Mountaineer senior receiver Wes Lyons was widely regarded as the most improved offensive player during spring drills. Now he is trying to build on that during pre-season camp.
"I don’t want to get comfortable," Lyons noted following Saturday’s first pre-season scrimmage. "I feel there is always room for improvement. I just need to improve on the little things."
The 6-foot-8, 230 pound veteran was moved from wide out to the inside slot position this spring. He is expected to be the starter there when the season begins.
Lyons saw action as a true freshman for the Mountaineers back in 2006. He was asked what the toughest adjustment will be for the likes of receiver Logan Heastie, quarterback Geno Smith and running back Tavon Austin. Those three freshman will be expected to contribute to this Mountaineer team right away.
"Just getting used to the speed," Lyons said. "It is the speed of the game. Coming from high school, you are the fastest and the strongest out there. At this level, the other players are just as faster or just as strong. You have to get used to that."
Smith, especially, will have his hands full learning the offense and getting himself ready to play the most demanding position on the field.
"He is dong a good job learning all of the reads and picking up the offense," Lyons said. "It’s a pretty tough job."
Lyons like everyone who watched Saturday, was impressed with the defensive effort during the first full contact scrimmage of the spring.
"The linebackers stood out," Lyons said. "They (the linebackers) where jamming the slot receivers. And the defensive backs did their jobs as well. The whole defense looked good."
A healthy Wes Lyons could be a major weapon for the Mountaineer offense if he continues with the momentum he gained during the spring. There is no doubt Lyons should surpass the career high 11 receptions he got as a junior. Lyons enters his final season with 22 career receptions for an average of 11.5 yards per game. He is looking for his first career touchdown grab.