Yes, Bill Stewart does get upset. In an animated press conference following Monday’s practice, Stewart refuted the perception that he’s overly optimistic but rather defined himself as a realist.
With a noticeable edge in his voice, Stewart proclaimed that the Mountaineers will do what they’re told or they’ll leave the program. Stewart did not specify any specific issue which raised his ire, but nine days into preseason camp, the message may have been designed not to allow anyone to get too comfortable.
This is the final week that Mountaineer players and coaches can concentrate solely on football. Classes begin at WVU next Monday, and that means the days of eating, living and breathing football inside the Puskar Center will come to an end. Including meals, meetings and practice, players spend up to 12 hours per day at the Puskar Center before school begins. They’ll spend about half that time in the building when classes start.
Devin Lyons, brother of Mountaineer receiver Wes Lyons, has left the team. Lyons transferred to WVU from Ohio State with one year of eligibility remaining, but he was slowed by a leg injury during practice last week and decided to leave the program.
Ryan Stanchek practiced for the first time Monday. He had been sidelined while recovering from mononucleosis.
Enter the name of Ryan Clarke in the “I didn’t hear much about him” before camp began category. It looks like Clarke will play as a true freshman at fullback. Maxwell Anderson has missed specific time due to injury which opened the door for Clarke. In a perfect world, Clarke would redshirt to gain strength and lose weight, but the bowling ball back probably won’t have that luxury. The Mountaineers need a smash back to make holes, ala Owen Schmitt.
We have reached the point in the Mountaineer football program where the opponent really doesn’t matter when it comes to ticket sales. There were some raised eyebrows from fans and media when this year’s opener against Villanova was scheduled. On Monday, single-seat tickets for the date with the Wildcats were gobbled up in just a few hours, making the game a sellout. Bottom line: Fans love a winner, and the Mountaineers are Pat White-hot right now.
The work continues on WVU’s new scoreboard. The majority of video panels have been installed in the south end zone. Installation of ribbon signage, which will extend the complete length of the field on both sides, has not begun.
Former Mountaineer running back King Harvey has died. The Dublin, Va., native played for coach Don Nehlen from 1981 thru 1984. Harvey, who worked as a corrections officer, had been diagnosed with cancer.
