Saturday’s 12:05 p.m. kickoff will be an instant fix for football followers who have been foaming at the mouth to see a bone-jarring tackle or a spectacular touchdown pass. But before we close the book on the preseason, there are a few details left to sort out.
And just think: by the time you finish reading this, you’ll be about five to seven minutes closer to kickoff time.
JOCK (RE) OPENS UP SHOP
Junior slot receiver Jock Sanders was reinstated to the team back on the first day of summer camp. Sanders had been suspended for off-the-field trouble stemming from a DUI arrest. He did everything he was asked, for example taking a WVU substance abuse class, in order to get back on the team; Stewart and the rest of the Mountaineers welcomed him back with open arms.
The WVU staff has maintained Sanders was not given special treatment. That sentiment has carried on even after he rejoined the team during preseason practices.
“I’ve taken that young man to the woodshed so often,” Stewart said. “He’s done everything we’ve asked him.”
Sanders will play against Liberty and will start if he works hard in practices leading up to the game, Stewart said.
Last season, Sanders led the team with 53 receptions, 462 yards and seven touchdowns. He also rushed for 250 yards and two touchdowns.
ELIGIBILITY UPDATE
Results are in for two of the three freshman Mountaineers whose eligibility needed further review by the NCAA. Unfortunately for wide receiver Jerrard Hunter, the NCAA Eligibility center determined he did not academically qualify. Hunter, who had accepted a late scholarship offer and is a Washington, D.C. native, is no longer with the team.
Jonathan Scott, a free safety from Daytona Beach, Fla., is still having his academics records reviewed. Stewart said Scott’s papers were taken to a special committee to help expedite the process.
Pat Miller, a defensive back from Birmingham, Ala., was the third player who required final approval – he got it and has since resumed all football-related activities.
INJURY REPORT
Trippe Hale, a special teams reserve who is used on both kickoff and punt coverage, is the lone player who is expected to sit out the opener. Hale is nursing a minor groin injury, but Stewart expects he will be able to go next Saturday, against East Carolina.
Nagging injuries have slowed down safety Sidney Glover throughout the offseason. He has been trying to shake off an array of minor issues, including a recurring hamstring problem. Nate Sowers is slated to start ahead of Glover at strong safety, against Liberty. However, Glover is listed just behind Sowers and will most likely play, and is also listed behind Boogie Allen, at bandit safety.
FOUR WALK-ONS AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS
Hard work and perseverance combined with the right attitude and enough skill earned Ricky Kovatch, Scott Loving, Mike Poitier and Josh Taylor football scholarships at WVU.
“They gave us every ounce of sweat they can possibly give,” Stewart said, “for the old gold and blue.”
Inside a capacity-filled Puskar Center team room, the four players were each presented a football signed by both the coaching staff and the seniors. Stewart said he flipped all four of the now former walk-ons their autographed footballs and shook their hands.
“It was a thunderous ovation,” Stewart said. “It was awesome.”
Kovatch provides depth at fullback/tight end, Loving is another tight end, Poitier is a reserve running back and Taylor made the two-deep roster behind Chris Neild, at nose tackle.