With more options, WVU seeks stability on punt return
One of West Virginia’s key weaknesses from last season is undergoing a makeover.
Last season, West Virginia’s punt return unit averaged 1.89 yards per return, ranking 124th in the nation. The special teams unit has since undergone a coaching change with the duties being split amongst the offense and defense, allowing head coach Dana Holgorsen to oversee all special teams operations.
Now, with the season opener against Virginia Tech less than three weeks away, West Virginia may be looking to use multiple punt returners throughout each game this season, depending on the situation.
“We’ve been working different guys the entire time,” defense and special teams coach Mark Scott said. “Depending on who we’re playing, what their scheme is and the situation of the game, we feel comfortable.”
Junior wide receiver Gary Jennings has carried the load on punt returns for the past two seasons, totaling 34 returns for 108 yards. Despite struggling at the punt returner position last season, Jennings, now more experienced, has progressed over the course of the offseason and fall camp and is looking to turn the corner.
“Obviously, Gary is dependable,” Scott said. “So far, he has taken his game to the next level both at receiver and I think he feels more comfortable, more confident in catching the ball and going on punt returns.”
Jennings, who also caught 10 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns last season, is optimistic about the strategy changes on the punt return unit.
“We’ve been putting in new strategies in order to be able to get more yards and better yardage on punt returns,” Jennings said. “So, I think it’s working out very well. I see the success moving forward.”
Along with Jennings, West Virginia is also looking to use freshman running back Tevin Bush and junior wide receiver David Sills. Sophomore wide receiver Marcus Simms was receiving some looks at the position but will be suspended for the season opener.
Sills has not returned a punt during their time at West Virginia. Bush on the other hand, was a versatile threat in high school as a running back, wide receiver and return specialist, drawing comparisons to former West Virginia wide receiver and current Los Angeles Rams wideout, Tavon Austin.
As the season opener approaches, all three potential return men will receive more practice reps. Only then will the coaching staff have an idea of how each of the four can be utilized on both offense and special teams through each game this season.
“We just need to continue to get those guys as many reps as we can,” Scott said. “We’ve been really working those four guys and, right now, we feel good about any of them. But we’ll get them as many reps as they can get and get a feel for the situation of the game and how many reps those guys are playing on offense will determine who goes out there and when.”
