What’s Rich Rodriguez’s Plan for Tight Ends in WVU Offense?

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –  Most longtime WVU fans may think they know what a Rich Rodriguez-led offense looks like. But after the first day of spring practice, Rodriguez offered some insight about how his offensive mentality has changed over the years.

Something West Virginia fans even experienced some of the last two years with Kole Taylor may carry over under Rodriguez – the tight end will be utilized as more than just a blocker. While Rodriguez’s tight ends were mostly an extra blocker in his spread scheme in the past, especially during his first tenure with WVU, they could actually become weapons in the more modern version of his offense.

After the first spring practice on Tuesday, Rodriguez said he studies other offenses every year and tries to take elements that he feels could translate well to his system. He said he’s been utilizing tight ends more in recent years and expects that to continue to be the case with the Mountaineers.

To that end, Rodriguez and his staff did bring in a couple transfer tight ends, granted they have more of a blocking background than being the next Taylor or Anthony Becht at WVU

Jacob Barrick, a Martinsburg, W.Va. native followed Rodriguez from Jacksonville State and will spend his final year of eligibility in the Big 12. He made six receptions for 70 yards in six games for the Gamecocks in 2024.

In high school as a 2022 prospect he did show more an ability to be productive as a pass catcher. He made 38 receptions for 644 yards and scored seven touchdowns while averaging 16.95 yards per reception. Barrick also caught four two-point conversion attempts.

West Virginia also added Johnny Pascuzzi, who unlike Barrick, brings Power Four experience from his time with Iowa in the Big Ten. After starting his college career as a walk-on, Pascuzzi appeared in 22 games in four years for Iowa as mostly as blocking tight end and on special teams. He made a couple receptions for 41 yards, 40 of which came on one play.

Experienced Iowa Transfer TE Johnny Pascuzzi Commits to West Virginia

Factoring those transfers in with Colin McBee, Greg Genres and Jack Sammarco, and Rodriguez has several options at tight end.

Rodriguez hired Michael Nysewander has his tight ends coach and moved Blaine Stewart over to coaching inside receivers.

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