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  • Contributed file photo Going in full gear... West Virginia safety Robert Sands goes into action in this file photo from 2009. Sands is on the watch list for the Bednarik Award, given to the nation’s top defensive player. WVU Sports Communications

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August 10, 2010

Armored up: Mountaineers don their pads

By BRIAN WOODSON Bluefield Daily Telegraph

MORGANTOWN — It was the kind of hot day that called for as few clothes as possible.

The West Virginia Mountaineers didn’t care, adding body armor in the form of helmets and shoulder pads for the first time in preparations for the 2010 season, which begins on Sept. 4 against Coastal Carolina.

“They were excited, we were excited, the coaches were back and forth, it was a good day,” West Virginia third-year head coach Bill Stewart said. “There were mistakes, and there are going to be mistakes.

“It is day three, but it was good, our guys practiced hard, there were some tremendous hits and we did not take anyone to the ground and we didn’t try too. Basically, we are trying to learn how to practice so we can stay healthy.”

No one is being protected more than Geno Smith. The sophomore quarterback and starter for the West Virginia offense, is coming off a broken left foot, and the Mountaineers have been told to stay away from the valuable body part.

There was one scary moment during Monday’s practice, much of which was spent on the outdoor practice facility, allowing the Mountaineers to prepare on grass rather than the steamy turf.

“He has protection, the defensive protection collapsed one time up there and we said, ‘Whoa’, but our players know it and they backed off,” Stewart said. “The worst thing is one of these youngsters doesn’t want to fall on him, but they are trying to get better as well.

“We have to pass-rush, we have to pass-block, it’s football. There is going to be bumps and bangs, and you just hope nobody falls on it at this time. We’re trying to keep people away from it as best we can, but we have to practice.”

Smith, who played in five games last season, including finishing up for an injured Jarrett Brown in the Gator Bowl loss to Florida State, has no concerns with the foot, saying he’s fine and he’s ready to play.

“It’s 100 percent fine, a lot of wear and tear out there from being in practice, but as far as the pain on that particular area, it is 100 percent good,” said Smith, whose backup will be one of two freshmen, Barry Brunetti or Jeremy Johnson.

 Fortunately, Smith has plenty of talent on his side of the ball, including running back Noel Devine, wide receiver Jock Sanders and sophomore Tavon Austin, who could play either of those positions, and has really shone in preseason drills.

 “He is a tremendous effort player and all he has to get now is the reps, and when he is not out on the field getting reps, the great ones always take a mental rep,” Stewart said. “That is what Tavon and all young players have to do.”

 West Virginia also have four starters back on the offensive line, led by Josh Jenkins and Don Barclay on the left side, a fact that pleases Smith, and his foot.

 “I’m blessed just to be here, but to have those guys around me is great, but the most important thing we have going is those guys up front,” Smith said. “They really came together, and I call them my body guards because those guys are the ones who move this offense.

 “I think they are really going to be the key this year and I think they are going stepping up a lot.”

 “While the offense is expected to score plenty of points for the Mountaineers, the defense hopes to be stingy, led by nine returning starters, including Big East and national award candidates like defensive end Julian Miller, linebacker J.T. Thomas and 6-foot-5 safety Robert Sands.

 “I think every year coming in and coming out we have the potential to have the best defense in the Big East,” said Miller, who led West Virginia with nine sacks and 14 tackles last season.

“It takes more than talking, we have to go out there and prove it and do it ourselves, but if we all just get on the same page and continue to grow as a defense, we’ll make it there.”

 All West Virginia players were pleased to be practicing Monday on the grass, and Stewart said there many reasons for the move, including games later this season that will be played on the real stuff LSU, Pittsburgh and Connecticut.

 That was fine with Miller. It was hot out there, even on the grass field, but not as hot as it was across the street on Mountaineer Field.

 “A lot of guys loved it, and I loved it too,” Miller said. “It’s also not just a change of pace, but a change of scenery. Being out there in the stadium every day, it kind of wears on you so when you get up there and a nice scenery and the ground is not so hot and you just like the feel of a grass field so it is definitely different.

 “There is also the smell of the grass. If you have ever played on a grass field, you now what that feeling is like.”

 One feeling Miller hasn’t felt for a while is that of being a Big East champion. The ’Eers last won the title in 2007, Miller’s first season as a redshirt at West Virginia. He would like to help return the Mountaineers to the top of the league.

 “That is what you come here to West Virginia for is to win the Big East championship, and hopefully get that BCS bid,” Miller said. “Ever since my freshman year, having that experience, that is something you just hunger for and you really want every year coming in so that would definitely mean a lot.”

— Contact Brian Woodson

at bwoodson@bdtonline.com

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