By: Jonathan K. Martin | WV Sports Chat
Welcome to another edition of Martin’s Mailbag, where I answer your questions about all things West Virginia sports.
As West Virginia wrapped up their first week of fall camp under head coach Rich Rodriguez, the questions have been pouring in about the overall talent of the team, fan day, the quarterback battle and if the players are struggling with the hard-edge mentality.
Q: How does the QB room look? – The Basement (Facebook)
A: It’s early, but as we expected three guys are considered top candidates for the starting job – Nicco Marchiol, Jaylen Henderson and Max Brown. All three are still learning the new scheme, and even Rich Rodriguez noted which quarterback can avoid the repeated mental mistakes could win the starting job. Although, I expect the battle to roll all the way into the early part of the season.
There hasn’t been a ton to take away from camp thus far, because the reps given are smaller passes and things being done in short yardage situations. But as things progress in camp, we could hopefully begin to see separation at the position.
Q: When is fan day? Last year it was Aug 3. I’m shocked they haven’t had it yet. – Kasey HB (Facebook)
A: This is a strange one, as there hasn’t been anything from West Virginia on this. We’ve reached out to the school but have yet to hear back. We’ll update once an answer has been given.
Q: Are there actual concerns about players not being able to handle being coached hard? – @chadbeezz
A: I don’t think so. For the most part I think a lot of this talk is coach speak and Rodriguez trying to motivate players early in camp. I also believe the players, who either stayed or were brought in, knew the environment under Coach Rod and his “hard edge” mentality.
Q: What’s your gut feeling on the eligibility cases with Weimer, Robinson, Harrington and Edwards – @wvufan2023
A: I’m on record saying I don’t have a lot of faith when the NCAA is involved with West Virginia and players needing a waiver. And with every single day that goes by without news I get more concerned. But at some point, this has to get resolved so I’m hopeful news trickles out soon. But I lose faith with each passing day.
Q: Blind eye talent evaluation to current product against previous seasons squad? – @JDFunky
A: This one is kind of difficult to gauge because we’ve yet to see much from this team other than four practices. However, I think this team looks to be stronger and more athletic. One area where Neal Brown’s team struggled was overall team speed – and I think this year’s roster is a definite upgrade.
Q: How excited are you for “Let’s Go Bourbon” – @SwilledDog
A: I see what you did there. I actually loved this question and admittingly got a chuckle out of it.
For those who aren’t aware, West Virginia has an official bourbon – which will be called Let’s Go Bourbon. “It’s a bold, 99 proof blend of straight bourbon whiskies, aged 5+ years and proudly crafted by Mountaineers.”
For more information you can visit – swilleddog.com
