Rich Rodriguez press conference summary: 8-2
West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez addressed the media on the fourth day of fall camp and here is a summary of what was said during his press conference.
–Some of it was better on the second day in shells and some of it wasn’t. He’s trying to get the staff more engaged with the down and distance. Rodriguez said they made some steps.
–The most important part of their day is being with the players as coaches. On Sunday, they have a chance to get more evaluation in and discuss personnel. Tomorrow will be more of a coach’s day to get caught up and discuss evaluation and schemes. Some of it is a reboot and what they do well.
–Quarterbacks are going to make mistakes but they can’t have the same mistakes over and over again. There is so much to coach that they don’t have time to go over the stuff they’ve already fixed. The pass reads for the quarterbacks are more difficult and there’s so much more variety defensively than they ever were before. That part is a little bit more unique. Rodriguez believes he has a smart room there.
–Rodriguez said some of the decisions on the install are based on personnel and what they do well. It’s not the same system, but he inevitably goes back to what he’s comfortable with and what he’s done.
–The tempo is non-negotiable so they have to go fast. Rodriguez is the reverse of what some do as he throws it all at them at once and doesn’t go slow.
–Quarterbacks are more prepared coming out of high school than ever before because their coaches are more in tune and the 7-on-7 stuff they compete in. They also have personal trainers that keeps them working on some skills but if you really want to get ready to play football you have to play football. Rodriguez is more team-oriented than some coaches.
–Pretty active group up front on the defensive line. The competition is so much better than it was three or four months ago and competition elevates the guys.
–The Mountaineers only have four running backs playing in practice today, and Rodriguez said that they might add another option at the position because they need more guys. The four today were Jahiem White, Diore Hubbard, Kannon Katze,r and Clay Ash. Everybody is getting reps and they’re going to get a chance to show they’re learning.
–Nothing new to report on the guys awaiting waivers. Rodriguez said that a lot of it is out of the players’ hands and their hands but they have to have a plan. If they can’t play, do they have to somehow find another guy or get somebody else ready but if they can play great.
–Way more position battles than spring this fall. They haven’t gone live and that will be the real test but they got some pretty good competition.
–Rodriguez felt that his team got faster from the spring with some personnel moves. He thinks the team speed has been pretty good.
–Rodriguez said that they’re anxious to get the Hard Edge podcast back and sell some t-shirts.
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