The West Virginia University football team held its first of 15 official spring practices Monday, kicking off the spring season on a sunny day outdoors in University City.
Of the more than 20 players added to the Mountaineers roster this offseason, 16 new players were activated on Monday. This number includes true freshmen and experienced players brought in through the transfer portal, all of whom will enroll at WVU in January to begin their football program.
For veteran players like Garrett Green, Wyatt Milam, Edward Vesterinen, and Sean Martin, spring practice is the perfect time to fine-tune their skill sets and hone their games. For the player entering his first year in the program, the spring is crucial for building chemistry with coaches and teammates and learning different systems.
Here are some of the rookies that have caught the attention of coaches so far, as mentioned by offensive coordinator Chad Scott and defensive coordinator Jordan Leslie on Monday.
Jayden Bray — WR — Transfer (Oklahoma State)
Chad Scott: “He's explosive and felt really good today. He looks fast. He's a big guy. He's fast, he's experienced, he catches the ball well. [and] I play really hard. He was in good shape today and was really shining. And he also had a great offseason.
Ty French — LB — Transfer (Gardner Webb)
Jordan Leslie: “His work is [the] F.C.S. [level] That speaks for itself. Firstly, he has a motor. The second thing is that he's great. He's jetting off the edge and that's what we needed. ”
Reid Carrico — LB — Transfer (Ohio State University)
Jordan Leslie: “Reed Carrico is a guy that I was really, really impressed with, not just the way he works, but how he understands the linebacker position. The drills we did in the winter. I think the skills that he gained through things like that are really, really helpful. … He needed a lot of help there and he did a good job.”
Aiden Garnes — CB — Transfer (Duquesne)
Jordan Leslie: “He's a player we were really looking at going back to last year. He's a skill set that we need, being tall and really able to run and has the ability to play the ball through the air.”
Clay Ash — RB — Freshman (Leesburg, Va.)
Chad Scott: “[Ash] He's a phenomenal guy, he's worked hard, he's a walk-on back. ”
TJ Jackson — DL — Transfer (Troy)
Jordan Leslie: “Very explosive guy. Again, it shows in his tape and his work.”
TJ Crandall — CB — Transfer (Colorado State)
Jordan Leslie: “Again, a guy who can really, really run. Corners were a focus for us, and speed and playing the ball in the air were right there in the top two. With the addition of new players, I think it's even faster.”
Zee Jennings — DB — Freshman (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Jordan Leslie: “He's someone you have to say 'wow' rather than 'dazzling.' He only knows one speed. ”
