WVU Rich Rodriguez being patient with adding players after new 5-for-5 ruling
Rodriguez has options to add to WVU\'s roster
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MORGANTOWN -- On July 31, U.S. District Court of Colorado Judge Charlotte Sweeney issued a class-wide injunction against the NCAA, granting all 2022 athletes a fifth year of eligibility. This comes after the NCAA changed the eligibility rules to 5-for-5, meaning athletes have five years to play five seasons, which didn't include 2022 athletes. Judge Sweeney clarified this doesn't mean athletes can transfer to other schools.
This new injunction opened up the opportunity for former athletes, who might've graduated, to return to their previous schools for another year. Multiple West Virginia football players fit this criteria, including cornerback Jordan Scruggs.
Scruggs announced on social media he's looking to be back on WVU's roster. He played 12 games at corner and made 32 tackles, had two pass breakups and the big pick-6 in the top 25 win over Houston.
After the first fall practice and first-time appearance since the new rulings, Rich Rodriguez was asked if he'd add some former players to the roster. He said the ruling is “chaotic” because the NCAA is appealing the court ruling, and there's a lot of uncertainty around bringing back players.
Rodriguez made clear he doesn't plan to cut a single player that's on the fall roster now to make room for a returning player.
"The guys have worked hard all summer and spring, and they’re on the roster now. They’re going to be on the roster," Rodriguez said.
But Rodriguez said there are roster spots open to add players. He added players last summer who were still in the transfer portal. Most didn't play, but were depth pieces. Regarding the players from the new 5-for-5 ruling, he's waiting.
"Right now we just have it on pause," Rodriguez said. "We're researching it. We are talking to a few that might be eligible. But, we're not adding anybody right now for sure."
Once the ruling clears up, he's not ruling it out.
"Right now, my focus and our main focus is getting these guys, the guys that have been here, ready to play," Rodriguez said. "But, I got enough people on the staff to make sure that we’re checking that out too."
There are challenges if you do bring in a returning player. Obviously, they'll know the system, but there's no telling if they’re in football shape and training the summer like the rest of the team. Rodriguez's biggest problem after Practice 1 was the team wasn't conditioned enough.
"The biggest thing will be getting in shape," defensive coordinator Zac Alley said. "You got guys out there that thought they were done. This guy owns a Magic Car Wash in San Bernardino. That's what they've been doing. You have guys for six months have been out in the real world, going to work every day and not training. I worry more about the physical side."
There are the positives of the new NCAA rule. Current seniors who are on the staff get another year to be on the roster. Defensive back Geimere Latimer gets another year, linebacker Ben Cutter can come back, just to name a few.
Plus, with no more redshirts, there's no hesitation on whether to play a true freshman a certain number of games like in the past. Rodriguez just signed a big freshman class of almost 50 players.
In regards to the players already on the roster affected by the new ruling, WVU plans to take advantage of it. With the uncertainty of players being allowed to come back, Rodriguez and staff are being patient.
"It frees you up to play good freshmen, even if they’re maybe not starting, but they’re going to be a two-three, and they’re going to play on special teams," Alley said. "Now you’re not worried about burning his year playing just kickoff for that game... I think that’s huge because the more time they’re in this culture in this defense, the better they’re going to play."