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What You May Have Missed:
Gold & Blue Now: August 4, 2014 - WV MetroNews
Wheeling Central Head Basketball Coach Mel Stephens talks about rising-junior Chase Harlar recent commit to WVU for 2016. We also hear from WVU defensive line coach tom Bradley on the overall feel of his players just a few days into camp.
Basketball Season Tickets On Sale Monday - WVU Athletics
WVU will play 16 games at the Coliseum.
Big XII Opponents: Morgantown’s Gameday Atmosphere Among the Best - WVillustrated
Big XII Conference players and coaches recently discussed their past experiences in Morgantown during the league's annual Media Days.
Chryst, Franklin and Holgorsen bring unique styles to Pitt, PSU and WVU - Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Holgorsen takes ‘offbeat approach to things'
News of Note:
Assistant Coach Quotes: Practice Update No. 3 - WVU Athletics
Select members of the West Virginia University football coaching staff met with the media on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014, at the Milan Puskar Center Team Room.
WVSports.com TV: Assistant Coaches - WVSports.com
Bradley, Mitchell & Crook
WATCH: WVU Football Assistants Talk Fall Camp - WVillustrated
Gibby, Dawson, Bradley and Crook
Football Player Quotes: Practice Update No. 2 - WVU Athletics
Plus Trickett video
WVSports.com TV: Player Interviews - WVSports.com
Bruce, Smith, Spain & Moore
WATCH: WVU Football Players Talk About Training Camp 2014 - WVillustrated
Glowinski, Kwiatkoski, Barber, Garrison, Tyler, Snow, Smith, Rose & Petteway
Cogdell Adjusts to College Coaching, Talks Miramar-to-Morgantown - WVillustrated
Damon Cogdell was formally reintroduced to Morgantown in January 2014, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and success from the fertile recruiting grounds of Miami, Florida.
HERTZEL NOTEBOOK: Defensive coaches working together to teach - Times West Virginian
West Virginia has made some adaptations to its coaching staff on the defensive side of the ball.
WVU players bonding over common goal - Times West Virginian
You sensed it this spring as West Virginia University began its preparation for the coming season, a different spring in their step, a different attitude.
WVU has depth at linebacker this season - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
Bruce, Kwiatkoski, Dillon and Golson all return
Injury, bout with infection makes Barber's playing time questionable for 2014 - Exponent Telegram
"You think about what it means to you," Barber, a West Virginia linebacker, said on Friday.
Special teams one of many areas benefitting from experience - Charleston Daily Mail
A year ago, West Virginia played its second season as a member of the Big 12 with only 33 players who’d been in a Big 12 game. This fall, there will be 55 such players on the roster, a difference of one additional player for every position on offense and defense.
Mountaineers kickers sport experience - Charleston Gazette
In so many ways, West Virginia’s kicking game these days is just like the rest of the team.
Bradley likes defensive effort: ‘It’s not a team that practices like a 4-8 group’ - WV MetroNews
Longtime Penn State coordinator says last season's losing record hasn't diminished West Virginia's will.
WVU coach: Simulating Alabama's speed is impossible - Bluefield Daily Telegraph
Bradley said the challenge will be preparing a team for a level of play the WVU scout team simply can’t simulate.
Ministers of Defense - BGN
Defensive coordinator Tony Gibson and line coach Tom Bradley address West Virginia's better quality of depth, give thoughts on how often contact drills should be utilized and delve into their approach, both overall and entering the first full week of fall camp for the Mountaineers.
Teams Tackling Less (But Safer) Today - WVU Athletics
WVU does some form of tackle training during each practice.
Dawson: Trickett Better Than Ever - EerSports
"I think he’s much further ahead than at any point in his West Virginia career," said Dawson. "I think his understanding of our offense is way ahead of any time it’s been since he’s been here."
Trickett battling back - Charleston Gazette
Clint Trickett knew the question was coming, so when it wasn’t thrust upon him right off the bat, he was understandably grateful.
Job 1 is to keep Trickett healthy - Charleston Gazette
Dana Holgorsen is concerned about the health of his quarterback, but not in quite the same way he was a year ago. Last year it was reactionary. This year it’s precautionary.
WVU’s Trickett focused on staying healthy - Register-Herald
With his Twitter account no longer active — West Virginia University head coach Dana Holgorsen forced him to disable the heavily followed account after some controversial Tweets during the offseason — Mountaineer starting quarterback Clint Trickett is free to focus on one thing: doing whatever it takes to stay healthy for the 2014 season.
Trickett out to prove he's better than 2013 showing - Exponent Telegram
Quarterback believes being healthier will lead to better play
Moore not in QB race, but hardly out of the picture - Exponent Telegram
Former Fairmont State University quarterback Logan Moore is the odd man out — again — at West Virginia.
The plot thickens! - WVU Sports with Mike Casazza
Not sure why, and not sure I even care, but I definitely saw freshman QB William Crest fielding punts to start practice.
For WVU defense, depth is now a real positive - Register-Herald
When a team scores in the 40s, it should have a good opportunity for a positive result.
Brian Mitchell Gives Thoughts on WVU Secondary - EerSports
Mitchell says that at this point in fall camp it’s all about mastering your position and working on things that are going to carry the players over from the first game to the last game.
Depth Charge - BGN
One player has what passes for solid experience in the West Virginia secondary this season. Another is learning the intricacies and execution of a new position along the defensive front.
Freshman Henry vying for playing time - Charleston Gazette
"There’s a lot of guys that want to be good,’’ defensive coordinator Tony Gibson said Saturday morning. "And then there are guys who work and act like players and do things like real players. And I think right now, after two days, he’s one of those guys.’’
Mountaineer ‘D’ in Agreement: 3-3-5 Scheme the Best Fit - WVillustrated
The WVU coaching staff announced a defensive adjustment back to the 3-3-5, which has several Mountaineers ecstatic about the possibilities in 2014.
Chemistry and Competition In The Backfield - EerSports
Even with the graduation of Charles Sims, though, the running back situation is still the same – loaded.
HERTZEL COLUMN: Crowded group of running backs a good problem for WVU to have - Times West Virginian
The season that was 2013 was dying on heavy legs, but at least not of heavy heart for West Virginia was certainly going to salvage a final game victory.
Smith plans to prevent another midseason weight gain - WV MetroNews
Senior running back said extra pounds cost him speed, agility during 2013 homestretch.
Weighty issue - Inter-Mountain
Extra pounds hurt WVU’s Smith in 2013
Seider: Smallwood ‘can do everything’ Charles Sims did - WV MetroNews
And in hopes of creating matchup problems, even the Mountaineers bigger running backs are working in the slot.
WVU notes: Smith shows up with new looks - Charleston Gazette
Hickman's Notebook
Opening With a Bang! - WVU Athletics
This week's WVU sports notes.
Rugged schedule for WVU - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
When the first official preseason college football poll recently was released, I couldn't help but notice how many West Virginia University opponents were ranked in the top 25 of the USA Today Coaches Poll.
Alford at ease heading into season - BGN
This time a year ago was a time of transition, not only for Mario Alford but for most of the receivers on the West Virginia football team.
Upbeat Alford ‘going to ball out’ during senior season - WV MetroNews
Almost a non-factor until the final four games of 2013, Mario Alford now views himself as an anchor of the receiving corps.
In Line For Success - BGN
One won’t often get much detail out of West Virginia offensive line coach Ron Crook.
Glowinski Talks Team Motto and Offensive Line - EerSports
West Virginia University offensive lineman, Mark Glowinski, says that after coming off a disappointing 4-8 season in 2013, the new motto for the team heading into 2014 Fall Camp is to "finish."
WVSports.com TV: Player Interviews - WVSports.com
Bruce, Smith, Spain & Moore
Game Day Central - WVU Athletics
Articles, videos, etc. that I may have missed from WVUSports.com
Recruiting:
Thimons: "There is no other place I'd rather be" - EerSports
When Freeport (PA) linebacker Logan Thimons picked up an offer from West Virginia at the camp last weekend, he told EerSports that he would be sitting down with his family to discuss things.
Thimons Commits to WVU - BGN
West Virginia picked up its first commitment in its 2016 recruiting class Saturday afternoon when Freeport Area SHS (Pa.) linebacker Logan Thimons announced his commitment to the Mountaineer program.
Pennsylvania linebacker becomes WVU’s first 2016 pledge - WV MetroNews
Logan Thimons is 6-foot-2, 210 pounds entering his junior season at Freeport High.
Wheeling Central’s Harler commits to WVU for 2016 - WV MetroNews
The 6-3 sophomore averaged 22 points and seven rebounds in leading his team to the Class A state title last March.
WVU basketball commitment Harler ‘beyond his years’ at Wheeling Central - WV MetroNews
Wheeling Central basketball coach Mel Stephens breaks down 2016 WVU basketball commitment Chase Harler.
Harler Verbals to Huggins, WVU - Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register
Wheeling Central star realizes dream by committing to Mountaineer basketball team
Central’s Harler commits to WVU - Charleston Gazette
Chase Harler, a sophomore guard who led Wheeling Central to the Class A state basketball title in March, has committed to West Virginia University.
No hesitation - WVSports.com
Wheeling (W.Va.) Wheeling Central Catholic guard Chase Harler had been waiting for as long as he could remember for the scene that unfolded in Bob Huggins' office Sunday.
Wheeling Central’s Chase Harler Breaks Silence, Commits to WVU Hoops - WVillustrated
Wheeling Central rising junior Chase Harler verbally committed to Bob Huggins and WVU on Sunday, giving the Mountaineers their first recruit for the Class of 2016.
Pro News:
WVUPros #NFLTrainingCamp Quick Slants: 8-3-14 - Bailey puts on a clinic - WVUPros
Notes on Stedman Bailey, Tavon Austin, Geno Smith, Don Barclay, Najee Goode and more.
Around the League (and Beyond):
Baylor Bears Bryce Petty is not perfect - ESPN
What are the five biggest ISU storylines heading into camp? - Ames Tribune
Drop-plagued TE Jimmay Mundine heeds coach’s call: ‘Catch the ball’ - Lawrence Journal World
Tyler Lockett chasing history at K-State - Topeka Capital Journal
Oklahoma Sooners Head Coach Bob Stoops On SEC Comments: "Get Over It!" - Crimson And Cream Machine
Oklahoma State Hoping Success Breeds Success - Big 12 Conference
Brandon Carter removed from TCU official roster ahead of fall camp - Dallas Morning News
Raised expectations for Texas Tech Red Raiders' defense - ESPN
What's On Tap:
Fan Day Set For Sunday, Aug. 10 - WVU Athletics
Mountaineer fans will be given the opportunity to get autographs from their favorite WVU coaches and players at the WVU football team’s annual Fan Day on Sunday, August 10, at 2:30 p.m., in the Caperton Indoor Practice Facility.
Single game tickets for the 2014 WVU football season are on sale now! Go to WVUGAME.COM or call 1-800-WVU GAME
Football Game Promotions Announced - WVU Athletics
Stripe the Stadium, Gold Rush and Family Day Promotions
Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game Tickets on Sale - WVU Athletics
Tickets for West Virginia’s appearance in the 2014 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game are now on sale through the Mountaineer Ticket Office
BT Entertainment Presents WVU ATLANTA KICKOFF
WVU’s Countdown to Kickoff: Day 26 Rahsaan Vanterpool - WVUPros
Continuing on with our 100 day countdown to WVU’s season opener against the Alabama Crimson Tide, we have reached day 26 the number once worn by WVU wide receiver, Rahsaan Vanterpool.
Video of Interest:
Trailer for 2014 WVU Football Spotlighting numerous returning playmakers for WVU: Dreamius Smith, Daikiel Shorts, Kevin White, Mario Alford, Wendell Smallwood, Isaiah Bruce, Karl Joseph, KJ Dillon, Ishmael Banks, Brandon Golson, Nick Kwiatkoski, Dontrill Hyman, Jared Barber, Jordan Thompson among others
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is another South African bombshell. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Shane van der Westhuizen.