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West Virginia

Rich Rodriguez proclaims West Virginia will avoid 'soft and lazy players'

Stephen Samraby: Steve Samra12/13/24SamraSource
Rich Rodriguez
(Casey Sapio-Imagn Images)

The returning Rich Rodriguez joined The Pat McAfee Show on Friday, which was broadcasting live in Morgantown in front of some raucous West Virginia fans, where he delivered some fascinating soundbites.

Speaking with his former player in Pat McAfee, Rodriguez gave his thoughts on the type of player he wants to bring to the program, as he looks to breathe new life into the team. Evidently, it boils down to two words, soft and lazy — that’s the type of player the Mountaineers will be trying to avoid moving forward.

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“That’s a great question,” Rodriguez responded, regarding how he feels about West Virginia’s current culture and roster. “I haven’t — I watched a little bit of practice this morning, but I haven’t watched film. I haven’t really watched their games. I haven’t really, kind of, studied their talent, so to speak. But from [a culture] standpoint, if they’re a talented guy and they work hard and they buy into the program, I want them around. If they’re soft or lazy, if they don’t want to give their best effort, then I don’t want them around.

“I mean, it’s pretty simple, right? It’s like the two words — four letter words, are soft and lazy. And that, to me, has nothing to do with talent, or what year they are in and this is and that. Coming from a state that I know very well, the people in the state of West Virginia work hard. They don’t want to be soft. They don’t want to be lazy. They don’t want the people playing, representing them, being soft and lazy.”

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During his first stint with West Virginia, Rodriguez endeared himself to the fans by winning 60 games compared to 26 losses, while also brining the Mountaineers to three 10-win seasons in a row during his tenure. There’s a reason an excitement is in the air for the program due to the coach’s return.

It may take a couple seasons, but Rich Rodriguez is primed for success with West Virginia. One thing is for sure, there won’t be any soft and lazy players allowed in Morgantown moving forward.