Photo by: All Pro Photography/Dale Sparks
Assistant Coaches Media Session
August 07, 2018 02:12 PM | Football
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University assistant coaches met with the media on Tuesday, August 7, 2018, at the Milan Puskar Center Team Room.
Associate Head Coach (Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers) Tony Gibson
On the situation at cornerback
Right now, it's (redshirt junior) Hakeem (Bailey), (sophomore Derrek) Pitts (Jr.), (redshirt junior Joshua) Norwood, (redshirt junior Keith) Washington, (redshirt sophomore) Jake Long and (redshirt junior) Jordan Adams. Those guys are doing a heck of a job. I'm pretty pleased with them right now, and, with our receiving corps and our quarterback, they're getting really good work in every single day. I love the way they're competing and trying to get better. They're playing within the scheme, and they're playing with a lot of confidence right now.
On redshirt senior defensive linemen Kenny Bigelow Jr. and Jabril Robinson
There's a reason they were at Clemson and USC – they're good players. Jabril (Robinson) has a really high motor. That sticks out. Kenny (Bigelow Jr.), obviously, is a massive man. He can play in the gap and hold onto a couple guys up front for us and let those linebackers run. Our linebackers really like them.
On the linebacker position
We're working on it. Am I comfortable right now? No. We're four days in though. I like where we're at, obviously, with (redshirt junior linebacker) David (Long Jr.) and (redshirt sophomore linebacker Dylan) Tonk (Tonkery). (Redshirt sophomore linebacker) Charlie Benton has to step it up a little bit. (Redshirt junior linebacker) Shea Campbell, (redshirt sophomore linebacker Zach) Sandwisch, (junior linebacker Adam) Hensley, (freshman linebacker Josh) Chandler – those are all guys who are willing bodies, and we'll be able to throw them in there and get some good reps from them.
On who stands out as a versatile defender in the linebacker room
(Redshirt sophomore linebacker Dylan) Tonk (Tonkery) is the most versatile guy. He started at SAM, WILL and he's played MIKE. He's smart and knows the defense. I think we're in a good spot.
Assistant Coach (Cornerbacks) Doug Belk
On redshirt junior cornerback Hakeem Bailey's progression
He's worked hard. We always talk about focusing on your strengths and developing your weaknesses, and I think that's what he's done. His football IQ is very high. So, he understands how to play with his skillset.
On redshirt junior cornerback Hakeem Bailey's first season with WVU
He was a one-year JUCO guy, and he redshirted. We threw him in against Virginia Tech, in front of 80,000-plus people. For him, coming from out west where he played in front of a thousand people, that's a big adjustment. I don't think the moment was too big. I think it was more of a learning process, and I think the best learning is from experience. It's like life, where you have those experiences. He made plays for us last year. Going off that, rather than in a negative way, he definitely spent the offseason developing his game.
On the difficulty of playing cornerback in the Big 12 Conference
It's very difficult. You see a lot of the pass and a lot of the vertical game. One, you have to be in great physical condition, but you also have to be mentally tough and physically tough, with all the different schemes we see. For a cornerback, that's a challenge you want. If you don't think you're one of the best guys on the field, then you're probably not going to be very good in this league.
Assistant Coach (Defensive Line) Bruce Tall
On going into a game with a set rotation or going by what he feels
As the game goes on, it's a feel, but no there's no question you have to have a plan. You want to keep those guys fresh, and you don't have any idea how the game is going to go. But you have to have a plan so you have a good number. In my head, I want to have a number count of what I want each guy to get in that game and take the average of what the game usually is. The game can change that little bit depending on the numbers that you see.
On how many reps he would like to see players get
You try to keep those guys around the 40 range. When they start getting into 50, 60 reps, you're probably going more over than you want to. That depends on your depth. I feel good with the depth and I am hopeful we won't have to do that.
On how many players he plans on rotating
It's hard to put a number on that. It's still early. We haven't even had our first all-out, full-padded practice, but the goal every game is to have six (defensive) ends ready to roll, and have three nose guards. I always like to say, 'Have a pair and a spare.' That's always been my philosophy with that.
Assistant Coach (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks) Jake Spavital
On getting senior wide receiver Gary Jennings Jr. more touches
We have to get (senior wide receiver) Gary (Jennings Jr.) in more – we were in the end zone more this year. I was laughing because yesterday at practice he makes a phenomenal play – catches it and goes out at the half yard line. Gary's got a ton of catches. We just have to get him in the end zone. It's comforting for a quarterback when you have two guys. You have some guys that you are comfortable with, and from (redshirt senior quarterback) Will's (Grier) standpoint that's unbelievable.
On the offensive line
They're coming along. (Assistant coach – offensive line) Coach (Joe) Wickline has done an unbelievable job with those kids. We have to get their conditioning up but they're big boys, they're 350 pounds. So, we have to get their conditioning up. Coach (Joe) Wickline is moving them in and out of the depth chart. So, it's a healthy competition.
On having a veteran team
It's comforting. The main thing is you have a returning quarterback, and year two is always a more successful year because of the familiarity with each other, the play calls, understanding how we operate at times and not duplicating mistakes that have been previously made. Having a group coming back like what we have right now, from a maturity standpoint, it's been great. It's been awesome for the young kids too to see how these kids work and the preparation they put into it. I always enjoy the years when you have a mature team, but there's still a lot of work, as a coach, because injuries happen and then you have to get the next man ready.
Assistant Coach (Receivers) Tyron Carrier
On comparing last year's receivers to this years
Those guys last year, especially Ka'Raun (White), he was great. He was banged up at the beginning of the year. Towards the end of the year that notch just got turned on and everybody started moving their attention to (senior wide receiver) David (Sills V), and before you know it, Ka'Raun was probably one of the leading receivers in the nation – top 10 or something like that. I really have a great group of guys, and they're so mature, which makes things so much easier.
On having different receivers and moving them around
That's the point. It's not the traditional way of doing a spread offense. Having an inside and outside receiver coach, we're all in one room. So, we're all hearing the same thing. You get to see the other position, you get to see me critique and coach the other position. That's the goal. If you play inside, you can play Y or H. If you play outside, you can play X or Z. So, it's in the making more than anything. Especially with those older guys, they know everything. That makes my job 20 times easier also.
On moving players around for match-ups, because of injury, or for surprising opponents
Definitely for matchups and for injuries. I don't think we're going to catch anybody by surprise, but injuries of course and matchups would be the biggest thing.
Assistant Coach (Running Backs) Marquel Blackwell
On implementing new drills to improve ball security
It's a deal where you get yourself comfortable and familiar with carrying two balls. Normally, you teach ball security on every play. It's hard to keep two balls in a secure position. We're just trying to over-emphasize the ball security part of it. We want to make sure they're getting used to holding the ball in both arms. We're making sure, as well, that there's an emphasis on the day-to-day deal. That's the one thing we have to do is protect the ball and the quarterback.
On improving a player's weaknesses
I go in with the outlook of, whatever your weakness is, that's what we have to work on. Obviously, everybody has their strengths and weaknesses. I think when you understand your weaknesses and you know what your weaknesses are, then you can put a focus on maximizing what you need to improve on a day-to-day basis.
On freshman running back Leddie Brown
He has a lot of potential. Obviously, he's what you want physically, but it's a time thing. There's no jobs right now. We have time to sort this deal out. We're fortunate to have two guys who played in the spring. We have a young guy in Alec who has a lot of talent and ability. He's shown flashes. With Leddie coming in, he's running with them, he's around, and he's soaking in everything. I think we have a good, solid, competitive room, but there's no jobs. We're out there competing every day, helping each other along and making sure our bond is strong, because we're going to need everybody as we go into the season.
Associate Head Coach (Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers) Tony Gibson
On the situation at cornerback
Right now, it's (redshirt junior) Hakeem (Bailey), (sophomore Derrek) Pitts (Jr.), (redshirt junior Joshua) Norwood, (redshirt junior Keith) Washington, (redshirt sophomore) Jake Long and (redshirt junior) Jordan Adams. Those guys are doing a heck of a job. I'm pretty pleased with them right now, and, with our receiving corps and our quarterback, they're getting really good work in every single day. I love the way they're competing and trying to get better. They're playing within the scheme, and they're playing with a lot of confidence right now.
On redshirt senior defensive linemen Kenny Bigelow Jr. and Jabril Robinson
There's a reason they were at Clemson and USC – they're good players. Jabril (Robinson) has a really high motor. That sticks out. Kenny (Bigelow Jr.), obviously, is a massive man. He can play in the gap and hold onto a couple guys up front for us and let those linebackers run. Our linebackers really like them.
On the linebacker position
We're working on it. Am I comfortable right now? No. We're four days in though. I like where we're at, obviously, with (redshirt junior linebacker) David (Long Jr.) and (redshirt sophomore linebacker Dylan) Tonk (Tonkery). (Redshirt sophomore linebacker) Charlie Benton has to step it up a little bit. (Redshirt junior linebacker) Shea Campbell, (redshirt sophomore linebacker Zach) Sandwisch, (junior linebacker Adam) Hensley, (freshman linebacker Josh) Chandler – those are all guys who are willing bodies, and we'll be able to throw them in there and get some good reps from them.
On who stands out as a versatile defender in the linebacker room
(Redshirt sophomore linebacker Dylan) Tonk (Tonkery) is the most versatile guy. He started at SAM, WILL and he's played MIKE. He's smart and knows the defense. I think we're in a good spot.
Assistant Coach (Cornerbacks) Doug Belk
On redshirt junior cornerback Hakeem Bailey's progression
He's worked hard. We always talk about focusing on your strengths and developing your weaknesses, and I think that's what he's done. His football IQ is very high. So, he understands how to play with his skillset.
On redshirt junior cornerback Hakeem Bailey's first season with WVU
He was a one-year JUCO guy, and he redshirted. We threw him in against Virginia Tech, in front of 80,000-plus people. For him, coming from out west where he played in front of a thousand people, that's a big adjustment. I don't think the moment was too big. I think it was more of a learning process, and I think the best learning is from experience. It's like life, where you have those experiences. He made plays for us last year. Going off that, rather than in a negative way, he definitely spent the offseason developing his game.
On the difficulty of playing cornerback in the Big 12 Conference
It's very difficult. You see a lot of the pass and a lot of the vertical game. One, you have to be in great physical condition, but you also have to be mentally tough and physically tough, with all the different schemes we see. For a cornerback, that's a challenge you want. If you don't think you're one of the best guys on the field, then you're probably not going to be very good in this league.
Assistant Coach (Defensive Line) Bruce Tall
On going into a game with a set rotation or going by what he feels
As the game goes on, it's a feel, but no there's no question you have to have a plan. You want to keep those guys fresh, and you don't have any idea how the game is going to go. But you have to have a plan so you have a good number. In my head, I want to have a number count of what I want each guy to get in that game and take the average of what the game usually is. The game can change that little bit depending on the numbers that you see.
On how many reps he would like to see players get
You try to keep those guys around the 40 range. When they start getting into 50, 60 reps, you're probably going more over than you want to. That depends on your depth. I feel good with the depth and I am hopeful we won't have to do that.
On how many players he plans on rotating
It's hard to put a number on that. It's still early. We haven't even had our first all-out, full-padded practice, but the goal every game is to have six (defensive) ends ready to roll, and have three nose guards. I always like to say, 'Have a pair and a spare.' That's always been my philosophy with that.
Assistant Coach (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks) Jake Spavital
On getting senior wide receiver Gary Jennings Jr. more touches
We have to get (senior wide receiver) Gary (Jennings Jr.) in more – we were in the end zone more this year. I was laughing because yesterday at practice he makes a phenomenal play – catches it and goes out at the half yard line. Gary's got a ton of catches. We just have to get him in the end zone. It's comforting for a quarterback when you have two guys. You have some guys that you are comfortable with, and from (redshirt senior quarterback) Will's (Grier) standpoint that's unbelievable.
On the offensive line
They're coming along. (Assistant coach – offensive line) Coach (Joe) Wickline has done an unbelievable job with those kids. We have to get their conditioning up but they're big boys, they're 350 pounds. So, we have to get their conditioning up. Coach (Joe) Wickline is moving them in and out of the depth chart. So, it's a healthy competition.
On having a veteran team
It's comforting. The main thing is you have a returning quarterback, and year two is always a more successful year because of the familiarity with each other, the play calls, understanding how we operate at times and not duplicating mistakes that have been previously made. Having a group coming back like what we have right now, from a maturity standpoint, it's been great. It's been awesome for the young kids too to see how these kids work and the preparation they put into it. I always enjoy the years when you have a mature team, but there's still a lot of work, as a coach, because injuries happen and then you have to get the next man ready.
Assistant Coach (Receivers) Tyron Carrier
On comparing last year's receivers to this years
Those guys last year, especially Ka'Raun (White), he was great. He was banged up at the beginning of the year. Towards the end of the year that notch just got turned on and everybody started moving their attention to (senior wide receiver) David (Sills V), and before you know it, Ka'Raun was probably one of the leading receivers in the nation – top 10 or something like that. I really have a great group of guys, and they're so mature, which makes things so much easier.
On having different receivers and moving them around
That's the point. It's not the traditional way of doing a spread offense. Having an inside and outside receiver coach, we're all in one room. So, we're all hearing the same thing. You get to see the other position, you get to see me critique and coach the other position. That's the goal. If you play inside, you can play Y or H. If you play outside, you can play X or Z. So, it's in the making more than anything. Especially with those older guys, they know everything. That makes my job 20 times easier also.
On moving players around for match-ups, because of injury, or for surprising opponents
Definitely for matchups and for injuries. I don't think we're going to catch anybody by surprise, but injuries of course and matchups would be the biggest thing.
Assistant Coach (Running Backs) Marquel Blackwell
On implementing new drills to improve ball security
It's a deal where you get yourself comfortable and familiar with carrying two balls. Normally, you teach ball security on every play. It's hard to keep two balls in a secure position. We're just trying to over-emphasize the ball security part of it. We want to make sure they're getting used to holding the ball in both arms. We're making sure, as well, that there's an emphasis on the day-to-day deal. That's the one thing we have to do is protect the ball and the quarterback.
On improving a player's weaknesses
I go in with the outlook of, whatever your weakness is, that's what we have to work on. Obviously, everybody has their strengths and weaknesses. I think when you understand your weaknesses and you know what your weaknesses are, then you can put a focus on maximizing what you need to improve on a day-to-day basis.
On freshman running back Leddie Brown
He has a lot of potential. Obviously, he's what you want physically, but it's a time thing. There's no jobs right now. We have time to sort this deal out. We're fortunate to have two guys who played in the spring. We have a young guy in Alec who has a lot of talent and ability. He's shown flashes. With Leddie coming in, he's running with them, he's around, and he's soaking in everything. I think we have a good, solid, competitive room, but there's no jobs. We're out there competing every day, helping each other along and making sure our bond is strong, because we're going to need everybody as we go into the season.
Players Mentioned
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