West Virginia head football coach, Neal Brown spoke at Big 12 Media Day on Wednesday and answered questions about his team. Brown, who has compiled a record of 17 wins and 18 loses while at WVU looks to capitalize on experience and key additions in the transfer portal for his team’s success in the 2022 season. “Our work ethic, our leadership, and our team chemistry are much improved, and experiencing great success on the recruiting trail.” Said Brown at Big 12 Media Days.
Conference Realignment
Coach Brown was asked about the changing landscape of college football, with conference realignment being a hot topic. A topic that has already hit close to home in the Big 12 with the pending departure of both Oklahoma University, and the University of Texas. While also adding Brigham Young University, Cincinnati University, University of Central Florida, and the University of Houston.
“’I’m really excited about the direction of the Big 12 Conference. I think some things over the last few weeks have created a great opportunity for our league. From a West Virginia perspective, we played in — we’re a little bit different than maybe some of the other schools whose uniforms are up here.” Brown said.
“We’ve played in multiple leagues over the last 50 to 75 years. We’ve even been independent. The one constant is that West Virginia football has always been successful and has always figured out a way to make it work.” Brown said.
The Backyard Brawl
West Virginia Athletic Director Shane Lyons has always pushed for West Virginia to have Power 5 opponents. This year will be no different, as the Mountaineers will restore two rivalry games this fall against ACC opponents. West Virginia will play travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Panthers in the Backyard Brawl, and then Blacksburg to take on the Hokies. Coach Brown was asked about the importance of The Backyard Brawl being renewed this season.
“I think it’s a great kickoff for college football. We’re not playing on so-called week zero, but we are the premier Power Five game versus Power Five opponent on Thursday night, and our guys are excited. It’s been a great carrot for our guys as we’ve gone through winter, through spring ball,” Brown said, “now through summer workouts to know that man, we’ve got not only a game to look forward to but it’s a rivalry game that’s going to be on prime time.
Additions Through Transfer Portal
After losing some key players to graduation and the transfer portal, Coach Brown and his staff used the transfer portal to try and rebuild his team. West Virginia was able to land transfer quarterback J.T. Daniels from Georgia, linebacker Lee Kpogba from East Mississippi Community College, and others that look to bolster the 2022 roster.
“I like our group. It’s a group that has had unique paths. If you look at a guy like Lee Kpogba, who came in the spring and will be our starting linebacker, who did not have a
traditional path, but here he is, and we think he’s got a chance to be one of the better linebackers in our league. I think through the portal on defense what we were looking to add is guys that were experienced and that were selfless, that could be great teammates, and we’ve done that.”
Addition of Graham Harrell
During the offseason, Coach Brown made an important decision that he felt would better position his team’s success moving forward. Coach Brown had been taking on a dual role since becoming the head coach at West Virginia, as the head coach and play caller for the offense. That will change this coming fall as Coach Neal Brown hired veteran Offensive Coordinator Graham Harrell to take over the offense. This is big step for the program, and one that has been welcomed by Coach Brown and the fanbase.
“I’m excited about what he can bring. He’s been a great staff member. I think we’re going to see the benefits. The biggest for me is he’s got a great feel on game day. So that’s something that I think is going to be a huge positive, and it’ll be not only for our players but for me, great feel on game day, so I’m looking forward to it.”
“He’s confident without being arrogant. He’s extremely humble. It helps that he was a great player in this league, and I think that gets the players’ attention on your current roster but
also in recruiting. He’s had great success at not only USC but at North Texas, as well. He’s been able to have success with different types of players and different types of
offenses.”
West Virginia will open their 2022 season on the road against Pitt, in The Backyard Brawl.
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