Smith given reins to high-powered offense

West Virginia will head into the 2010 season with a different quarterback for a third-straight season.

That signal caller will be sophomore Geno Smith – a former Elite 11 quarterback.

Smith, a Miramar, Fla., native, is considered to be one of the Mountaineers' best pure-passing quarterbacks in nearly a decade.

"I'm starting to see more things with the defense, picking up blitzes and knowing where our guys are going," Smith said.

He's the only WVU quarterback with playing experience. Smith, who was Jarrett Brown's backup last season, was forced into playing key roles in a loss to Auburn, a win over Marshall and a loss to end the season against Florida State in the Gator Bowl.

He completed 32 of 49 passes for 309 yards, a touchdown and an interception in 2009.

Despite his experience last season, Smith lost a step heading into the spring after breaking a bone in his foot for the second time in less than a year. Because of the injury, he was unable to fully compete in spring practice.

After rehabbing throughout the spring and summer, Smith said he feels 100 percent healthy.

"My foot feels fine. I'm just trying to get comfortable now," Smith said. "When I'm out there, I don't think about my foot."

With the injury behind him, the true sophomore said he doesn't mind any pressure that comes with being tabbed as the potential starting quarterback.

"I know how much pressure is on me," Smith said. "It's a great thing. I'm in a great position, and I'm really looking forward to the season."

Smith's teammates have confidence in him, as well.

"We are confident in Geno," fullback Ryan Clarke said. "He showed everyone he could step up last year. He is comfortable in the offense this year, and he is comfortable with the skill players. He should have a great year this year."

Smith showed flashes of brilliance in the team's first fall scrimmage last Saturday. He started the scrimmage 7-of-7, and finished 9-of-10 for 57 yards. He was able to lead the offense from its own 2-yard line for a first down on each possession, even converting a third-and-long situation when he found his second receiver over the middle.

"Geno had great pocket presence," said WVU head coach Bill Stewart after the scrimmage. "He did a nice job. He found his secondary receiver time and time again."

Smith will be backed up by a true freshman, though who that is isn't necessarily decided yet. Memphis, Tenn., native Barry Brunetti is considered more of a passing threat. Kountze, Texas, native Jeremy Johnson is more of a running quarterback.

But Mullen doesn't want the two to be labeled as a "passing" or "running" quarterback.

"Barry runs a lot better than you think, and Jeremy throws a lot better than you think," the Mountaineers' offensive coordinator said.

"We are going to be real smart with those two kids, really spoon-feed them and see what happens after seven or 10 days."

Brunetti and Johnson struggled in the first scrimmage. Both lost a fumble and Brunetti was tackled in the end zone for a safety.

The two combined to go 7-of-8 for 48 yards in the scrimmage. Still, whoever wins the backup job will have never thrown a collegiate pass.

"One throws the ball a bit better, and one runs a bit better," Stewart said. "Both are pretty good. We're excited to have both."