Notes from Holgorsen’s Press Conference: Kansas Week

Here are some notable moments and quotes from Dana Holgorsen’s press conference today as the Mountaineers prep to open Big XII play against Kansas in Lawrence this Saturday.

— There’s really nothing special about Kansas, yet. David Beaty is doing a tremendous job as the Jayhawks head coach, but they are still a long, long ways off from making any noise in the Big XII. The Mountaineers couldn’t have imagined an easier opener for league play.

—Will Grier has the intangibles. By this point, we can all agree that Grier’s reputation has preceded him. The kid is good, but it’s who he is in the locker room that makes him the total package. “[Grier] knows when to pick people up. Knows when to yell at a guy. Got a lot of intelligence, a lot of football intelligence.” -DH

—Expect more from Justin Crawford. Although Crawford’s 326-yards and 5 touchdowns are tops in the Big XII, Holgorsen expects his workload to increase in the coming weeks. “He’s carried it what, 14-15 times a game for three games now? That number is going to go up at some point.” – DH

— Holgorsen has fallen from the air-raid tree. It’s almost as if West Virginia fans have watched Holgorsen blossom into a well-rounded coach right in front of our eyes. Long gone are the days where you might be lucky if the Mountaineers ran the ball 15 times per game. It’s all about balance now. “We’re going to continue to force runs even when they’re taking the run away. That’s who we are.” – DH

—Good news concerning injured players. Linebacker David Long, offensive linemen Grant Lingafelter and Jacob Buccigrossi, and defensive back Toyous Avery practiced today. That means very little in the way of them playing this Saturday, but it is good news that these guys are back on the field. “They’re real close. They’re for sure going to be on the plane. We’ll just have to wait and see how that looks.” – DH