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Friday, 03 September 2010 23:20

Written by Colin Dunlap

Here you go with another fine installment of the Q&A. This time, a game day installment.

Remember, if you want to submit a question for the Q&A, it is very easy and can be done here: http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/wvu/questions/qaform.asp

Off we go (oh, remember, there will be a LIVE BLOG today starting when I get to Mountaineer Field and running through the duration of the contest and some postgame stuff) ...

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Start with some questions from Zac from Clifton Park, N.Y.:

QUESTION: What has happened to Coley White? He had a terrific spring, then was sent back to work with the WR's. I haven't heard a thing since.

COLIN DUNLAP: Because Coley White is just an OK football player right now, nothing more, nothing less. With more reps, he might advance to the point where he can help WVU at receiver, but as it is now, I'm just not seeing it happen in the near future. Just as, at quarterback, it is glaringly obvious that he would never overtake Geno Smith or, for that matter, Barry Brunetti. I'm quite certain Coley is a wonderful young man, but the best one might hope for in his career is that he helps out here and there -- I just do not see him being a big time difference maker. I have been wrong before, but I'd be willing to bet on this one.

QUESTION: Noel Devine will get his touches, but could we see Ryan Clarke & Shawne Alston in the backfield (w/o Devine) or Ryan Clark & Matt Lindamood, perhaps Tavon Austin & Daquan Hargrett, etc.?

CD: Could happen where you see some stuff without Devine, but not much. This team will run through him this year. I have said before and I will say it again --- expect his touches to spike. And, as for Tavon, it is my view that he might never return to full-time running back. He said something curious to me about not too long ago that has me thinking he is really, really liking playing receiver.

QUESTION: Who do you like better, Barry Brunetti or Jeremy Johnson?

CD: Brunetti -- and it ain't even close.

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QUESTION: Ivan McCartney was the big prize recruit last year. From what you've seen of him in camp / scrimmages so far, what kind of impact do you see the freshman having this season?

-Andrew in Austin, Texas

CD: He might have some impact, but don't expect him to go out and catch 20 touchdowns or anything. He will make a "splash" play here and there, perhaps provide some depth, but be mindful that this is a young kid and allow him to come along slowly. He definitely has a ton of raw skills from what I have seen; but he also has a long way to go to becoming a guy who can be on the field for 40 plays a game as a college receiver.

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QUESTION: What are your thoughts on the defensive backs this year for the Eers? I felt like they very inconsistent last year. They had awful performances against South Florida and Florida St., but were solid against Cincinnati and Pitt. Obviously Sands is a beast, but how do you think Tandy, Hogan, Glover, etc. will play this year?

-Matt in Squirrel Hill, Pa.

CD: This one is simple: I think Bill Stewart -- and maybe more to the point Jeff Casteel -- will have a shorter leash on some of those guys you mentioned because, to put it simply, Broderick Jenkins and Pat Miller and ready to play...and they are ready to play right now. So, if you see a veteran now play well, expect one of the younger guys (Miller, Jenkins, etc.) to be thrown in there right away where, perhaps last season, there was a bit of apprehension to do so.

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QUESTION: Who do you see as the best three receivers who can catch the tough ball and at the same time make people miss and take the ball up field?

-Hugh in Emporium, Pa.

CD: Jock Sanders doesn't get enough credit for being as tough as he is, he really doesn't, so he's my top guy. Then, second, I'd go with Tavon Austin and third is Stedman Bailey. Sure, some will say I am leaving Brad Starks off the list, but hasn't shown me a whole lot as of yet -- just hasn't.

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http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/wvu/questions/qaform.asp

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