Published: April 06, 2008 11:17 pm         

Hogan figures to fill big role at West Virginia

MORGANTOWN — If his potent performance in Saturday’s scrimmage is any indication, Brandon Hogan will earn a major role in West Virginia University’s offense this fall.

The 6-foot, 175-pound sophomore from Manassas, Va., sparkled at both the slot receiver and H-back positions. He caught 24- and 17-yard passes for touchdowns and also scored on an eight-yard run.

“Not many people can make that throw,” coach Bill Stewart said of the perfect pass by a back-pedaling Jarrett Brown. “That was impressive to see. It’s all about timing. When you see things like that, it gets you excited.”

Hogan caught the ball in the right corner of the end zone.

Hogan lettered as a wide receiver last season and also was used on special teams. He had 12 receptions for 67 yards, but was a quarterback in high school on a 14-0 state championship team.

“Brandon Hogan can play quarterback in this offense,” Stewart suggested, “and play it well. He will be a pretty special player. He really had a fine day (Saturday).”

Hogan was the top receiver with six catches for 67 yards and rushed three times for 17 yards.

“It doesn’t matter to me whether I run with the ball or catch it,” he said. “I kinda like this new offense. I liked last year’s offense. The run game is pretty much the same. The passing game has changed a little bit more.

“I think that would be more confusing to the defense. They don’t know at times who’s going to get the ball. So it’s better for us.”

Hogan said Jeff Mullen, the new offensive coordinator, hasn’t given his charges more new schemes than they can handle. He thinks the offense is getting better day by day, as indicated by just three penalties in the 80-play scrimmage.

Veteran quarterback Patrick White, who did not have one of his better days, was impressed as he watched Hogan. He believes his experience as a quarterback actually helps him as a receiver.

Hogan agrees. “I can tell (the quarterback) what I see and we can just feed off each other,” he said.

Meantime, linebackers Mortty Ivy and J.T. Thomas continue to make eye-catching plays.

“They were flying around out there,” Stewart noted.

The Mountaineers remain healthy, for the vast majority, as they head into the ninth day of spring practice. Offensive tackle Ryan Stanchek and defensive tackle Scooter Berry are expected to come off the injured list this week.