First full pads practice leaves Stew unhappy

It was the first day of pads at spring practice, and West Virginia's coaches and players showed it on the field on Wednesday.

The Mountaineers were full-go for the first time this spring and participated in what head coach Bill Stewart called a "very physical" practice.

Outside of the intensity, though, Stewart was disappointed with the team's execution.

"We're on the ground too much. We're not tackling well. We're hitting, but I don't see a lot of wrapping up by our defense. I don't see a lot of second effort by our offense," a visibly frustrated Stewart said.

Stewart had an intense post-practice huddle with his team in which he told them that he's "looking for self-starters and motivators."

Stew likes leadership

Stewart said he has been impressed with the leadership provided by the senior class. He highlighted the likes of cornerback Keith Tandy and defensive end Julian Miller.

He also said defensive end Bruce Irvin and quarterback Geno Smith are leading this spring.

Play of the day

The standout play of the early morning practice was a 67-yard touchdown pass from Smith to wide receiver Brad Starks, who beat Ishmael Banks on a "go route."

Stewart said after practice that this has been the best spring of Starks' career at WVU.

Special teams specifics

Stewart explained that he will handle punt duties on special teams this year, while offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh and defensive line coach Bill Kirelawich will handle PAT and field goal formations. Wide receivers coach Daron Roberts will handle kick and punt return units.

Vote for WVU's next fan shirt

West Virginia fans are being given the chance to vote for the Mountaineers' next fan T-shirt.

WVU fans can vote for an official shirt depicting a new slogan and the Mountaineer Mascot by logging on to http://fanshirt.wvu.edu. Fans can vote on the website until April 27. Fans can also vote via text message by texting wvushirt1, wvushirt2 or wvushirt3 to 41411.

All voters will be entered into a drawing, and five will receive official WVU apparel.

The winning T-shirt will be announced at WVU's Gold-Blue Spring Game on April 29.