By Taylor Jones
After losing players like quarterback Pat White, kicker Pat McAfee, and linebacker Mortty Ivy, most head football coaches would be in a panic. However, West Virginia head coach Bill Stewart welcomed the graduation of the most winning senior class in WVU history.
“Graduation is a good thing,” admitted Stewart. “You can’t keep them forever. They are like your children. You give them roots, and you have to give them wings. We’ll find out how good we are, and we’ll find out how good our opponents are in the Big East.”
Stewart is using spring football as a time to get his team focused for the upcoming 2009 season. Unlike the past few seasons, Stewart is determined to keep his team’s focus going on one game at a time. He would like the Mountaineers to focus on one championship at a time, beginning with the Big East championship.
“We had a family discussion about what our goals are,” said Stewart. “Sometimes youngsters put the cart before the horse and we don’t want to do that. Last year we started talking about championships; well the only championship I want these guys talking about is the Big East Championship. That is the only championship and the most important championship. It is our goal and that will always be our goal. You can’t do anything without the Big East; you have to win it before you meet any other goals.”
The Mountaineers began spring practice March 24. Many Mountaineers returned to the field after sitting out last season. Sophomore offensive lineman Josh Jenkins returned to practice after suffering a knee injury during a game against Rutgers last season. Senior running back Maxwell Anderson and junior holder Jeremy Kash returned after an indefinite suspension last season that pulled them out of the last four games of last season. Senior linebacker Reed Williams is healthy after taking a medical redshirt last year.
“This is the best I’ve felt in probably two or three years,” said Williams. “Looking in retrospect, it was a great decision what I did last year. It was tough but I definitely made the right decision. We’ve got the opportunity to be a great defense. I hope to be a leader that can help us get there.” The 2009 quarterback will be replacing a player who has been referred to as the best quarterback to play at West Virginia. After winning four bowl games in four years, quarterback White has finally moved on giving his backup for the last three years a turn at the starting position. Senior Jarrett Brown is the front runner for the starting quarterback position this fall. Brown played backup quarterback for his first three years at West Virginia. He took the starting position four games during those three years. Undefeated as a starter, Brown’s most memorable start came as a freshman when he lead the Mountaineers to victory in a triple overtime game against Rutgers. The freshman posted 317 yards total offense in the game.
“Jarrett Brown is undefeated as a starter,” said Stewart. “He’s not Patrick White, and he knows that. He brings a lot to the table, and he’s a tremendous competitor. I hope, for his sake and ours that he has a very fine finish to his career. That would be a nice treat and blessing but that depends on how hard he works and how the ball bounces. Again, this offense has a long way to go. Jarrett has a lot to live up to.”
Junior offensive lineman Eric Jobe has a lot on his shoulders as well. The center is one of the few members of the offensive line with game experience. With the graduation of players like Ryan Stanchek and Mike Dent, Jobe has been thrown into a leader role that he is willing to embrace.
“Being the center, I have to be a leader,” admitted Jobe. “I have to be the one calling the plays and telling guys what to do. (We need to) get everyone on the same page and get in and watch film. I think everyone will rise to the occasion and we will find the guys we need to play. Coach (Johnson) said he wants the eight best guys on rotation and I think we’re going to get that.”
The Mountaineers continue their spring practice through mid-April. The annual Gold/Blue game’s kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18. Admission is $5 and all proceeds benefit WVU Children’s Hospital.
