Photo by: All Pro Photography/Dale Sparks
Assistant Coaches and Players Media Session
March 27, 2018 03:54 PM | Football
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University assistant coaches and select members of the West Virginia University football team met with the media on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at the Milan Puskar Center Team Room.
Associate Head Coach (Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers) Tony Gibson
On if there are some things he's still unsatisfied with this spring
I wouldn't say a lot. I would say I'm happy right now with our safeties. I like where they're at. (Redshirt senior safety) Toyous (Avery) has been out the last few days, so we've been getting to rep (junior safety) JoVanni (Stewart) there a little bit. I think (redshirt senior safety) Dravon (Askew-Henry) is doing really well at SPUR, and (sophomore safety) Kenny (Robinson) and (redshirt junior safety) Josh Norwood are doing a good job at free safety. So, I like where those guys are at right now. On our (defensive) line, I really like (sophomore defensive lineman) Darius (Stills), (junior defensive lineman) Reese (Donahue), (senior defensive lineman) Zeke (Ezekiel Rose), (redshirt sophomore defensive lineman) (Jeffery) Pooler (Jr.). Those four guys are showing progress, so we're good there. We need a few more guys to step up. Linebackers, I like (redshirt sophomore linebacker) Tonk (Dylan Tonkery) at MIKE right now, (redshirt sophomore linebacker) (Charlie) Benton is getting a lot more reps now with (senior linebacker) (Quondarius) Qualls out. And (freshman linebacker) (Josh) Chandler, the young kid, he's getting a lot of reps at WILL. And then, (redshirt sophomore linebacker) (Zach) (Sandwisch) and (redshirt sophomore linebacker) (Brendan) Ferns and (junior linebacker) (Adam) Hensley, guys that have been here, are coming along. At corner, we have three guys, four guys right now that are really playing as well as they've ever played here. (Redshirt junior cornerback) (Hakeem) Bailey, obviously, has a year more experience. (Redshirt sophomore cornerback) Jake Long, (redshirt sophomore cornerback) Sean Mahone, (redshirt junior cornerback) Keith Washington, (sophomore cornerback) (Derrek) Pitts (Jr.), they are getting to go up, obviously, against probably the best quarterback in the country, in my opinion, and some pretty good wide receivers. They do a good job of holding up, and we just have to continue to keep getting better.
On if he's less concerned about the cornerback position now
It's always a concern with this league. You need four, five, six guys. But, again, we're probably deeper than we've ever been at this point, so from that standpoint, I like where we're at. We have a lot of work to still do.
On if the defense is staying in the right spots
We think we have guys in the right position. Now, are they executing the way I want them to? Not right now. There are guys that have breakdowns, and we make mistakes, which is going to happen. But I think we're way ahead of where we were a year ago at this time.
On playing with gap integrity
Some of the new guys, obviously, will come out of a gap. Or the offense will do a great job of scheming us up and blocking us. They may pop something, but it's not as concerning as it was a year ago. They understand gap integrity and where to be and how to do it. We're holding them accountable as well. We're doing a lot of things with that, whether it be up-downs, or some type of punishment if they give their gap up. That's been stressed by every position – corners, safeties. Everybody has a gap on every play, so make sure you do your job.
Assistant Coach (Cornerbacks) Doug Belk
On how the cornerbacks have progressed this spring
(Redshirt junior cornerback) Hakeem (Bailey) has played the most, he's gotten better fundamentally and with technique. (Redshirt sophomore cornerback) Sean Mahone, (redshirt sophomore cornerback) Jake Long have done really well. (Redshirt junior cornerback) Keith Washington has been a pleasant surprise since he stepped in. He's done well, too.
On redshirt junior cornerback Hakeem Bailey
For (redshirt junior cornerback) Hakeem (Bailey), I base everything that we do off competition. I want the guys to be consistent, so the expectations are high for him, but he has to win the job and continue to be successful every day and compete at a high level. If he does that, then he'll be in a good position. If he doesn't, all those other guys want to play, too.
Assistant Coach (Linebackers/Special Teams) Mark Scott
On redshirt sophomore linebacker Dylan Tonkery's progression since moving inside
I think on the mental side of things that he's a very smart kid. He played both SAM and WILL for us last year. So, he knows the defense front-to-back, back-to-front, and he really knows the responsibility of all three linebackers, which is what you need out of that MIKE linebacker. There's been a slight learning curve in terms of being inside. There's more moving parts that you have to see and react to. He's a guy that doesn't get too high, he doesn't get really worked up. The game's starting to slow down for him. He's being able to identify things quicker, react quicker, which is allowing him to play more physical. He's put more weight on. He's one of the stronger guys we've got, especially in the linebacker group. So, these last few practices, you can tell that he's starting to feel more comfortable. He's starting to react quicker and play more physical.
On what weight gain/loss means for a linebacker
It's all about putting on proper weight. You want to change your body composition to get more lean muscle mass, take away body fat and everything like that. So, whoever's in the middle, he's going to have to take on more than the outside guys. He's taking on guards. He's got 320-something pound tackles climbing up to him every single snap in the run. As much weight as that guy can put on, without losing any quickness or athleticism, is going to help them to take on and defeat those blocks.
On what it is like for a linebacker to transition from outside to inside
I think it depends on the player. With how smart (redshirt sophomore linebacker) Dylan (Tonkery) is, his football IQ has grown leaps and bounds over the last year and a half. We've had guys do it in the past. Nick Kwiatkowski, he moved from SAM to MIKE, and when Jared Barber came back from injury, he ended up moving back out to SAM. Normally, it's easier to move from outside to inside as opposed to inside to out, because you're playing in less space, getting your eyes right and seeing different keys to allow you to anticipate and play faster. It just takes time and reps, which is what spring football is about.
Assistant Coach (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks) Jake Spavital
On his spring season thoughts
We are getting there. The thing about spring is that it just goes back to the basics, fundamentals and techniques. It also is time to do some experimentation with certain things like personnel packages and stuff. We are getting more of these tight end bodies, so it's been fun messing around with this stuff. I think where we are at is right on track. After this week, we are going to have a lot of good conversations about all the installations that we are putting in. Today is going to be a big installation day. Thursday is going to be the same as well. It'll be fun because it is all generic when you get into the spring game. You only call about three different plays, but it'll be fun to see where we go in these next two weeks.
On how much does the experimentation work
We've had a lot of good discussions about it. It has been kind of going on since January. I do like where we are at. You never say never, but I think a lot of this stuff that we are putting in is going to stick and continue with the season next year.
On if the experimentation has to do with the team they are facing that week
A lot of the installations that you do and the plays that you put in, you kind of have to look at your schedule and see how many times you are going to use it throughout the course of the year. You will use this against these certain teams. This is going to be a good play. It might not look very good vs. our defense, but it'll be good against other teams who have a different philosophy on their defensive side. It's been fun in terms of the conversations that we've had as a staff. It's going to help us, especially in the long run.
On the tight end position
I think you can do a lot more when you have that tight end element. I started doing a lot of that when I was at Texas A&M. I didn't have very many tight ends at Cal, but last year, we really had one true tight end body. You weren't going to put Elijah (Wellman) in those attach tight end situations being 245-250 pounds. Now, we are getting these tight end bodies that are 270 pounds and can move. You can get real multiple with it. You can still have a run threat, but also have a dimension where they can stretch the field and get out on pass concepts. I always have been a big fan of tight ends. I think the way we have recruited and where we are at now, we are going to have five 6-foot-4 tight end bodies going into fall camp. I think that's exactly where we want to be.
Assistant Coach (Running Backs) Marquel Blackwell
On how this group of running backs are developing as pass protectors
No doubt about it. I think for all three of them – (junior running back) Kennedy (McKoy), (redshirt freshman running back) Alec (Sinkfield) and (junior running back) Martell (Pettaway) – they've made improvements each day with their game. It's simple. If you can't protect the quarterback, especially that guy, then it's going to be hard for you to be out there. They're taking a great deal of pride in that, and they're showing it.
On what redshirt freshman running back Alec Sinkfield can do for the offense
Before you get to the field, you can see what type of kid he is. He's very coachable, it means something to him, he's got a great deal of pride about himself but, obviously, he's a good football player. He'll be a name that you better look out for.
On what redshirt freshman running back Alec Sinkfield does to stand out
He's instinctively good. I tell him every day, "Protect the quarterback, protect the football, keep getting better but if you can't play running back, then you won't be out there that much." I don't know how much of that you can teach, but he's just got a great deal of instincts. He can change direction and speed pretty well.
Assistant Coach (Tight Ends/Fullbacks) Dan Gerberry
On the tight end position
(Redshirt senior tight end) Trevon (Wesco) is really doing a great job for us. He's really grown up. I think a lot of his maturing has happened off the field. He was always a fantastic kid, but things are really starting to click for him all the sudden. Trevon is doing a fantastic job in every way we could ask. (Redshirt sophomore tight end/fullback) Jovani Haskins is there too. He is a really talented player who hasn't played tight end for very long. He obviously was a quarterback in high school, and then he went to Miami, and now, he is here. He's coming along. It is important to him. He is doing a good job. (Redshirt sophomore linebacker) Logan Thimons has come over from defense, and he's a physical kid who does everything right. The thing that I say about him all the time is that he plays the game the right way. He's a fantastic kid. He is smart. It is important to him. He plays hard. He plays tough. He plays physical. A lot of the things are coming along with him, he just needs some more reps at it. (Redshirt sophomore tight end/fullback) Elijah Drummond is doing a good job. He is developing. He's as consistent as you possibly can be. He does everything right all the time.
On how difficult it is for a high school quarterback to transition to a college tight end
It's difficult. Absolutely. There are certain things. The physicality of the game is just new to you. A lot of the expectations in practice are new to you. You are not just going out to the field and throwing a few passes. You have a lot of small details that you have to pick up on that you never picked up on before. It is difficult, but he is doing a good job at it.
On redshirt senior tight end Trevon Wesco being a better pass catcher
Absolutely. I do believe just because of his body type that he was thrown into that mold of a blocking guy, but I don't necessarily think that is the fairest thing to say. He is a very talented athlete. Yes, he is very gifted at blocking, but he also is very gifted at doing other things that guys of his size just can't do. It's just not fair to say he is just that.
Assistant Coach (Wide Receivers) Tyron Carrier
On if redshirt sophomore T.J. Simmons is at the point where he can help the other guys in the room
Yeah, he understands it. He was in the meeting rooms a little bit last year, so he picked up on a lot of stuff. During this time, we are doing an install, so it is like a re-teaching of everything, so he has caught on and is up to speed with everything.
On much did he have to teach again last week after the break
Well, day one was horrible, but they bounced back the second time we practiced. It wasn't so much from a teaching standpoint, it was execution more than anything.
On if he likes what he is getting out of the depth at wide receivers
Yeah, especially (sophomore wide receiver) Reggie (Roberson Jr.) and (senior wide receiver) Dom (Dominque) (Maiden) are probably the most improved this spring. They rarely make mistakes right now, Reggie looked faster than what he looked before. A lot of that had to do with Reggie having young legs, and Dom being new to this atmosphere. But, I am very pleased with those two guys as of right now.
Redshirt Sophomore Linebacker Dylan Tonkery
On the depth at middle linebacker
Right now, we have three guys playing MIKE, me, (redshirt sophomore linebacker) (Brendan) Ferns and (redshirt sophomore linebacker) Zach Sandwisch.
On the different strengths at the middle linebacker position
Well, (redshirt sophomore linebacker) Zach (Sandwisch) has played every position just like I have. (Redshirt sophomore linebacker) (Brendan) Ferns has been pretty steady at MIKE since he has been here, so he knows it pretty well and for me it's fairly new.
On how the transition to MIKE is going
Good. It's not that hard. It's just regular football, everyone has their own gaps, so it's not hard to get used to.
On what is different about MIKE compared to playing outside linebacker
I'm getting blocked a lot more. That's the only thing that's different. I don't have as much responsibility when it comes to pass coverage, not a lot of people get in the middle of the field as much as they do in the outside positions.
Redshirt Junior Cornerback Hakeem Bailey
On how he felt last year went
I had some ups and downs last year, but it made me a better player.
On what the hardest part of last season was
The hardest part was the transition. Coming from a (junior college), everything is faster and better competition. Then, the easiest part was running the defense and getting comfortable in it.
On when he realized how difficult it was going to be
I knew it was going to be tough at first, but once I learned the defense and everything I fit in.
On how much he took away from his experiences last year
I took a lot from last year. Like I said, there were ups and downs and it made me who I am today. It humbled me some more and so I am ready for the season.
Redshirt Sophomore Kicker Evan Staley
On his 2017 season
Mike (Molina) came up to me and told me that I would be taking over his role and everything. He helped me through that process, and I had to step up and help the team. I knew I had reps in team practice and knew that I was confident in myself. I just acted on those feelings.
On how the repetition of practicing kicking translates during games
Kicking is this thing when you go into a game, you can't be thinking about what you're doing, because then the nerves start settling in and everything. You just have to know that repetition in practice – doing it hundreds and hundreds of times – is going to replicate during games.
On what he attributes his progress to
I think it's just adapting. Coming from a small town, having to adapt to all the people. In that situation, I've never been on the biggest stage before. I think that overcoming that obstacle has been the biggest thing.
Redshirt Senior Quarterback Will Grier
On how Saturday's contact session went
It was good to see. That makes guys make some plays; you actually have to tackle a guy and get him to the ground. We know what (senior receiver) David Sills (V) and (senior receiver) Gary (Jennings) and (junior running back) Kennedy (McKoy) can do. It's good to see (redshirt sophomore receiver) T.J. Simmons and (redshirt sophomore tight end/fullback) Jovani (Haskins) and even (redshirt senior tight end) (Trevon) Wesco and some of these new backs. To see them run around, see them make plays in space and see what we can do, it's good work, and I wish we could do that until the season. That's really when you get good work in in situational. (When it's) second, third down, you know you have to get the first down and make plays. It's different when you actually have to tackle a guy than when you're out just playing tag. It makes it more realistic, and it's good work.
On redshirt sophomore tight end/fullback Jovani Haskins
We all have room to improve, but I'm really excited about him this year. I think he's going to be fine in the long run, he's a physical guy, he's really long, he's strong. We know he's going to be really good in the passing game; we're bringing him along in the blocking game. (Redshirt senior tight end) (Trevon) Wesco is down there banging, doing a really good job in the run game and also in the pass game. I'm really excited about adding them in broadening what we do on offense a little bit.
On the continuity of the offense
I think it's an advantage. Like I said, we did that self-scout, and it took some time. We were a good offense last year and obviously had some explosive plays and pretty much moved the ball on everyone. But what's that missing piece? What do we need to do to become great? We did all these studies and stats and all that, and it came down to a couple things. Being about to tweak those and improve and off what we did last year, I'm telling you, it puts you ahead a lot. I think we have a chance to be really good, so I'm excited to keep building, keep working, one day at a time.
Senior Wide Receiver Gary Jennings
On what needs to be emphasized during spring practices
Just mainly the technical things and just being sound on every single play, and also being on the same page.
On how redshirt senior quarterback Will Grier looks to start spring practice
Like he hasn't missed a beat. He's back to 100 percent.
On how it feels building upon last year's offensive success
It's a great feeling, because we can start working now and getting back into the groove of things. So, it's a good feeling.
On coming into spring practice with a more experienced corps of receivers
It's pretty cool because we don't do a lot of install and a lot of prep work. So, it's great that we are able to just go right into things.
Redshirt Senior Tight End Trevon Wesco
On the spring's first full-contact practice
It went good; everybody is excited to hit, go live. So, that's always good. It was a good practice.
On his biggest improvement from last year
Moving to fullback, I didn't know much about fullback last year when I was in it. So, now, I know way more. I know where to go, where to be at a certain time on certain blocks and all those things. It helped a lot.
Tuesday Sound
Associate Head Coach (Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers) Tony Gibson
On if there are some things he's still unsatisfied with this spring
I wouldn't say a lot. I would say I'm happy right now with our safeties. I like where they're at. (Redshirt senior safety) Toyous (Avery) has been out the last few days, so we've been getting to rep (junior safety) JoVanni (Stewart) there a little bit. I think (redshirt senior safety) Dravon (Askew-Henry) is doing really well at SPUR, and (sophomore safety) Kenny (Robinson) and (redshirt junior safety) Josh Norwood are doing a good job at free safety. So, I like where those guys are at right now. On our (defensive) line, I really like (sophomore defensive lineman) Darius (Stills), (junior defensive lineman) Reese (Donahue), (senior defensive lineman) Zeke (Ezekiel Rose), (redshirt sophomore defensive lineman) (Jeffery) Pooler (Jr.). Those four guys are showing progress, so we're good there. We need a few more guys to step up. Linebackers, I like (redshirt sophomore linebacker) Tonk (Dylan Tonkery) at MIKE right now, (redshirt sophomore linebacker) (Charlie) Benton is getting a lot more reps now with (senior linebacker) (Quondarius) Qualls out. And (freshman linebacker) (Josh) Chandler, the young kid, he's getting a lot of reps at WILL. And then, (redshirt sophomore linebacker) (Zach) (Sandwisch) and (redshirt sophomore linebacker) (Brendan) Ferns and (junior linebacker) (Adam) Hensley, guys that have been here, are coming along. At corner, we have three guys, four guys right now that are really playing as well as they've ever played here. (Redshirt junior cornerback) (Hakeem) Bailey, obviously, has a year more experience. (Redshirt sophomore cornerback) Jake Long, (redshirt sophomore cornerback) Sean Mahone, (redshirt junior cornerback) Keith Washington, (sophomore cornerback) (Derrek) Pitts (Jr.), they are getting to go up, obviously, against probably the best quarterback in the country, in my opinion, and some pretty good wide receivers. They do a good job of holding up, and we just have to continue to keep getting better.
On if he's less concerned about the cornerback position now
It's always a concern with this league. You need four, five, six guys. But, again, we're probably deeper than we've ever been at this point, so from that standpoint, I like where we're at. We have a lot of work to still do.
On if the defense is staying in the right spots
We think we have guys in the right position. Now, are they executing the way I want them to? Not right now. There are guys that have breakdowns, and we make mistakes, which is going to happen. But I think we're way ahead of where we were a year ago at this time.
On playing with gap integrity
Some of the new guys, obviously, will come out of a gap. Or the offense will do a great job of scheming us up and blocking us. They may pop something, but it's not as concerning as it was a year ago. They understand gap integrity and where to be and how to do it. We're holding them accountable as well. We're doing a lot of things with that, whether it be up-downs, or some type of punishment if they give their gap up. That's been stressed by every position – corners, safeties. Everybody has a gap on every play, so make sure you do your job.
Assistant Coach (Cornerbacks) Doug Belk
On how the cornerbacks have progressed this spring
(Redshirt junior cornerback) Hakeem (Bailey) has played the most, he's gotten better fundamentally and with technique. (Redshirt sophomore cornerback) Sean Mahone, (redshirt sophomore cornerback) Jake Long have done really well. (Redshirt junior cornerback) Keith Washington has been a pleasant surprise since he stepped in. He's done well, too.
On redshirt junior cornerback Hakeem Bailey
For (redshirt junior cornerback) Hakeem (Bailey), I base everything that we do off competition. I want the guys to be consistent, so the expectations are high for him, but he has to win the job and continue to be successful every day and compete at a high level. If he does that, then he'll be in a good position. If he doesn't, all those other guys want to play, too.
Assistant Coach (Linebackers/Special Teams) Mark Scott
On redshirt sophomore linebacker Dylan Tonkery's progression since moving inside
I think on the mental side of things that he's a very smart kid. He played both SAM and WILL for us last year. So, he knows the defense front-to-back, back-to-front, and he really knows the responsibility of all three linebackers, which is what you need out of that MIKE linebacker. There's been a slight learning curve in terms of being inside. There's more moving parts that you have to see and react to. He's a guy that doesn't get too high, he doesn't get really worked up. The game's starting to slow down for him. He's being able to identify things quicker, react quicker, which is allowing him to play more physical. He's put more weight on. He's one of the stronger guys we've got, especially in the linebacker group. So, these last few practices, you can tell that he's starting to feel more comfortable. He's starting to react quicker and play more physical.
On what weight gain/loss means for a linebacker
It's all about putting on proper weight. You want to change your body composition to get more lean muscle mass, take away body fat and everything like that. So, whoever's in the middle, he's going to have to take on more than the outside guys. He's taking on guards. He's got 320-something pound tackles climbing up to him every single snap in the run. As much weight as that guy can put on, without losing any quickness or athleticism, is going to help them to take on and defeat those blocks.
On what it is like for a linebacker to transition from outside to inside
I think it depends on the player. With how smart (redshirt sophomore linebacker) Dylan (Tonkery) is, his football IQ has grown leaps and bounds over the last year and a half. We've had guys do it in the past. Nick Kwiatkowski, he moved from SAM to MIKE, and when Jared Barber came back from injury, he ended up moving back out to SAM. Normally, it's easier to move from outside to inside as opposed to inside to out, because you're playing in less space, getting your eyes right and seeing different keys to allow you to anticipate and play faster. It just takes time and reps, which is what spring football is about.
Assistant Coach (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks) Jake Spavital
On his spring season thoughts
We are getting there. The thing about spring is that it just goes back to the basics, fundamentals and techniques. It also is time to do some experimentation with certain things like personnel packages and stuff. We are getting more of these tight end bodies, so it's been fun messing around with this stuff. I think where we are at is right on track. After this week, we are going to have a lot of good conversations about all the installations that we are putting in. Today is going to be a big installation day. Thursday is going to be the same as well. It'll be fun because it is all generic when you get into the spring game. You only call about three different plays, but it'll be fun to see where we go in these next two weeks.
On how much does the experimentation work
We've had a lot of good discussions about it. It has been kind of going on since January. I do like where we are at. You never say never, but I think a lot of this stuff that we are putting in is going to stick and continue with the season next year.
On if the experimentation has to do with the team they are facing that week
A lot of the installations that you do and the plays that you put in, you kind of have to look at your schedule and see how many times you are going to use it throughout the course of the year. You will use this against these certain teams. This is going to be a good play. It might not look very good vs. our defense, but it'll be good against other teams who have a different philosophy on their defensive side. It's been fun in terms of the conversations that we've had as a staff. It's going to help us, especially in the long run.
On the tight end position
I think you can do a lot more when you have that tight end element. I started doing a lot of that when I was at Texas A&M. I didn't have very many tight ends at Cal, but last year, we really had one true tight end body. You weren't going to put Elijah (Wellman) in those attach tight end situations being 245-250 pounds. Now, we are getting these tight end bodies that are 270 pounds and can move. You can get real multiple with it. You can still have a run threat, but also have a dimension where they can stretch the field and get out on pass concepts. I always have been a big fan of tight ends. I think the way we have recruited and where we are at now, we are going to have five 6-foot-4 tight end bodies going into fall camp. I think that's exactly where we want to be.
Assistant Coach (Running Backs) Marquel Blackwell
On how this group of running backs are developing as pass protectors
No doubt about it. I think for all three of them – (junior running back) Kennedy (McKoy), (redshirt freshman running back) Alec (Sinkfield) and (junior running back) Martell (Pettaway) – they've made improvements each day with their game. It's simple. If you can't protect the quarterback, especially that guy, then it's going to be hard for you to be out there. They're taking a great deal of pride in that, and they're showing it.
On what redshirt freshman running back Alec Sinkfield can do for the offense
Before you get to the field, you can see what type of kid he is. He's very coachable, it means something to him, he's got a great deal of pride about himself but, obviously, he's a good football player. He'll be a name that you better look out for.
On what redshirt freshman running back Alec Sinkfield does to stand out
He's instinctively good. I tell him every day, "Protect the quarterback, protect the football, keep getting better but if you can't play running back, then you won't be out there that much." I don't know how much of that you can teach, but he's just got a great deal of instincts. He can change direction and speed pretty well.
Assistant Coach (Tight Ends/Fullbacks) Dan Gerberry
On the tight end position
(Redshirt senior tight end) Trevon (Wesco) is really doing a great job for us. He's really grown up. I think a lot of his maturing has happened off the field. He was always a fantastic kid, but things are really starting to click for him all the sudden. Trevon is doing a fantastic job in every way we could ask. (Redshirt sophomore tight end/fullback) Jovani Haskins is there too. He is a really talented player who hasn't played tight end for very long. He obviously was a quarterback in high school, and then he went to Miami, and now, he is here. He's coming along. It is important to him. He is doing a good job. (Redshirt sophomore linebacker) Logan Thimons has come over from defense, and he's a physical kid who does everything right. The thing that I say about him all the time is that he plays the game the right way. He's a fantastic kid. He is smart. It is important to him. He plays hard. He plays tough. He plays physical. A lot of the things are coming along with him, he just needs some more reps at it. (Redshirt sophomore tight end/fullback) Elijah Drummond is doing a good job. He is developing. He's as consistent as you possibly can be. He does everything right all the time.
On how difficult it is for a high school quarterback to transition to a college tight end
It's difficult. Absolutely. There are certain things. The physicality of the game is just new to you. A lot of the expectations in practice are new to you. You are not just going out to the field and throwing a few passes. You have a lot of small details that you have to pick up on that you never picked up on before. It is difficult, but he is doing a good job at it.
On redshirt senior tight end Trevon Wesco being a better pass catcher
Absolutely. I do believe just because of his body type that he was thrown into that mold of a blocking guy, but I don't necessarily think that is the fairest thing to say. He is a very talented athlete. Yes, he is very gifted at blocking, but he also is very gifted at doing other things that guys of his size just can't do. It's just not fair to say he is just that.
Assistant Coach (Wide Receivers) Tyron Carrier
On if redshirt sophomore T.J. Simmons is at the point where he can help the other guys in the room
Yeah, he understands it. He was in the meeting rooms a little bit last year, so he picked up on a lot of stuff. During this time, we are doing an install, so it is like a re-teaching of everything, so he has caught on and is up to speed with everything.
On much did he have to teach again last week after the break
Well, day one was horrible, but they bounced back the second time we practiced. It wasn't so much from a teaching standpoint, it was execution more than anything.
On if he likes what he is getting out of the depth at wide receivers
Yeah, especially (sophomore wide receiver) Reggie (Roberson Jr.) and (senior wide receiver) Dom (Dominque) (Maiden) are probably the most improved this spring. They rarely make mistakes right now, Reggie looked faster than what he looked before. A lot of that had to do with Reggie having young legs, and Dom being new to this atmosphere. But, I am very pleased with those two guys as of right now.
Redshirt Sophomore Linebacker Dylan Tonkery
On the depth at middle linebacker
Right now, we have three guys playing MIKE, me, (redshirt sophomore linebacker) (Brendan) Ferns and (redshirt sophomore linebacker) Zach Sandwisch.
On the different strengths at the middle linebacker position
Well, (redshirt sophomore linebacker) Zach (Sandwisch) has played every position just like I have. (Redshirt sophomore linebacker) (Brendan) Ferns has been pretty steady at MIKE since he has been here, so he knows it pretty well and for me it's fairly new.
On how the transition to MIKE is going
Good. It's not that hard. It's just regular football, everyone has their own gaps, so it's not hard to get used to.
On what is different about MIKE compared to playing outside linebacker
I'm getting blocked a lot more. That's the only thing that's different. I don't have as much responsibility when it comes to pass coverage, not a lot of people get in the middle of the field as much as they do in the outside positions.
Redshirt Junior Cornerback Hakeem Bailey
On how he felt last year went
I had some ups and downs last year, but it made me a better player.
On what the hardest part of last season was
The hardest part was the transition. Coming from a (junior college), everything is faster and better competition. Then, the easiest part was running the defense and getting comfortable in it.
On when he realized how difficult it was going to be
I knew it was going to be tough at first, but once I learned the defense and everything I fit in.
On how much he took away from his experiences last year
I took a lot from last year. Like I said, there were ups and downs and it made me who I am today. It humbled me some more and so I am ready for the season.
Redshirt Sophomore Kicker Evan Staley
On his 2017 season
Mike (Molina) came up to me and told me that I would be taking over his role and everything. He helped me through that process, and I had to step up and help the team. I knew I had reps in team practice and knew that I was confident in myself. I just acted on those feelings.
On how the repetition of practicing kicking translates during games
Kicking is this thing when you go into a game, you can't be thinking about what you're doing, because then the nerves start settling in and everything. You just have to know that repetition in practice – doing it hundreds and hundreds of times – is going to replicate during games.
On what he attributes his progress to
I think it's just adapting. Coming from a small town, having to adapt to all the people. In that situation, I've never been on the biggest stage before. I think that overcoming that obstacle has been the biggest thing.
Redshirt Senior Quarterback Will Grier
On how Saturday's contact session went
It was good to see. That makes guys make some plays; you actually have to tackle a guy and get him to the ground. We know what (senior receiver) David Sills (V) and (senior receiver) Gary (Jennings) and (junior running back) Kennedy (McKoy) can do. It's good to see (redshirt sophomore receiver) T.J. Simmons and (redshirt sophomore tight end/fullback) Jovani (Haskins) and even (redshirt senior tight end) (Trevon) Wesco and some of these new backs. To see them run around, see them make plays in space and see what we can do, it's good work, and I wish we could do that until the season. That's really when you get good work in in situational. (When it's) second, third down, you know you have to get the first down and make plays. It's different when you actually have to tackle a guy than when you're out just playing tag. It makes it more realistic, and it's good work.
On redshirt sophomore tight end/fullback Jovani Haskins
We all have room to improve, but I'm really excited about him this year. I think he's going to be fine in the long run, he's a physical guy, he's really long, he's strong. We know he's going to be really good in the passing game; we're bringing him along in the blocking game. (Redshirt senior tight end) (Trevon) Wesco is down there banging, doing a really good job in the run game and also in the pass game. I'm really excited about adding them in broadening what we do on offense a little bit.
On the continuity of the offense
I think it's an advantage. Like I said, we did that self-scout, and it took some time. We were a good offense last year and obviously had some explosive plays and pretty much moved the ball on everyone. But what's that missing piece? What do we need to do to become great? We did all these studies and stats and all that, and it came down to a couple things. Being about to tweak those and improve and off what we did last year, I'm telling you, it puts you ahead a lot. I think we have a chance to be really good, so I'm excited to keep building, keep working, one day at a time.
Senior Wide Receiver Gary Jennings
On what needs to be emphasized during spring practices
Just mainly the technical things and just being sound on every single play, and also being on the same page.
On how redshirt senior quarterback Will Grier looks to start spring practice
Like he hasn't missed a beat. He's back to 100 percent.
On how it feels building upon last year's offensive success
It's a great feeling, because we can start working now and getting back into the groove of things. So, it's a good feeling.
On coming into spring practice with a more experienced corps of receivers
It's pretty cool because we don't do a lot of install and a lot of prep work. So, it's great that we are able to just go right into things.
Redshirt Senior Tight End Trevon Wesco
On the spring's first full-contact practice
It went good; everybody is excited to hit, go live. So, that's always good. It was a good practice.
On his biggest improvement from last year
Moving to fullback, I didn't know much about fullback last year when I was in it. So, now, I know way more. I know where to go, where to be at a certain time on certain blocks and all those things. It helped a lot.
Tuesday Sound
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/ FootballGold-Blue Spring Festival Fan Recap
Sunday, April 19
John Neider | April 18
Saturday, April 18
Coach Zac Alley | April 18
Saturday, April 18
Coach Rich Rodriguez | April 18
Saturday, April 18
