Rich Makes Expectations Clear for WVU’s Young Players After Bye Week Scrimmage

Scrimmage exposed effort gaps

During the bye week, West Virginia’s coaches assessed players who had seen little or no action in the first eight games. They hoped to measure progress and identify anyone ready to help over the final four.

Rodriguez said he was not displeased with the scrimmage, but saw players whose effort did not meet his expectations. He showed the team examples of strong effort and weaker effort, saying the young players’ understanding of playing hard still needed to match his standard.

Rodriguez said the team would not accept players failing to give their best. He tied meeting that standard to young players’ future in the program.

Khatri earns defensive praise

Alley praised linebacker Miles Khatri for making a tackle for loss on a play the defense had missed in practice twice. Alley said Khatri handled it successfully the first time he saw it in a game.

Alley also said young defensive backs made early freshman mistakes against TCU, including failing to go to the post or being in man coverage when they should have. He said the staff would work to correct those errors and was pleased with how the players responded.

Competition shapes starting roles

Alley praised Kameron Reddic, noting that he had started games elsewhere and had his best week of practice. Alley said the team’s approach was that the best performer would start.

Potential defensive contributors include linebacker Miles Khatri, safeties Jacob Bradford and Kameron Reddic, and defensive back Maliek Hawkins. The article said true freshmen and transfers who have not yet appeared were not expected to be the likely additions to the rotation.

On offense, the same players who had roles during the first two months were expected to remain involved. Utah running back transfer NaQuari Rogers could also find a role.