Rich Rodriguez Evaluates ‘Hard Edge’ Play in West Virginia’s Spring Scrimmage

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Standing right behind every play during Saturday’s scrimmage, Rich Rodriguez was watching one aspect of his team above all else. Rodriguez demands an intensity, physicality and a level of competitiveness from his team at all times, and he especially wanted that on display in front of fans as they closed the spring period.

And while everything didn’t go according to plan – he noted seeing too much “sloppiness” at times, Rodriguez was mostly pleased with the effort from the 2026 Mountaineers. His current team, and a group of players fans can feel comfortable getting to know without a second transfer portal looming, has that “Hard Edge” attitude required from the old school Rodriguez.

“It was pretty competitive. I’m not sure they executed well at times, but I thought they played pretty hard,” said Rodriguez to open his media session on Saturday afternoon.

Rodriguez also reiterated that his standard of playing hard is often even a level above his coaches on his staff. “I’m really really critical on effort, over-the-top critical. I tell the coaches grade them hard on an effort standpoint.”

But the one turnover on the day did provide him some film to use against his players when they return for fall camp. Rodriguez pointed to a couple players were “loafing” on Malik Hawkins’ fumble recovery. “Playing hard and not being soft is a non negotiable,” he emphasized.

All in all, the spring period was a success for Rodriguez and allowed his program to take an extra step above where they were at this same point one year ago.

After being able to enjoy a more normal offseason, Rodriguez, and the staff as a whole, can tell that the 2026 group appears more ready to go.

For Rodriguez, this spring, without a second spring transfer portal window waiting, has allowed the process to be further along at both developing the team and evaluating his players. He’s mentioned throughout the spring about being able to solidify most of the depth chart earlier in the summer, rather than going into fall camp with every position wide open again.

“We can tell from a competitive standpoint, an athletic standpoint. I think so. We had more money to spend this year than last year,” said Rodriguez, admitting that the bump in money to use to acquire players has made this spring easier and allowed him to acquire more natural talent on the roster, a roster that is mostly set in April, already a stark contrast to one year ago.

Find more coverage of the WVU football program at WV Sports Now.