with this team, if we're playing hard and with passion on every play, stuff like third-down efficiency will take care of itself. We have to move on and continue as leaders to motivate our guys to play hard. I think that on third down, a lot of it is the mindset. If it's a run play, do whatever you have to do to get the first down. It's throwing accurately and catching the ball. That's what third down comes down to in most situations. The talk is a mindset moving forward. So, we will look to improve on that.
On additional motivation against Texas after last year's meeting
No, not at all. I haven't really revisited that at all. It was just a freak thing that happened. It hasn't changed my mindset at all moving forward. Like I said, this is a really good team we're going up against. So, we look forward to having the opportunity to play this great game in a great environment against a great team.
Redshirt Senior Tight End/Fullback Trevon Wesco
On being able to get an early jump on Texas
It's going to be important to come out fast like we always do. We need to get on it fast. That's just how you always want to start your offense and get on them early. But they're a good team. They're going to come out, and it's going to be a good atmosphere. We have to be ready and prepared.
On the importance of blocking in the run game
I really had to buy into blocking. It's like I tell everybody, nobody wants to block. Everybody wants to catch touchdowns. Since I bought into blocking, it's been easy for me to block. (Assistant coach – tight ends/fullback) Coach (Dan) Gerberry puts it into my head every day that I need to go out there and be the most physical player that I can be, and that's just what I try to do.
On what caused him to buy into blocking as a tight end
I just wanted to help the team in any way that I can, and that's one way that I can help them.
Associate Head Coach (Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers) Tony Gibson
On the Texas passing game and wide receiver corps
I think (Sam) Ehlinger does a really good job of distributing the ball to all of those guys, but the two big guys, (Lil'Jordan) Humphrey and (Collin) Johnson, they have great ball skills. It's a lot like what we've played the last few weeks. They're big-play guys, and they do a good job of moving them around and not keeping them in the same spot. Humphrey will play in the slot a lot, they'll move him. For Johnson, they'll move him to the left or right. It doesn't really matter. We have to do a good job and know where they're at.
On if the size of wide receivers is a unique aspect of the Big 12 Conference
I think that everybody has big wideouts right now. Obviously, we're in a run where, for four weeks straight, we're going to play the (Hakeem) Butler kid, the (Jalen) Hurd kid from last week and these two guys. What we need to do is recruit bigger corners and (defensive backs). They're long, and I think everybody is starting to go that way with it.
On redshirt junior linebacker Shea Campbell
I think Shea is playing really well right now. Obviously, it started at Iowa State. Just seeing his consistency over the last couple of weeks, he's getting better. I really enjoy watching him play right now. He's making a lot of plays and making things happen. So, I'm happy with where he's at, and he'll continue to get better with the more reps he gets. It's a good problem to have when you have two or three guys that you can play with at one position and not have to pull a safety down or move a guy. So, it's good.
On who will make the call for when senior linebacker Quondarius Qualls and redshirt sophomore linebacker Brendan Ferns can play
The doctors. If they tell me they're ready to go, then we look at them in practice. That's something Dana (Holgorsen) and I will talk about. When we feel like they're ready and the doctors clear them, then we'll play them.
On how he will use senior linebacker Quondarius Qualls and redshirt sophomore linebacker Brendan Ferns when they're healthy
The good thing is they haven't missed anything from a meeting standpoint. They're in every meeting. They know the game plan every week moving forward and going into each game. Those guys will play a big role in every-down defense. Qualls is a guy that we'll like to use on third down to be that extra pass-rush guy and things like that.
On if he is surprised so many players have stepped up at linebacker this season
Not really. I thought after spring ball, and I told you guys this back in April, I thought (redshirt junior linebacker) Shea Campbell was going to be a guy that we could count on, and he's done that for us. Now moving (junior linebacker) JoVanni (Stewart) there, that wasn't in the works or in the plans, and it happened. But I think he's holding up really well.
On how much the defensive line's play influences the linebacker corps
A lot. They do a really good job of taking on blocks, two-gapping some things and holding some off to let us run. That's what we do best at linebacker right now. We have some guys that can run, make plays and get some penetration in the backfield. It frees them up. If (junior linebacker) JoVanni (Stewart) has to take on a 300-pound lineman every snap, he's not going to be very productive.
On if senior linebacker Quondarius Qualls' return will help him be more versatile with using junior linebacker JoVanni Stewart
Yes and no. Maybe we can rest him on third down, but I'm not going to mess up what we've built and where we're at right now. We have pretty good momentum, and our kids are playing well together. We're not going to screw that up right now.
On what makes Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger hard to defend
His running and all of the quarterback-designed runs they have for him. He's a big kid. He's hard to bring down, and you see that against everybody – breaking tackles. You have to get a lot of people to the ball. Then, he can throw the ball. You can't take away one part of his game and say, 'Okay, we have him stopped. Now, let's focus on the wideouts or the tailbacks,' because he does everything pretty well.
On how Texas' offensive line challenges the defense
I think the big advantage they have right now is the quarterback-run game. You're getting that extra guy, getting that extra hat with the tailback, or the fullback, or both, with their five offensive linemen against us. We all know we're undersized. So, if they get big and run quarterback zone, lead power and things like they do, then that can create some issues for us.
On why recruiting in the state of West Virginia has improved
I just think it happens. I think, also, it's about letting these kids work with the coaches a little more. I think it helps. I think these kids are going to camps and more people are getting their eyes on them. They're getting evaluated. So, I think that's it. But the numbers are up right now, especially for linemen. Offensive and defensive (linemen) in the state have been really good for the last three years.
On why Texas is good at not turning the ball over
I think that (Sam) Ehlinger does a good job of if something is not there, then he's not going to force it. He's not afraid to throw the ball away, number one. Number two is he can tuck the ball away and run with it. I think that he keeps plays alive with his feet. He gets away from pass rush and steps up, but he never tries to force the ball into traffic. He'll make the easy throws, if he has it. Then, he'll throw some vertical shots, some one-on-one stuff, but he sees what you're in. He identifies it and doesn't take a lot of chances with it.
On how to defend Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger
Well, I'm not going to give you our game plan. There's a little bit of everything involved. When we're rushing three and dropping eight, we have to have somebody accounting for him, because if he can't find it, he's going to take off and run on us. If we blitz him, then you have to take the chance of being able to tackle him once we get there. That's going to be a big challenge for our guys.
On the importance of spying Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger
It's important, and he runs well. It's not like he's a 5.5 guy in his 40 time, but he can run, make you miss and he can run over you. He's different, but yes, I don't know if it's going to do any good with (junior linebacker) JoVanni (Stewart) trying to spy him. I don't know if JoVanni could tackle him.
On the Texas running back corps
They're playing three tailbacks, but the (Keontay) Ingram kid you're referencing, he's a good player. He's big, he's explosive. So, he's really what they've had there in the past. He fits that mold. He's a big kid, and again, it's going to be rough trying to bring him down with one guy. We have to get guys to the football. Again, when you have a running quarterback, you can't commit too many, because then, (Sam) Ehlinger is going to pull the ball and get on the perimeter one-on-one. We have to do a really, really good job on the run, and we have to stop that to make them one-dimensional.
Assistant Coach (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks) Jake Spavital
On how tempting it is to try executing big plays against Texas
They're a very solid defense. I think they're one of the better ones in our league. When you look at the explosive plays, there's a lot of variables to that. I think they play extremely hard, and I think they're very multiple as well. You probably heard Coach (Dana) Holgorsen talk about that and how they can move in and out of a lot of different fronts. They do the same with their coverages, as well. There's times where they're going to be playing drop-eight and keeping their safeties very deep to keep everything underneath. You have to be pretty disciplined in getting through your progressions if you have a shot play on and getting down through your check-downs. This is a team that you can't have one or two receivers out on a route, hoping they're going to play really heavy into the run fit, because they might drop out on second-and-one when they think you're going to throw it. They shot play and drop eight. It's going to be one of those games that we all have to be disciplined with what they're doing. We have to be disciplined with our progressions, make sure we get a flow for the game, how we're going to call it and make sure we're putting those kids in the best position.
On which 2018 opponent Texas reminds him of
They're Iowa State-ish at times, but they're more multiple. They're going to play a four-down front 25 percent of the time. I think they're very confident in their pass rushers. Their guys have good motors when they rush the passer. So, it's going to be a challenge for the offensive line, in terms of the run game and with protection. With the back end, they are very multiple like Iowa State. You're going to get a lot of different looks. You're going to get man, you're going to get drop eight, you'll get quarters and cover three. It's going to be to a point where we have to keep it simple on these kids, make sure they're not blinking and that there's no hesitation when they execute.
On improving third-down efficiency after the Baylor game
We're overthinking it a little bit. We're getting into a little too many checks. They were a very multiple defense. A lot of those times, we were checking into different looks, and they were baiting us on things. It was a little skewed, the number was. At the end of the game with (redshirt sophomore quarterback) Jack (Allison), we were trying to run the clock on certain things. There were too open when we were in four-down territory, and we had a fourth-down opportunity, if needed. But still, it's not where we want it to be. We have to sustain drives, and that has been an emphasis throughout these couple days off and through our meetings as a staff. We've been looking through it pretty hard and making sure that we're going to get something that will let them get out there, execute and put the ball in play.
On how an offense can get baited on third down
They'll show you a man look, and you're trying to get into to man to answer it. Then, they drop out and bluff into cover three, or they drop eight and put you into a position that those man answers aren't good for. Partially, that's on me, in terms of giving too much freedom on some of those things and not thoroughly explaining some of those looks. It gets to a point now where these third-down teams are so multiple, and they try to keep you on the edge of your seat. They can zero-pressure you, drop eight and you have to have answers to get the ball out of your hand, but you have to have answers to go through your progression and zones. It's going to be very multiple with what we do.
On Texas's experienced defensive personnel
You see a lot of familiar bodies from what we faced last year. They were a very solid defense last year. They've gone through some injuries this year, and they're moving guys into a lot of different positions. They starting to get comfortable with where they are at. It's interesting how when one guy does down, how many other bodies, players play different spots. I think they're going to be healthier this week, in terms of getting the bodies they want back, so they can get back to what they're doing and being more comfortable with. Again, with being multiple, they've had guys who've played so many different games. There are games where they've come out, had an injury and they played four down for the majority of it, because that was the best thing for them. That was the best 11 they believed they could put out on the field. It's a battle of attrition right now, in terms of how we can prepare for them, because you're going to get a good idea what direction they're going to go based on what guys they put out there on the field.
On if he'll use redshirt senior quarterback Will Grier as a runner against Texas
We have some of that in the playbook. You have to be able to be multiple at this point in the season. You're in the grind. There's a lot of important games, obviously. Everything is close. So, you have to do whatever it takes to make sure that we're moving the ball and doing things right in situations. That was the fourth-down call against Baylor. We were stalling out on drives, and I thought that fourth-down keep with Will sparked momentum for the rest of the game. That's something that you always have to keep in your back pocket, because Will is capable of extending plays. He's capable of being a pretty good runner.
On having redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Josh Sills play right guard and his versatility
It says a lot about his versatility. I've never experienced it. You talk to offensive linemen about it, and there's a comfort level with it. People think it's pretty easy to move from the left side of the line to the right side of the line. There's actually a psychological effect to that and a practical aspect. But I think he's had plenty of reps at left and right guard. With his demeanor, nothing is really going to faze him. It was a pretty easy transition for him over there. When you have a guy like that who that is not going to mess with him that much, then that can allow the backups and these younger guys to work at one position only, so they can get comfortable in that spot. So, if you can take a younger guy or an experienced guy that's maybe struggling and move him to the other side of the line, then might make him play worse and think more than he actually should. That's the thing about Josh's versatility. You can move him here and bump people in the game to where they're comfortable at that left guard position.
Redshirt Senior Defensive Lineman Kenny Bigelow Jr.
On making a statement early against Texas
We know we have to go out and start fast against a team like this. Like you said, they're going to be emotional. This a really good football team that we're playing this weekend. They have a lot of talent, and they're really big. So, we're expecting them to come out and try to punch us in the face fast, but we're going to be prepared for it.
On what makes WVU's linebacking corps so versatile
Our linebackers do a great job at just finding open spacing. It's find the ball, get the ball. You may think they're undersized, but they all play way passed their sizes. All of them play with tremendous heart. They're very physical guys, and I think that helps them out a lot.
On if it's tough being a selfless defensive lineman and allowing others to make plays
No, it's not tough at all. I'm excited to be here. I'm excited to help this defense the way that I have. So, if that means I have to take on two or three people at a time, then I'm excited to do it.
Redshirt Junior Linebacker Shea Campbell
On being more comfortable at MIKE or SAM linebacker
I think it's interchangeable. Right now, I'm getting more comfortable at MIKE. From where I view it, I feel more comfortable there. I'm not 220 (pounds), I'm 235 (pounds). I think that I can hit players more than other guys because of my size at MIKE.
On if he is asked to spy Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger
If that's the case, then I'm up for it. I'm not really too worried about it. I'm more focused on our game plan and what we need to do to help us.
On the challenges Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger presents to the defense
He's a good player; you can see it. They win games. He does move well for his size. I think he's about my size. Watching him play, he brings a lot to the table. It's interesting to see what's going to happen.
Redshirt Senior Quarterback Will Grier
On Texas' defense
They're really good. They have good players. That's obviously an unbelievable program that they've built there. Programs like that know how to play football at a high level. They're going to play hard, and we have to match their energy and their passion. We have to respect the game and go in there and execute. This is a really good team, a really good defense, but a really good team as well. They've obviously won some big games this year, and we have to step up and play well.
On how offense is trying to improve on third downs
I was really proud of our third-down percentage at the beginning of the year. It's a little bit of everything. You're never going to be perfect. The goal is to win football games, and we won. Our third-down percentage was down, and it's something we have to fix. The main goal is to win games. We've moved on, and we're going to try to be more efficient on third down, but a lot of it is just little things – some effort things. I believe with this team, if we're playing hard and with passion on every play, stuff like third-down efficiency will take care of itself. We have to move on and continue as leaders to motivate our guys to play hard. I think that on third down, a lot of it is the mindset. If it's a run play, do whatever you have to do to get the first down. It's throwing accurately and catching the ball. That's what third down comes down to in most situations. The talk is a mindset moving forward. So, we will look to improve on that.
On additional motivation against Texas after last year's meeting
No, not at all. I haven't really revisited that at all. It was just a freak thing that happened. It hasn't changed my mindset at all moving forward. Like I said, this is a really good team we're going up against. So, we look forward to having the opportunity to play this great game in a great environment against a great team.
Redshirt Senior Tight End/Fullback Trevon Wesco
On being able to get an early jump on Texas
It's going to be important to come out fast like we always do. We need to get on it fast. That's just how you always want to start your offense and get on them early. But they're a good team. They're going to come out, and it's going to be a good atmosphere. We have to be ready and prepared.
On the importance of blocking in the run game
I really had to buy into blocking. It's like I tell everybody, nobody wants to block. Everybody wants to catch touchdowns. Since I bought into blocking, it's been easy for me to block. (Assistant coach – tight ends/fullback) Coach (Dan) Gerberry puts it into my head every day that I need to go out there and be the most physical player that I can be, and that's just what I try to do.
On what caused him to buy into blocking as a tight end
I just wanted to help the team in any way that I can, and that's one way that I can help them.
Players Mentioned
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TE/FB
/ FootballCoach Pat Kirkland | April 15
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Andrew Powdrell | April 15
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Coach Rich Rodriguez | April 15
Wednesday, April 15
Mic'd Up with Coach Rich Rodriguez
Wednesday, April 15
