Published: March 16, 2008 01:32 am      

WVU defense catches Stewart’s eye

MORGANTOWN — West Virginia University’s defense caught coach Bill Stewart’s attention Saturday morning in the second day of spring football practice at Mountaineer Field/Milan Puskar Stadium.

“I thought our defense had a very, very good day,” he said. “I’m pleased. I was really proud of the way they flew around. They made some great plays.”

Stewart said WVU is putting in a lot of motion and movement it had not used in his eight years as an assistant coach.

“It’s fun to see, and I think it’s going to be a great for us,” he said. “Movement and motion really frustrates defensive coaches. However, our guys are pretty good. I thought our defense got after our offense pretty good (Saturday).”

Stewart, who spent most of his time working with the offense when an assistant, also had some kind words about quarterback Patrick White, running back Noel Devine and others in the ball-moving brigade.

He was especially impressed by sophomore Jock Sanders’ scoring on a long pass from the slot position.

“That was a big lick,” he said. “We hadn’t done that in the last seven years.”

Asked whether he was as pleased as he had been with Friday’s practice, he said: “Yes. You know why? Because you see a lot of teaching taking place out there. You see learning going on. You see people flying to the ball. They’re running around there.

“They’re giving great effort and that’s all anybody can ask for. Our staff has got these guys flying around, and it’s tremendous to see and be a part of.”

The Mountaineers will don shoulder pads, thigh boards and hip pads for what the head man said will be a pretty tough practice on Monday. Then it will be full gear on Wednesday for an officiated scrimmage.

A lengthy layoff for Easter and spring break will follow before spring practice resumes on Monday, March 31. It ends on Saturday, April 19, with the annual Gold/Blue Game.

Approximately 75 prospects who will be high school seniors next fall attended Saturday’s practice session. Stewart said about 30 recruits already have been offered grants.