Published: April 07, 2008 11:56 pm      

WVU’s White sharp in latest practice

MORGANTOWN — Patrick White, West Virginia’s record-breaking quarterback, was his usual sharp self in Monday’s passing part of the ninth session of spring practice.

That was good to see, as Coach Bill Stewart would say, after his admittedly sub-par performance in last Saturday’s first officiated scrimmage.

“I thought Patrick White threw the ball really well today,” Stewart said at his nightly media briefing. “He was sharp on one play he threw the ball in that hole over the middle. We’ve been trying to hit that thing.

“A couple of times Jarrett (Brown) did and Pat did it once on Saturday. And today he did it a couple times in the two-minute drill. Our safeties really got tested a couple of times on deep balls.”

Stewart readily agreed with the suggestion that White more than made up for his play on Saturday, which included two interceptions and a safety.

“He forced the ball and he knew it,” the head coach said. “He’s tougher on himself than the coaches are. We don’t have to worry about Patrick White. Never! He gives great leadership.

“As Coach (Don) Nehlen used to say, ‘What IT is, he’s got IT.’ So that’s special.”

He thought Brown did a nice job and that wide receiver Brandon Hogan also did a nice job, as he had in the scrimmage along with equally versatile Jock Sanders. Those two and other young players who have stepped up really get Stewart excited.

“Sanders made some nice catches today, and (quarterback) Bradley Starks made a big, big catch as a receiver in the two-minute drill,” Stewart observed.

Offensive tackle Ryan Stanchek returned for individual work, then had to leave early for an evening class. Sophomore Eric Jobe is doing a good job at center, with starter Mike Dent sitting out spring practice while rehabbing offseason surgery.

Right guard Jake Fignor is as steady as can be, according to Stewart. Selvish Capers and Steve Maw were other offensive linemen he mentioned as performing well.

Defensive end Larry Ford did well on pass rushes, but must become more consistent. Chris Neild also played well on the defensive line.

Senior defensive back Ellis Lankster “is stepping up to the plate and becoming much, much better,” Stewart said. He also liked Adam Hughes’ hold and Pat McAfee’s kick on a 45-yard field goal as the practice ended.