When classes resume in Morgantown, on Monday, the football team will begin there work on the 2011 season with the start of spring practice. The start of spring practice marks the start of a new offensive era with new offensive coordinator, and head coach in waiting, Dana Holgorsen from Oklahoma State. Holgorsen brings in an air it out spread offense, which could work well for QB Geno Smith. On the other side of the ball, Jeff Casteel is faced with the daunting task of replacing 7 starters on a defensive that was ranked 3rd in the country. With a new offense to learn and multiple stars to replace on defense the Mountaineers better be focused this spring if they want to be sucessfull in 2011. Here's what to look out for during spring ball.
Offense:
The most obvious focus on offense will be how the unit takes in the new spread offense that will actually allow Geno Smith to throw the ball down field instead of bubble screens every other play. Brad Starks will be leading a young receiving core that will include Ivan McCartney, Quinton Spain and Stedman Bailey. These WR's should enjoy the multiple 4 wide and 5 wide sets that Holgorsen has but they have to learn the system first which can be challenging for a young receiving core.
Replacing Noel Devine and Jock Sanders will be tough, but maybe not so. Shawne Alston and Tavon Austin seem like they can fill the holes left by Noel and Jock and seemed like that was what Bill Stewart was training Shawne and Tavon to do. Later in the season, last year, Tavon saw alot of playing time at slot while Shawne was at the RB spot while Devine was hurt. Shawne Alston had 248 rushing yards in 256 minutes of game time last year, while Tavon was second on the team with receptions and first in receiving TDs.
Defense:
Gone are Robert Sands, Brandon Hogan, JT Thomas, Chris Neild, Scooter Berry, Anthony Lenoard, Pat Lazer and Sidney Glover. Robert Sands obviously will be missed the most as he could take away half the field at any point and was feared by QB's when coming in on the blitz. Also in the secondary, tough to replace will be team INT leader Brandon Hogan who made major strides between his junior and senior years. As of now the only sure replacements will be Terrance Garvin at the Rover Safety, Julilan Miller will be at DT, fan favorite Bruce Irvin should be a full time DE and Pat Miller will be a starting CB. Miller got burned really bad twice in the Maryland game last year so hopefully he improves on that. Troy Gloster could be a possible replacement at LB as he has gained 24 pounds this off season, but will see competition from others.
In the spring game look for how the offense is adjusting to the new system. Is Geno making the right reads? Do the WR's understand there routes and are they running the crossing routes right. Is the offensive line getting the blocking schemes down? On defense its simple. Who steps up and makes there name known to the coaches to earn a starting spot?
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