Post by WVUfanPHILLY on Aug 15, 2007 14:42:00 GMT -5
Rod has high praises for Schmitt
By Mickey Furfari
For the Times West Virginian
MORGANTOWN — Coach Rich Rodriguez praised Owen Schmitt, West Virginia University’s veteran fullback, after Tuesday’s two-a-day practice sessions at Mountaineer Field/Milan Puskar Stadium.
He hailed the 6-3, 260-pound senior from Fairfax, Va., as one of those “old-school fullbacks” that are a rare a rare commodity today.
“There aren’t as many (true fullbacks) as there used to be,” he said.
“The thing I like about Owen is that he understands the physical nature of being the lead blocker. And, at the same time, he’s also got some running-back skills.
“He also has some natural skills as far as being able to cut, and he’s got soft hands. He loves football and has the passion to play on a high level.”
Schmitt, who transferred from a Division II school in 2004, also has been taking reps at a receiver slot in preseason drills. He’s noted for his hard work in the weight room which made his one of the squad’s strongest and trimmest players.
Asked how Tuesday’s pair of sessions went, Rodriguez replied: “They were OK today and Monday’s was OK, compared to last Saturday’s.
“I liked some things the defense did Monday, and I liked some things the offense did today. Tomorrow it may be the special teams.”
He said he will be happy Saturday if they keep performing well the remainder of the week. Some scrimmaging is on tap for Wednesday, with an officiated scrimmage closing camp on Saturday afternoon.
Sunday will be Fan Day from 2-4 p.m., with players and coaches signing autographs.
Rodriguez revealed that senior linebacker Marc Magro, who was sent home a few days ago because of mono, had been cleared to return Tuesday but not practice. “He’s better and was out there running around a little bit,” he said.
He’s expected to be ready to play in the Sept. 1 season’s opener against Western Michigan at home.
The competition among running backs, behind All-America superstar Steve Slaton, remains keen. The coach said freshman Noel Devine and Jock Sanders have done some good things, along with veterans Ed Collington and Eddie Davis.
He hopes that after Saturday, the top two or three backups to Slaton will be nailed down.
Rodriguez said he’s pleased with the way the quarterbacks performed the past two days.
“They threw the ball better (Tuesday),” he noted.
© 2007, The Times West Virginian
P.O. Box 2530, Fairmont, West Virginia
(304) 367-2500
By Mickey Furfari
For the Times West Virginian
MORGANTOWN — Coach Rich Rodriguez praised Owen Schmitt, West Virginia University’s veteran fullback, after Tuesday’s two-a-day practice sessions at Mountaineer Field/Milan Puskar Stadium.
He hailed the 6-3, 260-pound senior from Fairfax, Va., as one of those “old-school fullbacks” that are a rare a rare commodity today.
“There aren’t as many (true fullbacks) as there used to be,” he said.
“The thing I like about Owen is that he understands the physical nature of being the lead blocker. And, at the same time, he’s also got some running-back skills.
“He also has some natural skills as far as being able to cut, and he’s got soft hands. He loves football and has the passion to play on a high level.”
Schmitt, who transferred from a Division II school in 2004, also has been taking reps at a receiver slot in preseason drills. He’s noted for his hard work in the weight room which made his one of the squad’s strongest and trimmest players.
Asked how Tuesday’s pair of sessions went, Rodriguez replied: “They were OK today and Monday’s was OK, compared to last Saturday’s.
“I liked some things the defense did Monday, and I liked some things the offense did today. Tomorrow it may be the special teams.”
He said he will be happy Saturday if they keep performing well the remainder of the week. Some scrimmaging is on tap for Wednesday, with an officiated scrimmage closing camp on Saturday afternoon.
Sunday will be Fan Day from 2-4 p.m., with players and coaches signing autographs.
Rodriguez revealed that senior linebacker Marc Magro, who was sent home a few days ago because of mono, had been cleared to return Tuesday but not practice. “He’s better and was out there running around a little bit,” he said.
He’s expected to be ready to play in the Sept. 1 season’s opener against Western Michigan at home.
The competition among running backs, behind All-America superstar Steve Slaton, remains keen. The coach said freshman Noel Devine and Jock Sanders have done some good things, along with veterans Ed Collington and Eddie Davis.
He hopes that after Saturday, the top two or three backups to Slaton will be nailed down.
Rodriguez said he’s pleased with the way the quarterbacks performed the past two days.
“They threw the ball better (Tuesday),” he noted.
© 2007, The Times West Virginian
P.O. Box 2530, Fairmont, West Virginia
(304) 367-2500
