Will probably be a homecoming for West Virginia coach Wealthy Rodriguez on Saturday, when the Mountaineers and Robert Morris kick off the season towards one another in Morgantown, W. Va.
Rodriguez, a West Virginia graduate, returned to the college in December, after spending the final two seasons as the pinnacle coach at Jacksonville State. He additionally served as West Virginia’s head coach from 2001-07. The Mountaineers had a 60-26 file throughout these seven seasons and gained the Huge East Convention championship 4 occasions.
West Virginia should change most of its offensive manufacturing from final season, however junior operating again Jahiem White is among the many returning items. He rushed for 845 yards and 7 touchdowns as a sophomore.
Defensive finish Jimmori Robinson, a switch from UTSA, is considered one of 4 West Virginia gamers who challenged the NCAA’s eligibility guidelines and was dominated eligible by a federal choose on Aug. 20.
Working again Tye Edwards, security Justin Harrington and extensive receiver Jeffery Weimer are the three different gamers who have been dominated eligible, however the NCAA has reportedly appealed the courtroom ruling. Robinson was the American Athletic Convention Defensive Participant of the Yr final season.
“We’ve got our basic counsel that is working with the NCAA and the Huge 12 and our compliance division to verify we’re deciphering the choose’s order accurately,” Rodriguez mentioned Tuesday. “Clearly the order was favorable to these guys having the ability to play, however they’re nonetheless discussing that. Jimmori has not practiced, however the different three are working towards.”
Robert Morris, an FCS program, was picked to complete third within the Northeast Convention Preseason Ballot. The Colonials have six new coaches on workers, together with a first-year offensive coordinator and a first-year defensive coordinator.
Junior Zach Tanner has been named the beginning quarterback after throwing for simply 453 yards with 4 touchdowns and two interceptions final season.
“We misplaced 30 guys, possibly 40 guys between the switch portal and commencement,” Robert Morris coach Bernard Clark Jr. mentioned. “We’ve got quite a lot of new transferring components. Clearly we open up with a monster, however on the similar time it additionally provides us a barometer.”
–Area Stage Media