Mountaineers Ready

By Heath Bloxton
The feeling of West Virginia Mountaineer football is back in the air! Leaves are beginning to change and that fall-time buzz has returned to Morgantown. The players will be lead by a familiar-faced coach, Rich Rodriguez. Rodriguez and his staff will call the shots as they battle for the title of “Best in the Big East”.

On offense, a strong group of linemen should lead the way behind some of the best running backs in the land. An inexperienced receiving core will look to their quarterback to show them the way. Taking the snaps for the Mountaineers will be a combination of two quarterbacks: sophomore drop-back passer Adam Bednarik and the speedy freshman Pat White. Put all of these factors together and you get a group of young men who are ready to “Spot the Ball” for Coach Rodriguez!

On the other side of the ball, the defense will look to improve on last year’s mark. A strong secondary will be lead by senior defensive backs Mike Lorello and Jahmile Addae. Together, they combined to make 113 tackles and four interceptions in the 2004 season. Assisting the secondary will be a fierce group of linebackers and a solid defensive line.

On special teams, the Mountaineers will start freshman place-kicker, Pat McAfee and senior punter Phil Brady.

The Mountaineers seem to be a promising team for the 2005 season. They will open their season facing a tough Syracuse team. Looking down the road, the games don’t get any easier. Nonetheless, it’s time to tune in your radios, fire up your barbeque grill and bring on the West Virginia Mountaineers!!!