West Virginia wide receiver Gary Jennings embracing multiple roles for the Mountaineers

Welcome, By-Godders, to the (once again center-aligned) Shotgun/Throwdown: WVU's best place for sports links, information, sophomoric humor and daily distractions.

Football:

Preseason camp ended Tuesday for West Virginia’s football team, and if nothing else, it was eventful. A rash of injuries plagued the Mountaineers. There were some position changes that worked, like moving Jon Lewis from tight end back to defensive line and freshman Chase Behrndt from offensive line to nose guard, but the best and brightest idea may have been sliding sophomore outside receiver Jovon Durante inside. The most intriguing topic, though, may have been Gary Jennings and the ubiquitous role he could have this season, which begins with a home game Sept. 3 against Missouri.

Yodny Cajuste’s dream of becoming the next great power forward took a detour one day before his senior year at Miramar (Florida) High a few years ago. Damon Cogdell, a former West Virginia University linebacker and Miramar’s football coach then, pulled Cajuste aside and asked him if he was interested in trying out for the football team.

West Virginia Athletics:

West Virginia University women’s soccer seniors Kadeisha Buchanan and Ashley Lawrence will play for Bronze at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympic Games, as Canada fell to Germany, 2-0, Tuesday afternoon, in a semifinal match at Mineirão Stadium, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

The West Virginia University men’s soccer team used a pair of late goals to shut out Pitt, 2-0, on Tuesday afternoon in exhibition action. In front of 873 fans on a warm afternoon at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium, the Mountaineers earned a Backyard Brawl victory thanks to goals by senior Jack Elliott and sophomore Rushawn Larmond and a strong defensive showing in front of junior goalkeepers Stephen Banick and Jose Santos.

On the heels of a spectacular showing by current and former Mountaineer rifle student-athletes at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympic Games, West Virginia University Director of Athletics Shane Lyons has announced the 2016-17 rifle schedule.

Around The Big XII:

In this week's Big 12 Take Two, ESPN addresses the rash of injuries that have hammered the league, and debate which one is most devastating. Spoilers. West Virginia makes the discussion.

The University of South Florida prepared promotional material and a video for Big 12 consideration. Now, we know typos happen, but it really is best if they don't happen while you're touting your academics.

Around The NCAA:

Bret Bielema's tenure has been defined by slow starts and dominant finishes. The offense peaked in 2015 just as the defense regressed. Can the Hogs get the timing right this year, or will a rebuilt run game slow them down?

If you’re in my neck of the woods for the West Virginia State Fair on Saturday, you may as well get your autograph with an Olympic Gold medalist. And while you’re there you can get this year’s schedule poster.

The other day I named Australian Olympic hurdler Michelle Jenneke Miss Throwdown. Well, I’m going back to the well from Down Under. Today’s Miss Throwdown is an Australian 200m Olympic sprinter. CLICK HERE for Ella Nelson's Instagram.