(Citynet Statewide Sportsline interview with Jahmile Addae)
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — With several young players expected to enter the lineup in the WVU secondary this fall, every practice rep leading up to the season will prove valuable for defensive backs coach Jahmile Addae.
Despite getting only two of fifteen spring practices in before the shutdown of college athletics in March, Addae says some of the virtual instruction methods could become a normal part of offseason work going forward.
“It has actually opened my eyes up to maybe a different way in which we can do some things and really use technology to help us,” Addae said. “I think moving forward there will be a place for some of the stuff we have had to go through to get us through this time.
“There is really no substitute for the on-field reps. Especially for a group that is going to have to have some young guys contribute. That’s pivotal in our success and maturation. I know the guys are continuing to work and close that gap.”
The traditional in-person summer workout window will in all likelihood be greatly reduced by the pandemic. When Addae’s defensive backs eventually return to the practice field, getting in game shape quickly will be a challenge and a priority.
“Once you get physical fatigue, you know the mental is obviously fatiguing as well. And when you have mental fatigue, you have busts and you have issues. That’s no good for a defensive back. Being in shape allows them to play cleaner, faster, better football because their mind is working under a controlled situation.”
West Virginia is searching for a pair of new starting cornerbacks and Nicktroy Fortune should stake a claim to one of those spots. Fortune played in eleven games last fall as a freshman. His best game came in his first start.
“If you watched the Iowa State game, that’s probably one of the most impressive games that I have seen a freshman play. That’s the single game in which he knew going into game week that he would be the guy and have some time to prepare and really focus himself mentally.”
Junior college transfer Jackie Matthews, redshirt freshman Tae Mayo and freshman Jairo Faverus are also in the mix for playing time. So is junior Dreshun Miller. A preseason knee injury last summer ended Miller’s season.
“He basically missed the entire season and to be honest he is one of the guys we are looking forward to getting back because before the knee injury in practice, he was probably playing better than anyone else.”
Addae has coached at Michigan, Cincinnati, Arizona and Minnesota over the last twelve seasons. He says the typical Big 12 offenses mirror what he saw while coaching in Tucson.
“I probably liken it to the Pac-12 in that in this league they throw the ball around. The schemes (in the Big 12) are probably more pro-esque.
“Every week when you go into your game plan, you have to defend both run and pass. It forces you to play closer to the vest and be sound in your schemes.”
Addae is entering his second season coaching alongside defensive coordinator Vic Koenning.
“I have worked with a lot of defensive coordinators and Vic is by far the most fun to work for because every day is a new challenge as a coach as you try to change things up.
“The pressure is earned of being able to prepare the kids. But we take it and we run with it.”
Bailey & Washington head west
Two of West Virginia’s top defensive contributors in 2019 signed free agent contracts following the NFL Draft on Saturday. Keith Washington signed with the New Orleans Saints while Hakeem Bailey joined the roster of the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs.
“Both of them got here by the junior college route and really had to prove themselves here as Mountaineers. Last year they did that. The powers that be didn’t necessarily call their names on draft day but that’s just the beginning of the story. I have a feeling that both of those guys will make the Mountaineer Nation happy as they go into camps.”
Coach Addae’s game tape
Addae’s playing career at WVU ended fifteen years ago. He was known as a hard-hitting safety who racked up 189 tackles and eight interceptions. His final play at Milan Puskar Stadium came in the 2005 Backyard Brawl against Pittsburgh. He picked off a pass and returned it and returned it forty yards for a touchdown.
“My guys are good. They are probably tired of hearing about Coach Addae. I try not to use too much of it but it is hard because I have been through everything they are going through. I played in front of the same fans. I have been in the same community. I have been in the same classrooms. I have sat in the same study halls. It is too hard for me not to compare and contrast.”