WKU Football: Analyzing The Week 1 Press Conference/Depth Chart
On Monday afternoon, head coach Tyson Helton & defensive coordinator Clayton White met with the local media and previewed Thursday night’s…
On Monday afternoon, head coach Tyson Helton & defensive coordinator Clayton White met with the local media and previewed Thursday night’s opener against Central Arkansas.
There wasn’t much that was above and beyond coach speak but there was some notable news from what they shared to the media
Helton thinks Central Arkansas will be a formidable opening opponent and mentioned how close they were to beating FBS Tulsa last season
Still waiting to hear on Georgia transfer Jaden Hunter’s eligibility. They are hoping to hear something back today
Senior placekicker/punter Alex Rinella won’t be available for the first two games.
White thinks they’re now in a good spot at linebacker despite waiting on Hunter’s eligibility. Said that former safety Kyle Bailey has stood out in camp.
WKU also “released” their week 1 depth chart.
As you can see, WKU is playing their opening night lineup close to their vest. There is some information worth noting
With senior kicker Alex Rinella unavailable (academic eligibility) for the first two games, newcomers, Cory Munson (Kicker) & John Haggerty (Punter) will start in their place. Not having Rinella for the first game is a blow to experience at two crucial positions.
Receiver Jacquez Sloan appears to be healed from his late-season injury from last season and will see the field on Thursday. He should provide a good deep threat for Steven Duncan if he’s fully recovered
Previously injured corner Roger Cray and linebacker Eli Brown aren’t listed on the depth chart so they’ll be out for a while
Redshirt freshman quarterback Kevaris Thomas isn’t listed on the depth chart
Sophomore running back Gino Appleberry is also missing from the depth chart, no news on an injury at this time. Helton didn’t mention him when he discussed the four running backs
As previously stated by Helton, freshman receiver Manny Allen never made it back to campus and he isn’t listed on the depth chart
WKU is either going with a backup quarterback (Ty Storey) or an Australian punter (Haggarty) as the holder. I’d wager it’s probably Storey due to his passing acumen and overall experience
Seeing a WKU legend analyzing the program should be a treat for the fans watching from home
WKU has been slow to update fans on the information for Thursday night’s game but here is the tailgating map
Overall there wasn’t much to glean from the news conference today. Look for more information to be published heading into the second game. We’re only 3 days from the season opener and football is in the air.