MORGANTOWN — The acronym “OTAs” has been thrown around the NFL offseason for years, standing for “organized team activities,” and WVU head coach Neal Brown is happy to hear it now at the collegiate level.
“When you look at the NFL, they do a lot of things right,” he said Monday, the first day of fall camp for the Mountaineers.
After being voted on by the NCAA in 2020, this off-season was the first time college football teams could host voluntary workouts during the off-season, and Brown took advantage during the summer, typically having two 50-minute OTAs a week for an eight-week period.
Coaches were able to work with players directly, something that wasn’t allowed under the previous rule. OTAs included playbook installation on offense and defense, work in the weight room and position meetings.
“Talking to (strength and conditioning coach Mike Joseph), he really feels this has been a successful summer,” Brown said. “This isn’t something that he just says every year, either. This is the first time in my four years where he’s come up to me and said, ‘I feel really good about where our guys are.’ “
Trying to avoid fatigue, Brown said coaches tried to keep it as simple as possible, “No screaming or yelling, anything like that.”
Ryan Nehlen leaves for McNeese State
Former WVU offensive analyst Ryan Nehlen was hired as the new tight ends coach at FCS McNeese State, the school announced this week.
Nehlen is the grandson of former WVU head coach Don Nehlen, and spent the last four seasons with the Mountaineers. He played wide receiver at WVU from 2008-11, and is a graduate of University High.
“I’m happy for him, his wife, Micah, and little girl, Penelope,” Brown said. “Obviously, that last name is synonymous with West Virginia football, but we’re happy for Ryan getting his first opportunity at the FCS level, and much deserving.”
While Brown did not make an official announcement on Nehlen’s replacement as offensive analyst, he expects a decision to be made this week. The main responsibility is to scout opponents weeks in advance, and Nehlen was able to get early-season reports done before he left.
Saint McLeod update
Brown said safety Saint McLeod is not expected to be with the team during fall camp after he was stabbed during an incident last March on High Street, though Brown did not say McLeod was off the team and he is still listed on the official roster.
Prior, McLeod was expected to factor into the safety rotation this season.
As a true freshman in 2021, McLeod became an important contributor toward the end of the season at spear safety. He played in eight games, including the final five, finishing with 21 tackles and two forced fumbles.
TWEET @SeanManning_1
