Rich Rodriguez provides updates on new WVU football transfers, player injuries ahead of Iowa State
Trending
MORGANTOWN -- On his radio show Monday night and during his Tuesday press conference, Rich Rodriguez provided a couple of updates regarding the timetable for potential reinforcements for West Virginia football.
Former Georgia nickel/safety JaCorey Thomas and former Utah running back NaQuari Rogers gained an extra year of eligibility on Thursday after Judge Kara Krothe of the Monroe County Circuit Court in Indiana granted them a preliminary injunction. Both weren't given an extra year as part of the new NCAA 5-for-5 rule, so they needed the courts to step in.
Thomas committed before the season started and was allowed to participate in team activities, but wasn't allowed to play. He could be seen at the U.T. Martin game on the sidelines, wearing street clothes and a warm-up shirt with Thomas No. 30 on it. After the ruling Thursday, Thomas officially suited up for the first time against Oklahoma State.
According to WVU's Tony Caridi said Thomas didn't play against the Cowboys, but showed up on the participation report.
"He's been with us for a week and a half, so he's going to learn," Rodriguez said. "I think he will continue to learn."
The secondary could use a boost. The pass rush received a lot of the blame, but the secondary could use some help. Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker threw for 389 yards, and wide receiver Wyatt Young had eight catches for 182 yards.
Thomas played for four years at Georgia before transferring. Last season, Thomas had 45 tackles and a sack for nine yards. Rodriguez said the defense has made some adjustments, moving pieces around to improve the defensive struggles. Defensive coordinator Zac Alley talked about how Thomas could be in the mix, and doesn’t think it’ll take long to pick up the defense. Alley said he was fast, can hit hard and has a high ceiling.
"He's a guy that's second or third week of practice, so he will get a little bit more comfortable, too," Rodriguez said. "I think he can help us. He played out in Georgia in a good league, and he’s a mature guy. He’s three weeks in the program, so we’ll see what happens."
Rodriguez also talked about Rogers, who committed after the ruling on Thursday. Rogers played two years at Campbell before going to New Mexico for a season before transferring to Utah last season. He played in 12 games for the Utes and carried the ball 98 times for 387 yards. Rogers even played against the Mountaineers in Morgantown, where Utah won 48-14. He had 61 yards in that game.
Rodriguez said Rogers will be an experienced depth running back, behind lead back Cam Cook and true freshman Amari Latimer. The backs behind those two have been dealing with injuries. True freshman running back Chris Talley had a hamstring injury, and JUCO transfer Martavious Boswell had also been banged up.
Rogers isn't a big back, but comes in at 210 pounds and could see action down the road. Rogers will have his first practice Tuesday after being cleared.
Defensive back Jason Chambers, who was among the first 5-for-5 players added, will potentially have news in terms of his eligibility this week. Chambers played for the Mountaineers last year and could also be a help in the secondary. He's been practicing.
Regarding other injuries, WVU hasn't had too many major ones. The only significant injury was to defensive lineman Darius Wiley, who is out for the season with a leg injury. In the loss to Oklahoma State, the Mountaineers came out pretty clean.
Receiver Armoni Weaver-Bomar is dealing with a finger injury, and Rodriguez doesn't know when he'll be available. Weaver-Bomar has three catches on the year for 14 yards. He had an eight-yard catch against Oklahoma State out of the slot.
With the added depth and not too many injuries, the roster is shaping out to get deeper into Big 12 play.
"Other than that, I guess relatively healthy for four weeks in," Rodriguez said.