Published: August 08, 2008 01:32 am            

WVU players glad to put on pads

MORGANTOWN — Noel Devine, the speedy sophomore running back, says putting on the pads makes a huge difference after four days of lighter work in West Virginia University’s football camp.

“It’s really good to see everyone go out and get after the ball,” he said after Thursday’s first of two scheduled practice sessions. “Everyone is really excited.

“I’m ready to go out and show people that I can carry the load. It’s all about heart, and I have a big heart. I’m not prepared yet, but that is what practice is for. You have to practice to be perfect.”

He thought it took a while for the players to “wake up” for the morning practice, but when they got going everything clicked pretty well. He noted that the new running backs are learning but must stay focused while studying plays and film.

Devine is trying to help the freshmen, since he remembers what he had to go through as a rookie in 2007. He rushed 73 times for 627 yards for an average of 8.6 yards per carry.

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Coach Bill Stewart said WVU tries to put the best players on its six major special teams, which were a focal point Thursday morning.

“It’s almost a demand that we want the best guys on our punt team,” he said. “If you are on the punt team, you are pretty special. Next is the kickoff team, and if you are on that, you are pretty special.”

Stewart noted that linebackers Mortty Ivy and J.T. Thomas are leaders on the punt team and wouldn’t come off that duty for anything.

Place-kicker/punter Pat McAfee and long snapper Adam Hughes are rated by the Mountaineer mentor as the Big East’s best at their specialties.

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WVU planned to send the NCAA some more material on Pat Liebig’s bid for another year of eligibility. The outstanding defensive lineman has been working out since practice started on Aug. 2.

He is seeking reinstatement after having been forced to miss last season because his ailing father needed him to run the family’s automobile dealerships, which have since been sold.

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Stewart said the injury report hasn’t been bad six days into preseason drills. But he added, “We have some freshmen that can’t get with it, so we will get them with it. They come over here and find ways to get lost.

“Right now treatment is as important as playing, and they will learn that. We try to get that across to them, but sometimes they get confused. They’ll become unconfused. They’re rookies.”

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Brandon Hogan is expected to remain at defensive back, rather than return to his wide receiver position, because he continues to perform so well back there, according to assistant coach Dave Lockwood.

Ellis Lankster and Kent Richardson are retaining status as the two likely starting cornerbacks.

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The first full week of practice will end on Saturday with a full-scale scrimmage.

At least two more probably will be held before camp ends and WVU’s fall semester begins on Monday, Aug. 18.

        

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