Mountaineer Morning Links: Thursday (4/4/13) Edition

Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, WVU's nationally recognized best place for sports links, information, sophomoric humor and daily distractions. We're being brought to you today by Oppigårds Spring Ale, in honor of today's Miss Throwdown.

What You May Have Missed:

Gold and Blue Now Thursday, April 4 - WV MetroNews
Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson reacts to the critiques of former Mountaineer, Geno Smith. Head coach Dana Holgerson is happy with the energy from his defense. Hoops coach Bob Huggins says some freshmen could see immediate play time.

Despite losses, joining Big 12 was the right move for WVU - Charleston Gazette
Remember that whole Orange Bowl era? If you're a West Virginia fan, certainly you do.

Coach Huggins talks about Jabari Hinds’ decision to transfer - WV MetroNews
Audio

Cleaning house a good thing for WVU - Daily Athenaeum
"It’s going to take a heck of a lot of work and commitment to get this back to where we all want it to be."

Updated: White joins Redskins - WV MetroNews
The read-option craze could be ticket back to the NFL for the 27-year-old quarterback.

VIDEO: ESPN’s Chris Mortensen talks about Pat White’s role with the Redskins - WVU Pros

Pre-Draft News:

Geno Smith Subject of Gruden's QB Camp - WVillustrated
West Virginia quarterback takes part in popular ESPN segment airing Thursday night.

Former West Virginia Center Joe Madsen Says That He Has Seen Nothing But Good Things From Geno Smith And That He Absolutely Sees Him As Franchise QB In The NFL - 97.5 The Fanatic
Joe Madsen joins Jon and Sean to discuss his time playing alongside Geno Smith at WVU.

Geno Smith combats rough draft critique - Big 12 Blog - ESPN
West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith got a call from his old quarterbacks coach, Jake Spavital, who couldn't help but laugh at what one media scout had to say about Smith.

Furfari Column: Writer all wet on Geno - Martinsburg Journal
What that writer's opinion has done is to unfairly upset all of those who were his teammates over the past four years, those who coached him and undoubtedly Geno himself.

Draft Minute: Tavon Austin - ESPN Video - ESPN
ESPN Video: ESPN Draft Insider Todd McShay breaks down Tavon Austin's tape and thinks he is going to be a top-15 pick in the NFL draft.

Tavon Austin to work out for the Ravens on Thursday - WVU Pros
After traveling all over the nation in the past week, Tavon Austin is going home. Sort of.

2013 NFL Mock Draft 4.0 - NFL - Don Banks - SI.com
8 & 13

News of Note:

HERTZEL COLUMN: Coach: WVU on par with rest of Big 12 - Times West Virginian
“That we are not a whole lot different than the rest of the people in the Big 12,” he said. “There were nine bowl teams in the Big 12, and seven of them were 7-5. The reality of the situation is we are in a conference that has a whole lot of parity."

Mountaineers embracing T.E.A.M. concept during spring practice - Daily Athenaeum
"It’s been awesome. Our team motto stands for "T" is Toughness. "E" is effort. "A" is All in, and "M" is Mountaineer Mentality," said junior wide receiver Connor Arlia

Players learning, buying in this spring - Charleston Daily Mail
Holgorsen knows equality might be something the Mountaineers have to get used to as they get settled into Big 12

Mitchell Repairing WVU’s Secondary - WVU Athletics
The reconstruction of West Virginia’s secondary began last January with the hiring of cornerbacks coach Brian Mitchell.

Spring Practice Injury Update - WVillustrated
Mountaineers are working their way through spring practices while trying to stay healthy for the upcoming 2013 season.

Defense Stepping Up This Spring - EerSports
Dana Holgorsen says several members of the defense are standing out so far this spring.

Recruiting:

Zack Darlington recruit scouting report: multi-talented Florida quarterback - SBNation.com
Darlington plays much better than his measureables suggest.

Around the League (and Beyond):

Baylor Football Spring Scrimmage set for 1 PM on Saturday, April 6 - Our Daily Bears

WRNL's Guide to the Offseason - Wide Right & Natty Lite

Goodbye to the 'Gif'Maker - Rock Chalk Talk

Kansas State gets spring football underway - Wichita Eagle

A Healthy Damien Williams Primed For Big Senior Season - Crimson And Cream Machine

A VERY early look at OSU's 2013 schedule. - Cowboys Ride For Free

Texas Longhorns football: Post-spring depth chart - Burnt Orange Nation

TCU football will have open football practice and spring sale as part of "Spring Frog Fest" - TCU 360

Defensive Line Depth Chart, Eguavoen and Marquez Speak - Viva The Matadors

What's On Tap:

Mountaineer Gear Sale April 20 - WVU Athletics
WVU will host a Mountaineer Gear sale on Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the IPF.

Video of Interest:

Head baseball coach Randy Mazey talks with Kyle Wiggs about the Mountaineers sweep of New Orleans last weekend, the victory over Marshall on Tuesday, and previews the weekend series with Big12 rival Baylor.

Video of (Dis)Interest:

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is a Swedish model. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Mini Anden.