The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Sports

June 29, 2008

Hogan excited about potential of passing attack

By Mickey Furfari

MORGANTOWN — That West Virginia intends to pass more this fall admittedly is exciting to Brandon Hogan.

“We’ve put in a lot of new stuff which people haven’t seen,” the 6-foot, 175-pound sophomore from Manassas, Va., said. He was a quarterback who ran as well as passed in high school, but lettered as a Mountaineer slot receiver last season as a true freshman.

Jeff Mullen, the new offensive coordinator, installed some motion and new wrinkles into the attack this spring, and Hogan believes everyone likes the changes. He thinks that will make it more difficult for opposing defenses.

“We’ve worked on some things in seven-on-seven drills in workouts this summer and I think we’re doing well,” said Hogan, who caught a team-high six passes for 49 yards in the annual Gold/Blue intrasquad scrimmage.

While he’ll be a starter in the slot and run pass routes, he expects to line up in the backfield on occasion at what some call an H-back position.

“I like the dual role,” he said. “It’s fun.

“I want the season to hurry up and get here. I can hardly wait for the season to start. It seems like it takes too long. I think I am ready for camp.”

The Mountaineers work on the passing game Monday, Tuesday and Thursday each week. Hogan said quarterbacks Patrick White and Jarrett Brown do a lot of throwing and the receivers do a lot of catching.

He noted the two passers get to work with both first- and second-team players during the summer workouts, which are held without the presence of coaches. Mike Joseph, the new director of strength and conditioning, is in charge of the workouts.

“Pat (White) makes great reads,” Hogan said. “He’s adjusting well to the new offense and trying to get better. Brown is doing well, too.

“Mike Joseph is more laid-back than (predecessor) Mike Barwis was. Barwis always was intense, while Joseph seems more under control. They use different ways to get the same results.”

Hogan thinks there’s less pressure on the players this summer, but that they are kept busy during the four hours they’re working in the football complex.

“The seven-on-seven drills are helping us get the offense back in gear,” he said. “Things are going well for me. I’m getting to where I’m supposed to be on pass routes.”

Hogan caught 12 passes for 67 yards last season as WVU posted an 11-2 record and finished No. 6 in the polls.

He earned numerous honors, including all-state, all-region and all-metro, as a standout at Osbourn High School in 2006. He helped his team to a 14-0 record and the state championship.

Hogan passed for 2,539 yards and 23 touchdowns and rushed for 1,735 yards and 26 scores as a senior. He also returned a punt for a TD.

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