The air horn blew and Camp Stewart 2010 began.
Amid five major allegations against it, the West Virginia football team started fall camp underway Saturday in a sun-drenched Milan Puskar Stadium.
“Our players are very excited and very enthused to be out there practicing,” said WVU head coach Bill Stewart. “We do have good potential this season, but we have a long way to go.”
Questions regarding the allegations were quickly shut down but addressed with confidence by the third-year head coach.
“I addressed it with the football team and staff very briefly last night along with (Director of Football Communications) Mike Montoro,” Stewart said. “That is not on our mind. That has been addressed by (Athletic Director) Oliver Luck. Its not what were thinking right now.”
Right off the bat the team split up into defensive and offensive sides with the defense taking the north end zone and the offensive beginning at the south end zone.
Each unit broke up and performed set drills and stretches.
The quarterbacks worked hand-in-hand with the offensive line and backfield. Sophomore quarterback Geno Smith began under center behind Joe Madsen. After getting a handle on the snaps, Smith proceeded to work on handoffs and pitches. He looked smooth with the short game and also had nice zip on his throws for screens and short passes.
“You could feel his presence as soon as he stepped in,” said wide receiver Brad Starks said of his sophomore quarterback. “We’re comfortable with him and he demands the best out of his receiver.”
Backup true freshmen quarterbacks Jeremy Johnson and Barry Brunetti were right in the thick of things following behind Smith in the reps.
The strong suit of the offense in 2010 is expected to be the running game. There is a plethora of running backs ready for action. Senior Noel Devine will be the starting tailback but redshirt freshman Daquan Hargrett and sophomore Shawne Alston are right on his tail. Hargrett and Alston possess bigger bodies than that of Devine but are extremely quick for their size. Devine, fifth on WVU’s all-time rushing list, is primed for a breakout year to close out his collegiate career.
On the defensive side, the linemen were constantly scrutinized by position coach Bill Kirelawich as they pushed the sled. Linebackers and secondary spent a majority of time on footwork.
“He‘s going to yell regardless even if he‘s happy,” said defensive tackle Scooter Berry.
Berry, a fifth year senior was dressed and practicing after undergoing shoulder surgery this past spring.
The Mountaineers were recently picked 24th in the country in the USA Today Coaches’ Poll. The them is predicted to finish second in the Big East Conference.
PRACTICE NOTES
-Jock Sanders and Devine were nearly inseparable on the field pairing up in all offensive drills
-After sitting out Big East Media Day due to a food ailment, Devine said he has lost seven pounds from the episode but is getting stronger each day.
-For every dropped pass by a wide receivers coach Lonnie Galloway ordered players to drop and give 10 pushups. On every fumble, running backs/slot receivers coach Chris Beatty ordered 25 pushups.
-It looks as if former backup quarterback Coley White’s chance at following in his brother Pat’s footsteps at quarterback was short lived. White did not take snaps at the position and lined up at receiver for most of the practice. Coaches and players agree he has made a seamless transition after taking all the snaps from quarterback in the spring game.
-Prized incoming offensive lineman Quinton Spain was absent from the inaugural practice. Montoro said it will not be too much of a concern but the holdout is due to academics.