MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Nine practices into fall training camp, the days can start to blur together. Today, however, was indeed Friday, and the Mountaineers held a light morning session in shorts and shoulder pads at the Steve Antoline Family Practice Field, focusing mostly on situational drills and end-of-half/game scenarios.
Head coach Rich Rodriguez the first WVU coach since his own 2007 tenure to speak to the media after every fall camp practice admitted the questions were becoming repetitive. That changed when Blue & Gold News’ Greg Hunter asked about players who had transferred from Jacksonville State, where Rodriguez previously coached.
Rodriguez recalled greeting junior offensive lineman Xavier Bausley, a West Virginia native, with, “Hey Xavier, I’m back! Now are you going to leave again?” He also shared a humorous memory from recruiting Bausley: the player had once written on a form that his father burned all of Rodriguez’s WVU memorabilia in 2007 when he left for Michigan.
Senior safety Kekoura Tarnue, another Jacksonville State transfer, said reuniting with Rodriguez was a blessing. Tarnue left Jax State two years ago to play Power Four football but still considers Rodriguez the best coach he’s had. When he learned he had another year of eligibility, he called to ask for a spot at WVU and Rodriguez welcomed him back.
The Mountaineers’ fall roster now includes eight former Jacksonville State players, with a ninth Andre Devine, son of Noel Devine on the way. Among them is former Martinsburg High standout Jarod Bowie, who began his college career at Division II Concord. Bowie called joining WVU under Rodriguez a dream come true, citing his long-standing love for Mountaineer football and memories of attending games as a teenager.
Rodriguez said he’s glad to have the group back together, noting that their familiarity with his system and staff will be an asset. Tomorrow’s closed scrimmage will be held inside the stadium, with Rodriguez and defensive coordinator Zac Alley available afterward. No practices are scheduled for Sunday.
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