WVU TE Praises Blaine Stewart as Coach: ‘He’s Earned Our Respect’

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – It’s only natural Blaine Stewart would feel more comfortable in his role as tight ends coach at WVU now in his second year on the job. It’s also clear that his players can feel a different energy from the West Virginia legacy.

While speaking with the media after spring practice, tight end Treylan Davis was asked about what he’s now noticing from Stewart in comparison to how he was at this point last year. At the start of spring ball in 2023, Stewart was barely settled in as a Morgantown resident again – he was hired less than two months prior on Jan. 20. But now in 2024, Davis can tell Stewart feels more comfortable as a leader of a position room.

“I think he’s grown so much confidence wise. Last year he brought it up a few times, this is his first time being a leader of an actual position, like a unit and how he was super excited for the opportunity. And this year that’s showing. He’s enjoying it every day,” said Davis about Stewart.

WVU TE Treylan Davis says he’s learned a lot about being a complete tight end from Kole Taylor. He believes Taylor is underrated as a compete player and more than a pass catcher.

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) April 12, 2024

The veteran tight end then brought up the bonus of Stewart benefiting from having the same group of players returning.

“It’s awesome we have the same group of guys coming back with him. We’ve all built a really close bond.”

Davis topped his praise of Stewart off by adding that “he’s earned a lot of our respect” to fully hammer home his love of playing for a coach who grew up around the WVU program.

Blaine Stewart, the son of the late former WVU head coach, joined the West Virginia staff following a long tenure working his way up the ranks with the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers. He just finished his second season with the Steelers as assistant wide receivers coach. Prior to that title, Stewart served two seasons as a coaching assistant before being promoted.

The Morgantown, W.Va. native played wide receiver at the University of Charleston (W. Va.) in 2016 and 2017, after beginning his collegiate career at James Madison University (2013-15).

Watch Treylan Davis’ full press conference below.