WVU football TE Ryan Ward discusses challenges blocking for QB Michael Hawkins Jr.
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MORGANTOWN -- West Virginia tight end Ryan Ward lines up on a pass play. The ball is snapped, and Ward breaks from the line of scrimmage, getting into his route. Ward turns to look for the ball and sees his quarterback, Michael Hawkins Jr., coming his way on a run. Immediately, Ward's role on the play shifts.
He's gone from a pass catcher to a crucial part of WVU's rushing attack.
"That's just Rich Rod's offense," Ward said. "A lot of RPOs. Just being part of his offense, you just kind of have to know. The tight ends for sure need to know when to block, when to not block, depending on the play. Rich Rod's offense prepares us for that. Mike makes us all right, so it’s really good to have him out there."
Ward transferred before the 2025 season from North Carolina. He redshirted his freshman season and then played in nine games for the Tar Heels. Ward played in 10 games for the Mountaineers in 2025, playing behind tight end Grayson Barnes. He had six catches for 41 yards and a score.
But Ward said he came to West Virginia to improve on his blocking. One of the big plays for Ward in 2025 was a big block on the perimeter that set up a WVU touchdown in the upset win over Houston on the road.
Since he's been here for a year and four games, Ward said his blocking has improved.
"Coach (Michael) Nysewander is a great coach," Ward said. "Coach Rod will get on you until you get it right. Just having those two guys, along with Travis and Rick Trickett, we have unbelievable coaches. I think I’ve definitely improved in line on the perimeter, and just continue to build that confidence, and just go into every game with that. Just those are some great coaches to have."
Perimeter blocking is important in Rodriguez's offense. The Mountaineers have run the ball 229 times, which is the most in Power Four. Nine of those rushes were on swing passes, and Hawkins has run the ball 72 times himself. A majority of the time, those runs are out on the perimeter.
Setting the edge for rushers is the hardest to get down, according to Ward. When you're blocking on the perimeter, it's usually against smaller defensive backs. At first thought, it may sound easier since they are smaller, but they are faster, more agile, and rather run around a block than through like linebackers. It's more chasing than shaking off contact.
Ward learned you have to sprint out to the edge but quickly slow down and meet the defensive backs, striking at the right time.
"I would say the perimeter, like that’s probably one of the hardest things to do in football is to block on the perimeter," Ward said. "You don’t want to be holding the block for 30 seconds out there on the perimeter. It’s gonna be hard. So timing and getting your feet right."
There are still areas for improvement for Ward. He's still only a year and four games in the system, and has another season for the Mountaineers under the new 5-for-5 ruling. This season, Ward has caught two passes, one for a touchdown, against U.T. Martin.
Ward said he still needs to improve on his pass catching and knowing where to be to catch more passes. And, Ward still wants to improve his perimeter blocking.
"I’ve got to be more consistent," Ward said. "I’ve had probably two good games that I want back, but it’s just part of it. Just got to keep consistency up, and that’s one of the hardest things in football is to be consistent on every play."