MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Expect Reuben Jones to be in the mix for West Virginia’s defense this season.
Like Kenny Bigelow and Jabril Robinson a year ago, Jones is a graduate transfer who will make the Mountaineers defensive line better with his arrival.
“It’s like getting an IV when you’re dehydrated,” said defensive coordinator Vic Koenning. “I feel a lot better watching him run around out there.”
Jones arrived from Michigan this summer. He appeared in 11 games during his three years as a Wolverine.
“Jones is a high-effort guy,” WVU coach Neal Brown said Thursday. “He played in limited role at Michigan last year, but you could see that he’s extremely active on film.”
Jones was on the field as a nose tackle during the 1-minute drill the Mountaineers ran to conclude Saturday’s practice. He was flanked by Jeffrey Pooler and Quondarius Qualls while the eight regular starters for the rest of the defense was behind them.
The offense ended up winning the drive in question as Austin Kendall connected with Sam James for a long touchdown pass, but it provided a glimpse into a situation where Jones will be placed on the field this year.
Ryan stands out
It’s clear that wide receiver Sean Ryan is a potential playmaker for West Virginia’s offense. What isn’t clear is whether he’ll have to wait another year to fill that role.
Ryan, who transferred from Temple after Rod Carey replaced Manny Diaz who replaced Geoff Collins as the Owls’ head coach this offseason, is seeking an NCAA waiver to play this season rather than sitting out.
Though the Mountaineers are still practicing in shorts, Ryan showed off some physicality Saturday when he overpowered the defensive back covering him to make a long reception.
“I saw the same thing you did – he can make plays,” said co-offensive coordinator Matt Moore, who then rapped his knuckles against the wooden podium from which he was speaking. “Until we hear the news, I’m just going to hope and wish.”
Safeties first
Koenning has a conundrum at the back of West Virginia’s defense.
Four players the Mountaineers assumed they’d have in the fold back in the spring – juniors Kenny Robinson and Derrek Pitts and freshmen Osita Smith and Rashean Lynn – aren’t with the program. Josh Norwood was moved over from cornerback and junior college transfer Noah Guzman was also brought in to help slow that bleeding.
But that still leaves Koenning two men short of where he thought he’d be.
“We’re counting on Donte Bonamico to give us some snaps, but the rest of the guys don’t have that much experience,” Koenning said. “Jake Long is a good fit there, he’s one of our strongest players.”
Long had one of the more athletic plays on Saturday. Crashing down near the line of scrimmage, he leaped up to bat down a pass from 6-foot-6 quarterback Jack Allison.
“Noah Guzman is a lot like Sean Mahone,” Koenning said. “Sean Mahone has to take the next step. I’m constantly on him to not be average.
“I just walked up from encouraging Kerry Martin in the locker room. He’s way better than what he was in the spring. I think he can move forward now with a more level playing field as far as off-the-field stuff.
“I think we’ve got enough guys. But we’re not going to be blessed with a plethora of depth there. We’ve got to be smart.”