Post by WVUfanPHILLY on Aug 16, 2007 14:03:20 GMT -5
By MICKEY FURFARI, For The Inter-Mountain
MORGANTOWN — Seven of the 17 seniors on West Virginia University’s football squad are battling for berths in the defensive secondary. Coach Rich Rodriguez readily admits that it’s very competitive in that area, with experienced players at all of the positions. Even returning regulars are being forced to prove that they deserve to keep starting jobs. One of those, Vaughn Rivers, thinks everyone on defense is stepping up in search of more playing time. “Enough guys are getting on each other at this level,” he noted. “The defensive backs are getting on the D-line, and the linebackers are getting on us. So everybody is jelling together real good.”
Rodriguez has said the stopper unit has done some good things so far. He expects the defense to be better and more consistent this year than it was last season.
“Now that we veterans have another year under our belts, we know a lot more than we did a year ago,” said Rivers, who also excels as a kick-returner. “Once we get on the field, we have to communicate and we are.
“So I think we should be OK.”
He said some of the younger D-backs are performing well, along with the veterans. He also noted that some newcomers will provide immediate help.
Rivers, 5-9, 170-pound cornerback from Pittsburgh, believes Ryan Mundy is going to contribute. He’s a 6-1, 205-pound transfer from Michigan, where he started 18 or 19 games.
“He’s picking up the schemes very well,” Rivers said. “He’s starting to be comfortable, and he’s making plays. He’s trying to become a leader out there. I’m sure he will be.”
Rivers also likes the way senior Antonio Lewis is competing at a cornerback slot, where he was a standout last year.
“He got banged up a bit early in the week, but he’ll be all right. He’s staying low-key.”
He thinks the level of confidence is growing generally among WVU defenders, which should be a good sign.
Contact The Inter-Mountain at our two locations.
520 Railroad Ave., PO Box 1339
Elkins, WV 26241
Phone: 304.636.2127
Fax: 304.636.8252
40 East Main Street, PO Box 2076
Buckhannon, WV 26201
Phone: 304.472.8302
Fax: 304.472.6416
MORGANTOWN — Seven of the 17 seniors on West Virginia University’s football squad are battling for berths in the defensive secondary. Coach Rich Rodriguez readily admits that it’s very competitive in that area, with experienced players at all of the positions. Even returning regulars are being forced to prove that they deserve to keep starting jobs. One of those, Vaughn Rivers, thinks everyone on defense is stepping up in search of more playing time. “Enough guys are getting on each other at this level,” he noted. “The defensive backs are getting on the D-line, and the linebackers are getting on us. So everybody is jelling together real good.”
Rodriguez has said the stopper unit has done some good things so far. He expects the defense to be better and more consistent this year than it was last season.
“Now that we veterans have another year under our belts, we know a lot more than we did a year ago,” said Rivers, who also excels as a kick-returner. “Once we get on the field, we have to communicate and we are.
“So I think we should be OK.”
He said some of the younger D-backs are performing well, along with the veterans. He also noted that some newcomers will provide immediate help.
Rivers, 5-9, 170-pound cornerback from Pittsburgh, believes Ryan Mundy is going to contribute. He’s a 6-1, 205-pound transfer from Michigan, where he started 18 or 19 games.
“He’s picking up the schemes very well,” Rivers said. “He’s starting to be comfortable, and he’s making plays. He’s trying to become a leader out there. I’m sure he will be.”
Rivers also likes the way senior Antonio Lewis is competing at a cornerback slot, where he was a standout last year.
“He got banged up a bit early in the week, but he’ll be all right. He’s staying low-key.”
He thinks the level of confidence is growing generally among WVU defenders, which should be a good sign.
Contact The Inter-Mountain at our two locations.
520 Railroad Ave., PO Box 1339
Elkins, WV 26241
Phone: 304.636.2127
Fax: 304.636.8252
40 East Main Street, PO Box 2076
Buckhannon, WV 26201
Phone: 304.472.8302
Fax: 304.472.6416
