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Quick Hits: An update on injuries, Gallagher III at nickel, and observations on the spring game……………………
W.Va.’s MORGANTOWN After the team’s eleventh spring practice on Wednesday, WVU football head coach Neal Brown addressed the media.
Along with discussing the program’s and his own revamp that began following the 2022 season, Brown also touched on a number of other subjects and provided a lengthy list of players who are emerging as important members of special teams.
These are a few of the most important lessons learned from Brown’s media appearances.
On D, Rodney Gallagher III is playing
After spending his final two years in high school playing quarterback, Rodney Gallagher III transferred to West Virginia to play wide receiver. In addition, he excelled in basketball at Laurel Highlands High School. Thus, it would be an understatement to suggest that Gallagher III is a versatile athlete.
This spring, his adaptability is being tested in the field. According to Brown’s statement on Wednesday, the incoming sophomore is playing defense, particularly at nickel in the secondary. Gallagher began the experiment by feeling out the situation, and as it progressed, everyone began to recognize the potential.
“He doesn’t receive much instruction from us. It’s just one of these things where we tell him what to do, and after spending around two minutes with him, he walks out,” explained Brown. “We’d be like, ‘Just kidding, come back over,’ if he looked horrible. But he does appear quite decent. Thus, we are currently educating him somewhat.
Brown emphasized Gallagher’s offensive nature and mentioned his aspirations to start as wide out. The youthful player could, nevertheless, be a two-way player come autumn.
Remarks regarding the spring game
The annual Gold-Blue Game in West Virginia is quickly coming up. On Saturday, April 27, at noon, WVU will play spring football at Milan Puskar Stadium.
On Wednesday, Brown was questioned about the spring games.
“I think the spring game is special,” Brown remarked. “Come on, let’s do something enjoyable. We have a few excellent ideas, particularly in regards to involving our youth, such as some young supporters, and having them participate in various activities on the field.
There will be football, Brown continued, but not four quarters of it. There will be fan-only tournaments and activities, much like last year.
most recent injury report
Brown was requested to submit an update on the status of other athletes who are coping with ailments this spring. Brown stated that although defensive lineman Asani Redwood won’t return before the end of the spring practice session, he is on schedule.
Corner According to Brown, TJ Crandall is battling a “nagging” hamstring ailment. Kole Taylor, a tight end, is set to play in the summer. CJ Donaldson, meanwhile, seems to be recovering nicely from shoulder surgery that was done in the summer.
Brown stated, “CJ has done everything but make contact.” “He’s going to be okay, but he could play in a game if we had one.”
Participating athletes on special teams
Brown has often stressed the value of having strong special teams squads. He believes the Mountaineers underperformed in that area for a large portion of last season, so it remains a top emphasis this spring.
On Wednesday, the head coach released a list of players who might play important roles in that phase. Some players, such as Reid Carrico and Jaylen Anderson, have either played a major role on defense or offense this fall, or they are anticipated to do so.
Derek Berlitz, TJ Johnson, Colin McBee, and rookie Zae Jennings are among the players who most likely to receive playing time on special teams.