Bleed Gold And Blue

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Bleed Gold and Blue recently teamed up with our friends at Gold and Blue Zone to do an interview with one of the players from WVU’s 2010 recruiting class.

Click HERE to check out the interview at goldandbluezone.com.

We will have many more interviews coming up in the future. If you have any suggestions for who you would like to see us interview, please send us an email by clicking HERE

Bleed Gold and Blue and Gold and Blue Zone recently caught up with hybrid defensive end / linebacker Bruce Irvin.

Bruce was nice enough to answer a few questions for us and give us an idea as to some of the things that sold him on coming to WVU. He also makes it clear how excited he is to put on the pads and get this season under way.

Irvin comes to WVU from Mt. San Antonio Community College in California. He is listed at 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds. WVU fans can’t wait to see him terrorize opposing quarterbacks over the next couple years.

Bruce will have three years to play two seasons.

Q: When did West Virginia football first get your attention? Did you ever watch them on TV even before they started recruiting you?
A: Well, WVU crossed my mind back in ‘08 when I was workin’ out at home in Atlanta, GA and Lonnie Galloway was there and I just told him to keep his eye out for me. Yea, really started watchin’ WVU in the Slaton / White era.

Q: What was your final list of schools? Who did you have to choose between?
A: It came down to SC, Auburn, LSU and WVU

Q: Who was your lead recruiter at WVU?
A: Lonnie Galloway was my lead recruiter

Q. What was the deciding factor for you in choosing West Virginia?
A: Basically the type of defense WVU runs I think that is the best fit for a player like me

Q: How do you like Morgantown?
A: I love it the people are nice and I love that they’re die hard WVU fans

Q: What are the strengths of your game?
A: I think I’m a very unique player. I’m a very effective pass rusher and I can cover very well. I actually was a free safety before I went to d-end so I’m pretty sure I can cover a tight end or a back out the backfield.

Q. What do you need to get better at?
A: I would say I need to get a bit stronger and put on 6 to 8 pounds.

Q. Is there any player in the NFL or anywhere that you look up to or that you think you are similar to?
A: Umm I would say Demarcus Ware because he is a hybrid like me, he can rush and drop back into coverage but I think I’m a little faster than Demarcus

Q. How do you see yourself being used in the defense? Will you play linebacker or defensive end?
A: I will play outside backer and on pass situations I will drop down to d-end

Q: Any advice for other athletes for when they go through the recruiting process?
A: Like I said in a recent interview, have a lot of mintues on ur phone plan because they are going to hassle you. Also make the decision for you. You are the one who has to live there and go play ball there. Go where they need u just as much as you need them.

Q: I’m big on nicknames. I’m sure you’re familiar with the movie Bruce Almighty. Do you think this is a nickname that might work for you?
A: LOL… yea I actually think that would fit me very well.

Q: Have anything to say to WVU fans?
A: I can’t wait to Sept. 4 when we smash Coastal Carolina and I get 3 sacks. I’m going to bring a lot of excitement to the WVU family this year I promise. I can’t wait to hear the 66 plus screaming Brruuucceeee after I get a sack

We would like to thank Bruce for taking the time to sit down and answer these questions for us.

Check out http://bleedgoldandblue.com/ and http://goldandbluezone.com/ If you have any suggestions for who you would like to see us interview just go to either of the links provided and click ‘Contact Us’ to send your request.

LET’S GO MOUNTAINEERS!!!

Quarterback Barry Brunetti, Safety Travis Bell, and Cornerback Ishmael Banks were all getting a head start as they were the only incoming freshman that reported to summer workouts on Monday. This was the first day that incoming players were allowed to report to the football team. They are giving themselves the best chance to play right away which, pleases the coaching staff.

It was not easy, however, landing these recruits as Brunetti and Bell both committed early but were still browsing around other schools.

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After national signing day, the Mountaineers are ranked 26th with 22 commitments (Scout.com). With the addition of ESPNU Top 150 Receiver, Ivan McCartney, WVU has one of the best recruiting classes in school history. WVU signed two quarterbacks, one running back, four wide receivers, two offensive linemen, two defensive ends, three linebackers, two defensive backs, one free safety, and two strong safeties. The class broke down evenly with 11 offensive additions and 11 defensive. WVU fulfilled their needs of 3 linebackers, wide receivers, and a safety, and, in fact, signed far more players than they needed to get by. Read the rest of this entry »

With the January 26th commitment of Dante Chambers (WR-Miramar, FL), WVU has achieved a 26th place recruiting class according to Scout.com. Despite a few recent decommitments, the Mountaineers are showing signs of another impressive class. Notables for the class of 2010 include: Bruce Irvin (DE-JUCO Walnut, CA), Latwan Anderson (S-Cleveland, OH), Jeremy Johnson (QB-Silsbee, TX), Quinton Spain (OT-Petersburg,VA), and Barry Brunetti (QB-Memphis, TN). With national signing day just around the corner, significant interest in WVU is being shown by a number of high caliber prospects, including wide receiver Ivan McCartney, another stand-out athlete from Miramar H.S. Campus visits for two more high profile prospects are scheduled for January 30th and WVU could easily climb into the top 20 recruiting classes with a few commitments from these interested prospects. Regardless, Mountaineer fans can expect good days ahead with another solid recruiting class to add to an already great team.

RB Mark Rodgers stated Wednesday, January 20, that it was time for him to leave and enroll into a school closer to home. The Lawndale California natives role was mainly used on special teams returning kickoffs, recording 619 yards on 27 returns.

Rodgers time in the backfield was limited while backing up West Virginia’s star Noel Devine. The sophomore’s offensive stats includes 7 carries for 9 yards and one reception for 4 yards.
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