WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The West Liberty University football team had a noticeable jump in its step during Sunday afternoon’s spirited preseason workout.
“This was our best day so far,” head coach Roger Waialae said as his nationally-ranked squad headed for the showers following their first day in shoulder pads. “It was hot again but the guys were going hard, having fun and encouraging each other. We looked a little bit more like a football team today.”
Sunday’s highlight was the first session of 1-on-1s between members of the offensive and defensive lines taking place in one of the end zones.
The ones, twos and threes rotated through 7-on-7s at the other end of the field while the linemen popped pads for the first time this summer.
Junior-college transfer Jose Baez, who seems primed to step in at one of the starting guard spots, dominated virtually all of his matchups in impressive fashion. Returning All-WVIAC center Nick Madia also did well along with two more juco transfers, Larry Wriedt and Ryan Scaperotta. Offensive line coach Dan Hopkins seemed generally pleased with the performance of his group as a whole.
On the defensive side, returning starters Isaac Omaits, Ryan Mirich and Leonidas Redding looked strong. Junior college transfer Nick Augustyn and true freshman Jake Lilly were the most impressive new faces but the coaches agreed that both lines seemed to be competing at a higher level this year.
Zach Amedro had another good day throwing during the 7-on-7s. Kevon Calhoun, Ryan Travis, Willie Walker, Pauly Ferguson and Brandon Schroeder all pulled down several completions from the returning All-American. Amedro and Walker concluded the “ones” workout with a 60-yard touchdown bomb for the second straight day.
Redshirt freshman QB Tyler Tucci made some impressive throws during his reps. Kevin Board, Arvin Bell, Lloyd Phillips and Vinnie Candelore all found themselves on the receiving end of passes from Tucci. Backup tailback DeVaughn Gordon got some opportunities at slot receiver on Sunday and impressed with good hands and some crisp route-running. Gordon and promising true freshman B.J. Hendrix each pulled in 25-yard crossing patterns from Tucci and turned them into 60-yard scoring plays.
The workout wound down with some offense and special-teams work before a 15-minute conditioning session led by Coach Hopkins wrapped up the activities for the day.
West Liberty sports information director Matt Watson snapped some pictures of Sunday’s workout. Here’s a link to Matt’s shots: Hilltopper Training Camp Photos - Aug. 15
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