**The Shotgun/Throwdown (2/26/25): Rich Rodriguez Sees Early Highs and Lows from WVU’s First Spring Practice**
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University (WVU) kicked off its first spring practice of the 2025 season under the watchful eye of head coach Rich Rodriguez, who is returning to lead the Mountaineers after a notable stint in the 2000s. As expected, the session was filled with both positive takeaways and areas for improvement, as Rodriguez quickly assessed the early stages of the team’s preparation for the upcoming season.
The first day of spring practice is always a mix of excitement and uncertainty, and Coach Rodriguez was candid in his reflections. He noted the energy around the program was palpable, with players eager to impress and get into the rhythm of a new season. The coaching staff was equally engaged, focusing on installing key fundamentals and evaluating talent at various positions, particularly within the offensive and defensive units.
Rodriguez highlighted some early successes during the practice, particularly from the quarterback position. Returning starter, Garrett Greene, looked sharp in his first day of drills, showcasing his athleticism and strong arm. Rodriguez was encouraged by Greene’s command of the offense, emphasizing the importance of having a reliable leader under center. The junior signal caller has worked hard in the offseason to improve his consistency, and his performance on Day 1 provided a glimpse of the potential for WVU’s offensive attack this fall.
On the flip side, Rodriguez was quick to point out areas where improvement is necessary, particularly with the team’s offensive line. The Mountaineers’ offensive front struggled at times during the practice, and Coach Rodriguez didn’t mince words in pointing out the need for better consistency in both pass protection and run blocking. With a new coach taking over the running backs position, solidifying the offensive line will be crucial for creating space in the running game and giving quarterbacks time to operate.
The defense, led by coordinator Jordan Lesley, had its moments of brilliance but also faced challenges. The defensive line showed promise, particularly with defensive end Dante Stills, who continues to be a disruptive force in the trenches. Rodriguez was impressed with the team’s aggressiveness and physicality, but he also noted that the defense needs to improve in coverage and tackling fundamentals, which were areas of inconsistency during the practice.
Rodriguez’s return to WVU is marked by a renewed focus on player development, and the first practice was no exception. With a mix of veterans and new faces, Coach Rodriguez is eager to shape the culture and identity of the team. He emphasized the importance of developing depth across all positions and creating a competitive atmosphere within the locker room. The new coaching staff is already implementing changes designed to maximize the potential of the team.
One of the key themes that emerged from Rodriguez’s comments was his desire to foster a balanced offense. He acknowledged that WVU’s success in recent seasons has largely been due to its strong running game but stressed the importance of becoming more dynamic through the air. The Mountaineers worked on a variety of passing schemes during the first practice, with Rodriguez expressing confidence that the team can become more diverse offensively as the spring progresses.
As spring practice continues, all eyes will be on the Mountaineers to see how they address their early shortcomings and build on the positive aspects of the first session. With Rich Rodriguez back at the helm, expectations are high as the program strives to reclaim its place as a contender in the Big 12 Conference. The first practice has provided both coaches and fans with a glimpse into what promises to be an exciting and challenging spring for WVU football.